Building with the Land: A Discussion Of Design Potential with Dan Sartori
August 21, 2025
Tucked into the natural contours of The Foothills, 5007 Broad Ridge Place is a rare opportunity, a half-acre canvas offering elevation, privacy, and sweeping views. For those dreaming of a West Coast sanctuary immersed in nature, this final lot in Broad Ridge presents the chance to create something truly exceptional.
We sat down with Dan Sartori, builder and owner of Sartori Custom Homes, to explore how thoughtful design and craftsmanship can bring this unique site to life. From slope-adaptive layouts to West Coast-inspired architecture, Dan shares his approach to building in harmony with the land.
Dan, when you stand at the lot and take in the view, what’s the first design opportunity that jumps out at you as a builder?
Dan Sartori: The first thing that stands out is the deep connection to nature. This lush, half-acre lot offers a park-like setting, rich with opportunities to observe wildlife and native vegetation. The second is the dramatic elevation—it immediately sparks ideas for optimizing view corridors and creating a home that embraces the surrounding beauty from multiple vantage points.
What excites you about building on a site like this in The Foothills?
Dan Sartori: The creative challenge of collaborating with clients and an architectural designer to craft a home that harmonizes with the land. I want it to feel like the home belongs there, not imposed on it. A strong design-build approach ensures that every decision, from layout to materials, respects the topography and elevates the living experience.
How would you design the flow of the home to make the most of this site?
Dan Sartori: While each home is customized to the client’s needs, I can imagine a main-level layout on the upper floor, featuring the great room, kitchen, dining area, and primary suite, positioned to take full advantage of the views. A study or reading retreat could be cantilevered to one side, offering a dramatic, private space suspended above the landscape. Outdoor zones like decks or terraces would be strategically placed to extend the indoor experience and frame the views.
If you were the builder for this lot in particular, how would you prepare the site and plan the build to work with the landscape instead of against it?
Dan Sartori: We’d begin by angling the driveway at street level to ease the grade and create a smooth approach to the home. From there, the home would be designed as a “slope-adaptive” build-stepping with the natural contours of the land, rather than cutting into them. This approach minimizes disruption to the site, helps with drainage, and allows the home to feel organically integrated into its environment.
The secret lies in embracing the site’s natural assets rather than overpowering them. A thoughtfully designed home that maximizes the views, blends into the landscape, and feels both luxurious and livable will always stand out. Attention to detail, smart use of elevation, and quality craftsmanship are what make a home truly desirable.
What do you believe are the architectural styles or features that would shine on this build?
Dan Sartori: I envision a contemporary West Coast-style home featuring expansive commercial-grade windows to flood the interior with light and showcase the views. A multi-level, stepped design would work beautifully here - allowing for rooftop patios and tiered outdoor spaces that follow the natural slope. The result would be a home that’s both functional and visually striking.
What are some design choices you’d recommend specifically to enhance the mountain or ocean view?
Dan Sartori: To enhance the views, I’d recommend vaulted ceilings with clerestory windows to draw in natural light from multiple angles. Outdoor living spaces, like a covered deck or rooftop terrace, would extend the living area and bring the outdoors in. Positioning primary bedrooms and main living areas on the upper floor ensures the best sight lines to the ocean or mountains.
We’ve worked on several unique lots throughout The Foothills in Lantzville and other areas of Vancouver Island, where steep elevations and rugged terrain demanded creative, site-specific design solutions. One standout example is the Granite Ridge project. Working closely with the client, we designed a multi-tiered home that not only preserved the natural contours but enhanced them, resulting in some of the most dynamic indoor/outdoor living spaces we’ve built. It’s become a favourite in our portfolio.
With the right team in place, the process becomes exciting and rewarding. You’re not just building a house—you’re creating a one-of-a-kind home that fits its environment and reflects your lifestyle. I would be happy to offer a guided tour of the Broad Ridge site to prospective clients who would like to see firsthand what can be achieved with the right team and vision.
To connect with Dan about this or other lot opportunities at The Foothills, please contact our team at sales@thefoothillsbc.ca or at 250-550-8365.
