WEST COAST CONDO Fall 2018 by Real Estate Weekly

Showcasing the best best of of condo condo living living in in the the Lower LowerMainland Mainland W

Fall / Winter Spring 2018

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GEEK HOW TODAYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW HOMES ADD BRAINS TO BEAUTY | 24

WHERE TO BUY? Solve your space-or-location conundrum with our regional roundup

BLENDING BUILDINGS Top architects on designing developments in keeping with their locales 12

Private screening room

Work hub with private boardrooms

Indoor/outdoor entertaining space, just one of the many amenities at Mode.

BETTER HOMES. BETTER AMENITIES. The newest tower at River District Vancouver. Built for your every mode; whether it be dinner party host, movie binger, workout warrior, or professional presenter. Located in River District’s Town Centre, steps away from everyday shops and services like Save-On-Foods and Everything Wine. Undeniably still Vancouver’s best value, these homes won’t last long. REGISTER TODAY riverdistrict.ca

This is not an offering for sale. One can only be made by way of disclosure statement. The developer reserves the right to make modifications to floorplans, project design, materials and specifications to maintain the standards of this development. Rendering is an artist’s interpretation. E&O.E.

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Making homes thoughtful by design

prime examples of modern residential architecture that are thoughtful neighbours by design. We’re talking about the new developments that look like they belong in the neighbourhood, that respect and embrace the local topography, that incorporate familiar forms and materials, and blur the line between public and private realm. Speaking of smart design, there’s nothing like a home office that’s both beautiful and efficient to keep you motivated if you work from your condo. Now that we’re all back to business after the long summer, we have a special home office edition of “WCC Loves…” that is sure to fuel your productivity, on page 44. But perhaps you’re not a condo owner yet, and are considering where you should be buying. Maybe you’re weighing your options about whether to go for a pricier urban environment, or try to stretch your buck out in the ’burbs. If so, this fall edition has all the lowdown

opefully, we all strive to be good neighbours in our communities. At the same time, life is incredibly busy for most of us – especially at this time of year – and we look for ways to make our lives easier and more efficient. That’s why it’s so refreshing to see how Metro Vancouver’s developers are designing today’s new condos and strata townhomes to be thoughtful, subtle, smart and efficient in so many ways. Take the homes in our “Smart Thinking” article, for example. We’ve honed in on just a small selection of the many contemporary condo projects that are incorporating

all kinds of smart-home features. This can look like integrated technology, such as smartphone-controlled home systems and doors, which are appealing to the new wave of Millennial buyers who want everything at the touch of a button. Or it can simply be about clever, efficient use of space – essential solutions that maximize livability in our increasingly cramped urban environment. Check out some of these cool features, starting page 24. Then there are the residential buildings highlighted in our “Complementary Condos” feature (page 36). Focusing on the exterior, rather than the interior, these are

PUBLISHER: Doug Foot

ADVERTISING SALES: 604.439.2647

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Joannah Connolly

DISTRIBUTION: 604.435.7977

SALES DIRECTOR: Lynn Fry

FAX: 604.439.2630

SALES REPRESENTATIVES: Tracey Aussem, Jackie Mollenhauer, Igor Pogorelo

EMAIL: salessupport@rew.ca

Showcasing the best of condo living in the Lower Mainland

PRODUCTION: Darko Isic, Peter Gallagher DESIGNERS: Arslan Sultan

you need on seven key Metro Vancouver areas, and all their pros and cons, in our “Urban vs Suburban” mega-feature, starting page 12. Finally, and just because… Take a tour with us around a gorgeously redesigned Yaletown condo, in our “Liveable Chic” design feature. This luxury, ground-floor, lightfilled unit has been lovingly enhanced by fabulous décor choices in warm neutrals and soft metallics, plus some ubercool concrete elements. Pure inspiration, from page 40. Enjoy the issue, and have a great season!

Joannah Connolly Editor-in-Chief, West Coast Condo Joannah Connolly is editor-in-chief of West Coast Condo, as part of her wider role as editorial director of Glacier Media Real Estate, which includes writing and editing real estate content for Glacier Media’s local newspaper websites and specialty publications. She regularly appears on radio, TV and panels discussing the Metro Vancouver real estate market.

VANCOUVER HEAD OFFICE: 303 West 5th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V5Y 1J6

COPYRIGHT: West Coast Condo is published quarterly by Real Estate Weekly Partnership. Copyright 2018. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of articles and advertising that appear in each edition of West Coast Condo, the publisher may not be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may from time to time occur. No part of this publication may be quoted or reprinted in any medium without the express writtenpermission of Real Estate Weekly Partnership.

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FALL/WINTER 2018

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URBAN VS. SUBURBAN WHICH LOCALE GIVES YOU THE MOST FOR YOUR HOMEBUYING BUCK? WE ROUND ’EM UP

SMART THINKING TODAY’S NEW HOMES ARE MAKING OUR LIVES EASIER IN A MYRIAD WAYS. HERE’S HOW

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FOCUS ON NORTH SHORE THERE’S SO MUCH CONDO DEVELOPMENT NORTH OF THE BURRARD INLET, WE HAD TO DO A SPECIAL

COMPLEMENTARY CONDOS TOP ARCHITECTS ON HOW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS CAN BE GOOD NEIGHBOURS BY DESIGN

LIVEABLE CHIC THIS FALL EDITION’S HOME TOUR IS A YALETOWN CONDO TO GIVE YOU SEASONAL INSPIRATION

WCC LOVES… WE’RE BACK TO BUSINESS THIS EDITION WITH A HOME OFFICE SPECIAL

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NOW SELLING A NEW COLLECTION OF MODERN OCEANSIDE HOMES

This final phase, Peregrine, brings fresh energy and elegant comfort to a wonderful neighbourhood. It strikes the perfect balance between tranquil oceanside living and time-saving urban conveniences. This will be your last opportunity to join the community & families who already call Tsawwassen Shores home. Peregrine is oceanside living at it’s best.

ONE TO TWO + DEN HOMES STARTING FROM $349,900

NOW SELLING TSAWWASSENSHORES.COM 604 943 6677

4742 BLUE HERON WAY, TSAWWASSEN BC (OFF SALISH SEA DRIVE, NEXT TO TSAWWASSEN MILLS MALL)

Artistic renderings. The developer reserves the right to make changes and modifications to the information contained herein without prior notice. This is not an offering for sale. Such an offering can only be made by a disclosure statement. E.&O.E.

OPEN 12–5 DAILY, EXCEPT FRIDAY

· 32 STOREYS · COM 298 H OMES O CO ING SO ON PARK R SIDE LIVING M ETROTOW N

Maywoodliving.com This is not an offering for sale. An offering for sale can only be made after filing a disclosure statement. E&OE. Sales and Marketing by Intracorp Realty Ltd. Intracorp Maywood Park Limited Partnership.

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RIVERSIDE LIVING À LA MODE FOR HOME HUNTERS IN VANCOUVER, YOU CAN GET A LOT MORE FOR YOUR BUCK AT RIVER DISTRICT

any new home-seeking Lower Mainlanders believe that they need to look outside of Vancouver to get the homes they are looking for. But they don’t have to. River District is a masterplanned community in South Vancouver that features a new condo tower offering spacious homes, highquality finishes and thoughtful amenities – all at one of the most affordable prices to be found with a Vancouver postal code. Award-winning developer Wesgroup presents MODE – the new 25-storey concrete and glass tower with midrise podium, showcasing a collection of 255 one-, two- and three-bedroom homes and townhomes. Although each contemporary home features warm laminate wood flooring, soaker tub, integrated fridge and dishwasher, wifi-enabled thermostat for efficient heating and cooling, and more besides, it’s the building amenities that make these homes enviable. MODE residents can enjoy a private theatre room with bar, a large seventh-level indoor/ outdoor entertaining space

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with full kitchen and barbecue, and table to host a sit-down dinner party of 16. Plus there’s a work hub with two private boardrooms, work booths and meeting tables. The indoor fitness centre features an 1,800-square-foot gym with yoga room plus hot tub on the outdoor terrace, a workshop for weekend projects, a bike repair room, car and dog wash and for your guests, two hotel-style suites. MODE is conveniently located in the Town Centre of River District, literally steps from the many shops, restaurants and services such as Saveon-Foods, Starbucks and Everything Wine. This emerging metropolis is slated to become Vancouver’s next Yaletown, fast becoming known as one of the most exciting regions in the city. Likely one the factors in its popularity is the location. River District offers quick and convenient access to Burnaby and Richmond and is only 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver and the airport. Situated on the banks of the Fraser River, the community also offers easy access to

nature despite its urban location. A riverfront pathway and 25 acres of park space including sports fields and playgrounds offer residents a small town feel with big city access. At a lower average price per square foot than Metrotown, Brentwood and neighbouring Main and Cambie Streets, River District’s MODE offers buyers the chance to purchase homes with more space than those

aforementioned areas. “River District has already won 10 awards, including best neighbourhood and masterplan design,” says Ivy Wu, Wesgroup’s River District sales manager. “The regeneration of the River District is unfolding as it should and once completed, it will be one of the city’s most desirable neighbourhoods.” Well priced, and with everything a homeowner could want, these condos will sell fast.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MODE, VISIT WWW.RIVERDISTRICT.CA

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SHAUGHNESSY RESIDENCES THE FUTURE OF TOWNHOME LIVING SEAMLESS TECHNOLOGY AND MODERN DESIGN PERFECT FOR FAMILY LIVING

or many families who wish to stay in the West Side of Vancouver, owning a detached home is no longer a reality. But today, in the heart of the coveted Marpole neighbourhood, there is a new style of townhome that brings the benefits of single-family home living. Shaughnessy Residences by Alabaster Homes is a collection of 15 three- and four-bedroom-

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plus-den townhomes, ranging in size from 1,718 to 2,063 square feet. These craftsman-style residences offer a seamless blend of classic design and contemporary elements. All homes feature air-conditioning, quartz countertops, premium Miele appliances, wide-plank hardwood floors, as well as heated ensuite bathroom flooring. Each home also

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features generously sized outdoor spaces – perfect for entertaining family and friends or enjoying a quiet morning coffee. Shaughnessy Residences showcases the next generation of townhome living by featuring an ecosystem of seamless technology. Imagine unlocking your door, turning on your living room lights, and putting on your favourite playlist by simply “talking” to your home. This fall, Alabaster Homes will launch their display suite, designed in collaboration with Gaile Guevara Design Studio, with a Smart Home Exhibition. “With the opening of our furnished display home, we are excited to show off some cutting-edge smart home technologies that demonstrate how these homes can offer the ultimate in convenience and modern design,” says Yosh Kasahara, director of sales and marketing at Alabaster Homes. “We have worked with our team to curate this collection of tools that work in unison to add value to homeowner’s lives.” Situated in the heart of Marpole, Shaughnessy Residences is close to an eclectic blend of shops and amenities. It is just minutes away from the Canada Line and

transit, and a short drive to fabulous shopping at Oakridge Centre. Meanwhile, your new home is a short drive to all the facilities at Marine Gateway, which includes a T&T Grocery Store, Cineplex movie theatres, and more. “Our vision for Shaughnessy Residences was to create a jewel within the Marpole community—a truly stunning architectural statement that will be remembered for years to come,” notes Kasahara. Shaughnessy Residences is yet another example of the exceptional quality that Alabaster Homes is well known for. With the recent completion of Osler Residences, and the upcoming completion of Oak + Park and Yukon Residences, Alabaster is the largest townhome builder in Vancouver. With only three townhomes left, this is the last opportunity to purchase in Shaughnessy Residences. All homes are now complete and move-in ready. Prices start at $1.97 million plus applicable taxes. Interested homebuyers can view the Display Home and Smart Home Exhibition, located at 8137 Shaughnessy Street (south of West 64th Ave), by appointment only.

For more information, call SALES MANAGER WINSTON CHAN AT 604-558-5852 OR VISIT SHAUGHNESSYRESIDENCES.CA

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URBAN VS. SUBURBAN WHICH OFFERS THE MOST FOR YOUR HOMEBUYING BUCK?

ith home prices in Vancouver proper now officially through the roof, is it time to consider taking your hard-earned dollars and buying a home in the ’burbs? Many homebuyers have been making that exact decision over the past few years. This has had the result of home prices rising

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faster in the Fraser Valley than in Greater Vancouver, and – within Greater Vancouver – rising faster in some suburban areas than in Vancouver itself. But because all those areas started at a much lower price base than Vancouver, they still haven’t caught up. That’s the good news, as it means there’s still better value to be had, the further you travel from the core.

But how do you stack up what “value” really means to you? Is it the square footage of your home? Number of bedrooms? Having a yard? Or is it more about a quick commute to the office? A walkable neighbourhood? Proximity to vibrant culture and nightlife? Here we examine various aspects of life and home

ownership in Vancouver and the surrounding and further afield suburbs, to help you weigh up the pros and cons and make that all-important decision. (For these purposes, we’re assuming a daily commute to downtown Vancouver – of course, if you also work in the suburbs, it’s an entirely different decision.) We hope it helps!

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VANCOUVER REAL ESTATE LOWDOWN:

WALKABILITY: Areas like downtown and the West End are easily accessible by transit and incredibly walkable once there, as the scale is not overwhelming. Downtown scores 96 out of 100 on WalkScore. Even outside of downtown, Vancouver is a highly walkable city compared with most in North America, scoring 78 as a city overall.

Globally recognized as a super-hot real estate market, Vancouver prices range from merely expensive (in the east of the city) to stratospheric (downtown or West Side). Firsttime buyers will have to go small if they want to stay in Vancouver’s city limits – although there are a few (relative) bargains to be had in leasehold properties. Median condo sale price, July 2018: $700K.

COMMUTABILITY:

GENERAL VIBE: Vancouver is considered one of the most beautiful and liveable cities in the world, and for good reason. With jewels like Stanley Park, beaches and those mountain views, it’s a huge draw for global tourists, and regularly features in world’s-best-city-tolive top-five lists. It also has a wide range of characterful local neighbourhoods across the city to fit everybody’s tastes. Downtown Vancouver is the hub of much of the region’s economic activity, and is vibrant and dynamic. But the city lacks high-paying jobs, with the average income unable to keep up with typical expenses – and the divide between the haves and have-nots is deepening.

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core of the region, Vancouver is also ground zero for a lot of its homelessness problems, and some parts of the city reveal shocking poverty.

ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING: Vancouver has been dubbed a “no-fun” city, but we at WCC beg to differ. Cultural options are certainly more limited than other major world cities, but there’s more than enough to keep most music, sports and art lovers occupied, if you discover what’s out there. The city also has a wide array of fabulous restaurants, with many boasting world-class cuisine, plus there’s a great craft beer scene. However, the city is surprisingly quiet in the later evenings.

The city’s relatively small size and good transit services mean that even if you don’t live downtown, it’s never too far to commute (assuming you work downtown). And there’s an extensive network of buses that serve those who don’t drive or live near a SkyTrain station.

OTHER PROS: If you love an active lifestyle and are OK with living in a smaller space, Vancouver is a great place to set up your home. Just get outside and enjoy those beaches and the seawall!

OTHER CONS: As the central urban

UPCOMING CONDO COMMUNITY OAKRIDGE MASTERPLAN The most epic masterplan coming to Vancouver has to be the huge new community replacing the shopping mall at Oakridge. Developer Westbank and Henriquez Partners Architects have described the mixed-use development on the sprawling 28-acre site as a “mini-city.” It includes one million square feet of retail, 2,600 homes in 10 towers of varying heights, office space for 3,000 workers, a nine-acre public park, a 100,000-square-foot community centre and daycare, the city’s second-largest library, a performing arts academy and a live music venue for 3,000 people. In August, Henriquez Partners Architects released detailed renderings of the phase one towers (pictured). Phase one includes two mixed-use but mostly residential towers (dubbed Buildings 3 and 4, 32 and 42 storeys respectively) and part of the future public park. The towers include 504 market condos, which break down as 212 one-bedroom, 260 two-bedroom and 32 three-bedroom units. Connecting the towers will also be a large podium for retail and office use, plus there’s a further 173,113 square feet of office space in the shorter Building 3. KEEP UP TO DATE AT: WESTBANKCORP.COM/OAKRIDGE-VANCOUVER

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BURNABY Lake Park, there’s a shortage of good entertainment venues, with most residents usually heading into Vancouver for major shows or sports events. However, as Metrotown and Brentwood change, more and more options are coming.

REAL ESTATE LOWDOWN: As Vancouver’s nearest and most urban suburban neighbour, Burnaby has also seen huge real estate price rises in recent years. Two major hubs – Metrotown in South Burnaby and Brentwood in North Burnaby – have seen massive transformation and development. Both areas are served by the SkyTrain and both are major real estate hotspots, with prices to match. However, it’s still cheaper than Vancouver and with the change that’s happening, some of these areas could make a great investment in real estate. Median condo sale price, July 2018: $612K

GENERAL VIBE: Burnaby straddles the divide between urban and suburban, and is on an interesting cusp of change, bringing more and more job opportunities. Metrotown in particular is determined to become the region’s second urban core, eliminating the need to travel into Vancouver each day. However, in between those urban areas are large swathes of very suburban single-family neighbourhoods that are underdeveloped and

WALKABILITY: Because of the range of neighbourhood types seen in Burnaby, overall the city has a WalkScore of 64, considered “somewhat walkable.” However, in Metrotown, the score rises to 90.

has to offer. Plus, the annual Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival in Deer Lake Park is a treat.

OTHER CONS: Burnaby suffers somewhat from its split identity, not yet a fully fledged city, and with two areas vying to be the urban core. Still, the city’s current transformation may change all that.

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underserved by transit – although boasting many beautiful parks, such as Deer Lake. It’s possible to live a very urban or a very suburban life in Burnaby – choose your poison.

ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING: In the main areas of Metrotown and Brentwood, there’s plenty of dining choices – although lacking the worldclass level of restaurants seen in downtown Vancouver. Aside from summer concerts in Deer

If you’re living in Metrotown, it’s a halfhour commute direct by SkyTrain to downtown Vancouver, or a 45-minute drive in rush hour, according to WalkScore. Brentwood takes a little longer on the SkyTrain as you have to change trains, but the drive is a little quicker. If you don’t drive, you’ll want to live along one of those SkyTrain lines.

OTHER PROS: There’s fabulous mall shopping to be had at both Metrotown and Brentwood – better than anything Vancouver

UPCOMING CONDO COMMUNITY CEDAR CREEK, EDMONDS Described as “inspired by the rugged and majestic British Columbia cedar,” the upcoming Cedar Creek condo development in the Edmonds neighbourhood of South Burnaby is all about West Coast design and convenient living. Cedar Creek is a six-storey, wood-frame residence with a range of condos from one bedroom plus den to three bedrooms. The units are bright with high ceilings and open-concept floorplans, and each comes with a deck or patio. The building is surrounded by lush landscaping (for which developer Ledingham McAllister has previously won awards) and is within easy walking distance of the SkyTrain, good schools, shopping, entertainment, recreation and restaurants. CHECK THESE HOMES OUT AT: LIVEATCEDARCREEK.COM

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NEW WESTMINSTER limited and tend to be smaller spaces.

REAL ESTATE LOWDOWN: Having come from a much lower price base than Vancouver or Burnaby, the growth seen in New West condo prices is staggering, as this city has seen a resurgence in popularity. A few years ago it was easy to buy a starter condo for $250K, but not anymore. Median condo sale price, July 2018: $520K

WALKABILITY: New West has a respectable overall WalkScore of 70 out of 100, which is dragged down by its single-family neighbourhoods. Downtown New West is scored at a whopping 95.

COMMUTABILITY:

GENERAL VIBE: Once seen as a bit downat-heel, the riverfront city of New Westminster has turned its fortunes in the past decade and is now vibrant and trendy, with bags of new development. Much of the city’s industrial character has been retained, with warehouse conversions and façade retentions. With its relative affordability combined with riverfront and park activities, New West is very popular with young families, and feels more like a small city than a suburban centre. Up the hill, the chi-chi Queen’s Park neighbourhood boasts fabulous houses for the area’s wealthier residents.

are still a bit shabby, but all that is changing rapidly. Many long-term locals see the pace of change as a downside, of course…

ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING: Although New West is still a small city, it packs plenty of dining options for its size. There’s a cool Brewery District with craft breweries, and some fun bars and restaurants. A program of food and arts festivals has really brought this city to life, especially in summer. However, cultural venues are

With several SkyTrain stations within quick succession, all going directly to downtown Vancouver in 3540 minutes, New West is very commutable. The drive takes about 50 minutes.

OTHER PROS: As well as residential development, commercial and infrastructure development in New West has brought many jobs and services to the city in recent years.

OTHER CONS: Some areas of the city

UPCOMING CONDO COMMUNITY CARNARVON STREET Domus Homes’ high-rise project for Carnarvon St in downtown New Westminster has been before city council and received rezoning approval, so it looks like this proposal will become a reality. It includes 204 market condominiums in a 32-storey building, and 66 non-market rental units in an eightstorey building, as well as commercial space facing Carnarvon Street. The developer is building the non-market housing for Performing Arts Lodges (PAL) Vancouver, a non-profit that will provide affordable housing for veterans of the performing arts industry. REGISTER FOR UPDATES AT: DOMUSHOMES.CA/PROJECTS/

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NORTH SHORE neighbourhood hotspots such as Edgemont Village and Lynn Valley also have a good range of dining and drinking options. There are some strong local music venues and theatres, but nothing on Vancouver’s scale.

REAL ESTATE LOWDOWN: The North Shore is a tale of two real estate markets. North Vancouver is pricey, but not as expensive as Vancouver proper – whereas West Vancouver is the region’s Beverly Hills. Homes in this ultra-luxury city average at a whopping $2.5 million, and there are few condos to be had – and all expensive. Back in North Vancouver, the median sale price of a condo in July 2018 was just over $624K, plus a lot of familyfriendly townhomes are being built.

WALKABILITY: On the North Shore, walkability ranges from an excellent 91 in Lower Lonsdale, to 73 for North Vancouver overall, to 71 in Dundarave, to 41 for West Vancouver overall.

Famous tourist and ski attractions such as Grouse, Cypress and Seymour mountains and Capilano Suspension Bridge sit alongside hundreds of kilometres of spectacular hiking and biking trails. If you’re outdoorsy, there are few better places to live.

OTHER CONS: You’d better be outdoorsy, because if you’re not, Lower Lonsdale is the only truly urban area.

COMMUTABILITY:

GENERAL VIBE: The North Shore is all about getting outdoors and being one with nature. In West Vancouver, residents tend to be active, wealthy seniors whereas North Van has very much a youngfamily feel. In North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale, where the ferry connects to downtown Vancouver, there’s more of an urban vibe with condo towers and great amenities. West Vancouver’s most vibrant neighbourhood is Dundarave, where you can find block after

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block of charming local stores and coffee shops.

ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING: Lower Lonsdale and Dundarave offer great options, albeit limited to more of a small-town selection than downtown Vancouver, and the craft beer scene is burgeoning on this side of the inlet. Other

Like Manhattan’s famous bridge-and-tunnel commuter crowd, North Shore residents working in Vancouver are the bridge-and-ferry crowd. You’re reliant on one or the other to get you over the Burrard Inlet, and delays are frequent. That said, if you live in “Lolo” (Lower Lonsdale) and work in Vancouver’s financial district, for example, going by Seabus can take less than a half-hour door-to-door..

FOCUS ON THE NORTH SHORE There’s so much happening in new condo developments on the North Shore, we just didn’t have the space to tell you all about it here! Check out our Focus on the North Shore, where we take a look at upcoming projects in this beautiful area. TURN TO PAGE 29

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TRI-CITIES host of newer chain-restaurant outlets and bars. Lacking in major concert and sports venues, the Tri-Cities specialize more in local, family-oriented arts and cultural festivals, and smaller gigs at local centres.

REAL ESTATE LOWDOWN: Prices in Port Moody, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam have been going through the roof, ever since it was announced that the Evergreen line extension would bring the SkyTrain to these three connected cities. The region is still not as expensive as neighbouring Burnaby, but it’s catching up. The median sale price of a condo in the Tri-Cities in July 2018 was $503K.

WALKABILITY: With WalkScores ranging from 47 (PoCo) to 53 (PoMo), these are mostly cardependent cities. However, living in a spot like Port Moody’s Murray Street by the SkyTrain station takes it up to a very walkable 75 out of 100.

GENERAL VIBE: Coquitlam is the largest of the Tri-Cities, straddled by the riverfront city of Port Coquitlam to the east and the inlet-facing Port Moody to the west. All three of the Tri-Cities have a small town charm as waterfront neighbourhoods with a selection of gorgeous parks and lakes. But all are undergoing massive transformation, especially desirable Port Moody. The SkyTrain extension has brought an influx of newcomers, and regeneration and new development is on fire, such as the Austin towers in Coquitlam and a

COMMUTABILITY: huge masterplan for Port Moody’s Flavelle Mills. This is leading councils to seek new solutions to keep a lid on housing affordability.

ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING: As development increases in the Tri-Cities, so do the dining and cultural options, as adding to established neighbourhood haunts is a

to downtown Vancouver, but it has just one stop in each of the three cities and only runs a limited service.

OTHER PROS: All three of Tri-Cities are a great place to bring up kids, with tonnes of outdoor activities, fabulous access to nature, good schools, and a general family-friendly vibe.

OTHER CONS: If you’re an urbanite who doesn’t like suburban sprawl of single-family homes, the Tri-Cities are probably not for you.

As with walkability above, the ease of access to downtown Vancouver varies greatly depending where you live in this sprawling area. Anywhere on the new SkyTrain line is pretty handy, but remember it is an extension off the Millennium line, so you’ll have to change trains twice and it’ll take you around 50 minutes. There’s also the West Coast Express, which takes you direct

UPCOMING CONDO COMMUNITY THE GEORGE, PORT MOODY Right on the new SkyTrain Evergreen line is where you’ll find The George, a collection of modern condos and townhomes that is currently selling. There are one- to three-bedroom condos, as well as three- to four-bedroom family townhouses, each with openconcept interiors with a choice of contemporary finishes and luxury details. The large development has a peaceful creekside location that’s also close to great neighbourhood hotspots such as restaurants, shopping and PoMo’s burgeoning craft breweries. CHECK THESE HOMES OUT AT: GEORGEBYMARCON.CA

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RICHMOND packed with amenities, are as walkable as downtown Vancouver. However, most of Richmond’s suburban singlefamily sprawl is highly cardependent. WalkScores range from 94 out of 100 to a meagre 7 – averaging 55 for Richmond overall.

REAL ESTATE LOWDOWN: Richmond’s proximity to the airport and popularity among local immigrants makes it a desirable choice for setting up home, which has kept prices buoyed. It’s a little less expensive overall than Vancouver or Burnaby, but still pricey. The median condo sale price in July 2018 was $555K.

ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING: Because of the aforementioned locals, the food here is spectacular, with a vast array of dining choices, particularly Chinese. There are

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Land in Richmond averages just one metre above sea level, with much underneath sea level, which is protected by dykes but at risk of rising oceans. Plus the sandy ground could be a serious worry in the event of a significant earthquake.

COMMUTABILITY:

GENERAL VIBE: Being home to a large ethnic Chinese community, among other cultures, Richmond is diverse and vibrant. Its topography is also diverse, ranging from the high-rise condo towers of Brighouse, to the tourist-focused waterfront town of Steveston, to the meadows and golf courses in the east, and everything in between.

OTHER CONS:

many local food festivals that celebrate this fact, and other festivals that embrace the city’s diverse cultures. Plus there’s the not-to-be-missed Richmond Night Market, and seafood-specialty dining galore in Steveston.

WALKABILITY: Some areas such as Brighouse, which is

Aside from the stops serving Sea Island, where the airport is located, Richmond only has four SkyTrain stations, all in the north of the city. So that’s great for getting to downtown Vancouver quickly if you live near Brighouse or Lansdowne, but otherwise you’re looking at a significant drive or some long bus-SkyTrain combinations.

OTHER PROS: Richmond straddles a happy-medium location directly south of the airport, close to Vancouver, next to the ocean and a quick hop to the U.S. border. Ideal for sea-loving travellers!

UPCOMING CONDO COMMUNITY TORINO AT CAPSTAN VILLAGE Another significant masterplan, Capstan Village is set to be completed in 2021. The new neighbourhood will include six residential towers and a mix of retail, office spaces, artist studios, hotel accommodation, a daycare and a public park – and even its own Canada Line station between Bridgeport and Aberdeen. Following the completion of sales at Sorrento, the first residential development at Capstan Village, developer Pinnacle International is now launching Torino. There are 185 homes on sale now, in the first of Torino’s three towers and Torino will include 405 homes in total, ranging from one to three bedrooms. Torino owners will also have access to two levels of recreational amenities, which include a fitness centre and fifth-level indoor and outdoor community space exclusively for residents. The development is comprised of three towers surrounded by landscaped courtyards, gardens, fire pits, benches and al-fresco dining areas. Located across the street is a public park with play area and great lawn for relaxing. CHECK THESE HOMES OUT AT: WWW.PINNACLEINTERNATIONAL.CA/COMMUNITIES/TORINO

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R E GIO N A L

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SURREY world of choice, from fabulous waterfront seafood to a host of restaurants that reflect the strong South Indian culture.

REAL ESTATE LOWDOWN: Homes in Surrey range from great-value units in upand-coming-but-not-there-yet North Surrey to multimilliondollar waterfront condos and houses in chi-chi parts of South Surrey. The median sale price of a Guildford condo in July 2018 was $360K; in South Surrey/White Rock it was more than $100K higher.

WALKABILITY: If you live near the SkyTrain at Surrey Central or King George, the walkability score is “walker’s paradise” level at 90+ out of 100, with many facilities and restaurants nearby. However, this expansive city scores only 51 overall, with some areas totally car-dependant.

GENERAL VIBE: Just as homes range in value, so do the areas of this sprawling, rapidly growing municipality vary wildly. North and Central Surrey is a great place to get your foot on the property ladder and has a lot of young people, families and immigrants, whereas further south are some very fancy enclaves – especially by the ocean. Still, Surrey City Centre is where a lot of the action is, with massive transformation and economic development taking place.

OTHER PROS: : The commute to downtown Vancouver may be tough, but Surrey is becoming an economic powerhouse in its own right, especially in Central Surrey. Lots of job opportunities could mean axing that commute.

OTHER CONS: Surrey is trying hard to shed its “crime capital” image, and is making progress but isn’t all the way there yet. For those who don’t like their ’hoods gritty, stick to the fancier areas further south.

COMMUTABILITY: ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING: Surrey has some kickass sports and leisure venues, such as the Grandview Heights Aquatics Centre and the South Surrey Arena. The municipality also has some wonderful annual festivals, including the massive new FVDED music festival. Dining-wise, there’s a

Dwellers along the SkyTrain line, which only descends as far south as King George, can get to downtown Vancouver within 45 minutes, with no transfers. Everyone else will likely have to rely on their car, and the drive to downtown from, say, Cloverdale will take well over an hour. Hopefully the proposed light rail will improve the situation for some residents.

UPCOMING CONDO COMMUNITY AVANI CENTRE, KING GEORGE In the heart of Surrey’s revitalized city centre, this upscale new development will comprise a five-storey Hilton hotel, with residences starting on the eighth floor. Avani Centre will have studio, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom condominiums and eight two-storey city homes – which will range from micro-units of 342 square feet, up to 1,215 square feet of living space – in a high-rise located by King George SkyTrain station. The building promises to bring a touch of glamour, with architecture by award-winning acdf* architecture and Architecture49 Inc., and impeccable interiors by Giraffe Design. REGISTER FOR PROJECT UPDATES AT: AVANICENTRE.COM

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This is not an offering for sale. Any such offer will only be made with the applicable disclosure statement and agreement of purchase and sales. Concord Park George Limited Partnership. E. & O.E.

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BRAND NEW HOMES IN SURREY CENTRE – AND THEY’RE RENTALS!

usion is t h e a re a’ s first n e w re n ta l buil ding in deca des , giv in g re n ter s a n exc it ing n e w c h oic e

High rents and a dwindling rental pool have left many Lower Mainlanders frustrated and unwilling to live in dingy basements, overpriced condos or in substandard conditions. But what are the options in Surrey’s coveted City Centre? Award-winning developer WestStone Group introduces Fusion – a purpose-built six-storey rental low-rise comprising 142 well-appointed condominiums and four townhomes of modern living space. “This is the first purposebuilt rental building in Surrey in decades,” says Janai York, director, sales and marketing, WestStone Group. “Everything else in the area is at least 30 years old.” What will surely be a pleasant surprise too many hopeful tenants is that Fusion features amenities you’d only expect in market condominiums. All residents will have access to the fitness centre outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment, Wi-Fi office space, entertainment lounge with kitchen, bar, and oversized TVs. Then, step outside onto the landscaped rooftop terrace

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with lounge seating and barbecue facilities, as well as a pet-friendly Woof-top Terrace dog run. “It’s rare to find a building with all of the amenities Fusion offers,” York says. “When you are a renter, you typically have to compromise something, but at Fusion you don’t.” These one- and two-bedroom apartments and two-bedroomand-den townhomes are distinguished by European custom-designed cabinetry throughout, oversized windows and expansive balconies and terraces, which run the full length of your suite – great for entertaining family and friends. The open-concept homes, ranging from 486 to 1,300 square feet, also feature sleek wide plank laminate hardwood flooring, in-suite laundry, keyless entry, soaker tubs, in-floor radiant heat, while a select few home on the upper floors will boast 12-foot ceilings. In the gourmet style kitchens, you’ll find everything you want. There’s an island featuring a contemporary designer pendant lighting overhead, premium stainless-steel appliances, stylish white porcelain tile backsplash, and polished quartz countertops. Ideally situated in Surrey’s developing medical technology hub, close to Surrey Memorial Hospital, Fusion is within a short drive to shopping, restaurants, and some of Surrey’s top schools, including Simon Fraser University and Kwantlen Polytechnic University .

“It is a great location, with the King George SkyTrain only steps away so you can be in Downtown Vancouver within minutes,” adds York. With more than two decades of excellence in building quality homes people want to live in, the award-winning WestStone Group has been a major player in the growth and revitalization of the Surrey City Centre. “For those who aren’t ready to purchase a condo right now, this is the next best thing

to it,” adds York. “We have already leased a number of condos. We have been getting a lot of interest from young professionals and employees from nearby businesses like the hospital and RCMP because it is so central and offers great amenities.” Rents start at $1,400 per month and occupancy is slated for November 1. FUSION’s sales centre, located at 13555 96 Ave., Surrey, is open from Saturday to Thursday, noon to 5 p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FUSION, CALL 604-900-8113, EMAIL INFO@LIVEATFUSION.CA, OR VISIT WWW.LIVEATFUSION.CA

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You’re not just moving into a new home, you’re moving into a new lifestyle. At Fusion.

R O O F T O P D E C K • F I T N E S S R O O M • P E T F R I E N D LY WA L K T O PA R K S • S K Y T R A I N • S C H O O L S

NOW RENTING IN THE HEART OF SURREY Visit our show room today 13555 96th Ave., Surrey BC Show Hours: Daily, noon - 5pm (closed Friday). A perfect b le n d o f co m f o rt a n d co nve nie nc e ON KING GEORGE & 96TH

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604.900.8113

www.liveatfusion.ca

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H O M E

I N N OVAT I O N

SMART THINKING

el l ph o n e- c o n t ro l l ed syst em s , k e yl es s en t ry, s ec r e t s to r ag e – to day ’ s n e w c o n d o s c o n ta in a h o s t o f s m a rt fe at u r es , b oth o bv io u s a n d hid d en

The Edgestone townhomes being built by Bold Properties are packed to the brim with smart home features

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n today’s technological world of smartphones, tablets and wireless everything, it was only a matter of time before our homes caught up. When it comes to new condo and townhome communities in the Lower Mainland, this seems to be happening. Local developers are embracing technology by integrating all manner of smart features into their new projects. Such innovations can give these projects the “wow” factor, which in turn gives them the edge over the competition when it comes to attracting buyers. After all, we all just want our lives to be that little bit easier. Tyler Thorne, vice-president of development at Bold Properties, says that it’s what today’s customers want. “We feel this is what people are looking for. We’re trying to provide homes that are easy and built for the end-user, with technology that is integrated into the homes as much as possible.” So what are some of the coolest features in the region’s latest residential projects? WCC took a look and picked some favourites.

Smartphone systems The most desired piece of smart home technology has to be the ability to control internal systems via smartphone, whether that’s climate control, lighting or entertainment. It appeals to the Gen X and Millennial buyer who tends to rely on their smartphone for everything – and those buyers are the future of the real estate market, after all. Synchro in Mount Pleasant, a neighbourhood that is itself a technological hub for Vancouver, is a great example of this trend. This upcoming project has a host of iPhone-controlled features built into every unit. The features include Apple HomeKit-enabled Ecobee3 smart thermostat with voice control and remote sensors for wireless climate control, and HomeKit-enabled Lutron Caseta wireless lighting controls. This means residents can turn on lights or preset their home’s temperature remotely from their

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The contemporary kitchens at Edgestone are designed for maximum ergonomic functionality, with clever space-saving solutions

smartphone, from their TV, or using Siri with Apple TV. For those using Android devices, thirdparty apps are available to make the systems compatible. Thorne, whose company Bold Properties built Synchro, told WCC, “Buyers are willing to pay more for these features, but there’s also a cost saving to building these in at the development stage, rather than people installing these individual features themselves.” What’s more, it’s easy to charge those iPhones anywhere in the unit, with USB ports in every power outlet – a feature that lots of other new projects are also introducing these days, including another of Bold’s projects, Edgestone. These Port Moody townhomes are every bit as technogically advanced, even including motion sensor lighting in the bathroom, so residents aren’t fumbling for the light switch at night. The homes also include parking garages with electric vehicle

Wesgroup’s new development MODE in the River District features smart wifi-enabled thermostats in its homes

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ASPAC Developments has partnered with Bang & Olufsen on the smart-tech features at its homes in 2 River Green, Richmond

charging outlets as standard. At Wesgroup’s new River District development MODE, being launched October 2018, the developer is installing wifienabled thermostats for efficient heating and cooling. This means that residents can save a bunch of energy costs so that the home is only warmed – or cooled – when necessary. Another developer, ASPAC Developments, is working with electronic product company Bang & Olufsen to install a smart home system in its new waterfront 2 River Green project at 6611 Pearson Way, which is slated to be completed by 2020. All 287 units will be equipped with an automation system that controls the lights, sounds and temperature of the apartment through a wall-mounted touch

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screen. Owners can also control settings on an app on their smartphone, iPad or Apple Watch while away from home – or just as a remote control from the comfort of the couch. There can also be a social element to all this connectivity. At the Midtown low-rise condo complex in Mount Pleasant, developer PortLiving added bazinga!, a social network and utility for condo buildings that keeps owners connected with their neighbours, property manager and developer, and even helps organize all their home essentials like warranties and appliance manuals.

Easier access If you’ve ever been on vacation and wondered whether you left your home properly

locked, you’ll be drawn to the keyless lock feature at Bold’s Edgestone townhomes. Part of the developer’s BOLD360 smarthome package, these slick Port Moody residences each feature a Schlage Smart Sense Deadbolt

with Bluetooth and Apple HomeKit compatibility, meaning you can lock and unlock your home from anywhere in the world (including right by your own door). The homes’ front doors also have a Ring Video Doorbell with

BUILT-IN SHOWERHEAD DJ If you want to easily add a piece of smart tech to your home, one cool gadget is Kohler’s Moxie showerhead. This showerhead is a Bluetooth-enabled fixture that programs music to play while you shower. “I love this,” says Vancouver interior designer Jamie Banfield. “When you have had an extremely stressful day you hop in the shower and the hot water and soothing music can help relax you.” You can also program your music to end with a certain song, which tells you it’s time to get out of the shower, thus conserving water.

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Synchro in Mount Pleasant has a host of smartphone-controlled features built into every unit, including the heating, lighting and entertainment

“

Aspac’s smart home system at 2 River Green also includes the ability to lock up via its app, and increasing numbers of new condo projects are beginning to include this feature.

Innovation includes technology, but it goes beyond technology – it’s also about how people use their space. – Tyler Thorne, Bold Properties

Multifunctional rooms As real estate prices get higher and the spaces in which we live inevitably become correspondingly smaller, developers over the past few years have really taken some innovative steps to maximize smaller spaces. Some project designers have even found ways to easily transform rooms from one function to another. For example, developer Bosa Properties made headlines a few years ago with the launch of BosaSPACE, a range of design

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“

high-definition video monitoring and motion sensors that instantly alert the owner via an app that they have a visitor. Each home also comes with a home security system package.

Like this feature at Edgestone, doors that can be locked and unlocked from your smartphone – even from many miles away – are the way of the future

features that made the most of its smaller units by doubling up the functionality of spaces. This includes such tricks as beds that fold away to reveal an extra couch, turning the bedroom into an expanded entertaining space; a chaise-longue hidden under a shelf for even more seating; a kitchen island that has a long pull-out dining table for up to

nine people; as well as retractable room dividers and more. More recently, 888 Osler by Tria Homes in Marpole is offering a really cool feature – the ability to instantly turn your balcony into an enclosed solarium, and open it up again. The balconies’ Lumon glass walls are retractable and closable, allowing residents to easily connect their outdoor living

space into the home. Daniel Eisenberg, associate principal at GBL Architects, the designers of the project, said, “These are south-facing balconies, and when the retractable glass is closed, it traps the heat. So you can extend your home’s usability on colder days. It also provides a noise buffer from the street, which helps as most

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of the balconies are in front of bedrooms. Also, the retractable glass is frameless, so it is almost invisible and you still have the expression of a true balcony, even when it’s closed.”

Clever cabinets and smart storage When it comes to home design, smart thinking isn’t just about impressive technological features or innovative transformations. Living smarter is also about making home life easier and cleaner – and we all know that great storage can help with that. Back at Edgestone townhomes in Port Moody, every garage has a built-in storage wall with customizable pegs for storing bikes, sports gear, seasonal gear and so on. And in the kitchen, the cabinets have hidden double recycling storage, as well as hidden spice drawers. The kitchens at Bold’s Synchro development are pretty smart too, with a clever pull-out drawer notched around the drop-in sink, various other hidden drawers and a Richelieu Magic Corner storage system (just like a fancier Lazy Susan) to make the most of those inaccessible corner spaces. Bold’s Thorne said, “Innovation includes technology, but it also goes beyond technology – it’s about how people use their space and make it as efficient as possible. The way we look at it is that while technology is at the forefront of innovation, it’s also about making smart decisions early on in the process, in terms of design and layout, to maximize a home’s use for the end user.”

Bosa Properties’ BosaSPACE features have been a recent game-changer in multifunctional living innovation

This fancier “Lazy Susan” is working pretty hard to maximize the storage space in tricky corners in Edgestone and Synchro kitchens

Bold Properties includes thoughtful elements such as hidden spice drawers at its Synchro and Edgestone projects

THE FUTURE IS INTELLIGENT This article discusses just some of the features available in homes currently for sale. But what about the future of smart home tech? Many “coming soon” advances might still sound like something out of a science-fiction bestseller. But within a year or two, you might be having conversations with your appliances. Kitchen heavyweight Miele wowed consumers at the London Design Festival with an integrated kitchen panel that provides an instant read-out on your body’s vital signs including body/fat ratio, heart rate, cholesterol level and whether you’ve already maxed out your carbohydrate/protein intake for the day. One designer at the show has even suggested holographs of your favourite celebrity chef creating tasty, healthy dishes from ingredients that you have on hand. And how about toilets that not only raise and lower the seat automatically, applying everything from deodorizer to air-drying and even checking for pregnancy, diabetes or drug usage via on-the-spot urine analysis, which is then displayed on the mirror with audio read-out while you brush your teeth? Like many developers, Eric Andreasen, Adera’s vice president of marketing and sales, says he’s also keeping close watch on the next generation of intelligent thermostats, such as NEST technology. Now in the second generation, these products “learn” a homeowner’s habits. “Imagine your home not only knowing precisely when to turn the heat up so it’s at your preferred temperature when you arrive home after work, but knowing you have a late meeting every Thursday and your weekend schedule includes late brunch,” says Andreasen. “I believe features like this are the way of the future.” For Bold Properties’ Thorne, it’s all about future-proofing homes for technology that doesn’t even exist yet. “We’re looking down the road. We want owners to be able to use these features in five or 10 years’ time. Our conversations on our new projects are about how we address that.”

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FOCUS ON THE NORTH SHORE The pace of new development is quickening in North and West Vancouver…

ith the North Shore expecting more new developments than any other Metro Vancouver area, according to MLA Canada, it’s an exciting

time for home buyers. From proposals gaining early approval, to launched projects in pre-sale phase, there’s something for every home buyer – or future home

buyer. Here, WCC takes a look at just three exciting new developments – plus check out the other North Shore project profiles in this edition of West Coast Condo.

Tree House, West Vancouver BRITISH PACIFIC PROPERTIES LIMITED For West Vancouver and other well-heeled single-family residents looking to downsize to a generously sized condo, the Tree House is on its way. This architecturally striking building in the new Uplands neighbourhood is designed by Seattle starchitect Olson Kundig and has been hitting local headlines for its design. As the name suggests, the residences are designed to be at one with the forested mountain terrain, high up on the side of Cypress. They’re also all about play – either for families, or those in their golden years – with spacious, lock-and-leave homes located in a gorgeous natural environment. The 37 large suites cantilever off the two central trunk-like cores of the building, resulting

in projected living spaces with 270-degree ocean and city views with expansive outdoor decks. Sustainable elements that fit with the surroundings including solar panels, high-performance windows to retain heat during the winter, heat recovery ventilators for efficient heating and cooling, an on-site rainwater cistern to reduce water runoff, and building materials such as recycled wood from the site. Uplands is the newest community in British Pacific Properties’ Rodgers Creek Area Plan with a total of 269 homes, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to townhomes to single-family estate homes. It’s also a stone’s throw from the future Creekside Village community, which is set to boast fabulous amenities.

ADDRESS: Chippendale Road, West Vancouver NUMBER OF UNITS: 37 SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,850 to 2,800 BEDROOMS: 2 plus den to 3 plus den PRICED FROM: TBD MORE DETAILS: britishproperties.com

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Hunter, North Vancouver INTERGULF DEVELOPMENT GROUP Part of the much larger new Lynn Creek neighbourhood in North Vancouver, Hunter is a collection of 326 homes in two concrete high-rises, which will boast spectacular views. The units range from 400 square feet in the studios, right through to a familysized 1,500 square feet in the townhouses. The air-conditioned living spaces are light and breezy, with wide-plank flooring and European-inspired kitchens with

Fisher & Paykel appliances. The amenities include a common lounge and private dining room with gourmet kitchen. There will also be a state-of-the-art, multi-level, 27,000-square-foot community centre built as part of the development in partnership with the District. Lynn Creek is an exciting new community with a new town centre, and a home at Hunter is a great way to be a part of it.

ADDRESS: Lynn Creek, North Vancouver NUMBER OF UNITS: 326 in two towers SQUARE FOOTAGE: 400 to 1,500 BEDROOMS: Studios, 1 to 3 bedrooms and townhomes PRICED FROM: $595,900 MORE DETAILS: hunterlynncreek.com

Marine + Fell, North Vancouver ANTHEM PROPERTIES For those looking for a more modestly sized home than West Vancouver’s Tree House, Marine + Fell is a great option. This North Vancouver development of 83 modern homes combines the best of urban and nature, close to Lonsdale, but with the Spirit Trial running through your backyard. The contemporary interiors are simple and elegant,

with appliances that are highend but not extravagant. The five-storey building is a neighbourhood in itself, with street-level shops and amenities, as well as a public art installation that doubles as a seating area. There’s also a common patio, as well as a shared entertainment lounge and kitchen for larger parties.

ADDRESS: 725 Marine Drive, North Vancouver NUMBER OF UNITS: 83 SQUARE FOOTAGE: 565 to 1,196

MORE UPCOMING NORTH SHORE DEVELOPMENTS… Belle Isle by Citimark Developments……………....…………….... page 32

BEDROOMS: 1, 2 and 3 plus den

Park West by Keltic Canada……………....……………....……….……..... page 32

PRICED FROM: $509,900

Crest by Adera Developments……………....……………....………….. page 34

MORE DETAILS: www.marineandfell.com 30

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Edgemont Walk by Boffo Properties....……………....…………... page 45

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TURNS OUT THE BEST RESORT VACATION BEGINS AT HOME

Two majestic towers rise up from an exquisite fully-furnished pool deck Refined residences frame views of the sea, the city and the mountains At the north end of Lions Gate Bridge, Park Royal is a 10-minute walk and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re minutes from downtown Vancouver, prestigious schools and recreation

NOW SELLING

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O AN PIL MARINE DRIVE

1633 Capilano Rd. at Marine Dr. Open Daily 12 noon to 5pm (closed Fridays) info@parkwestliving.ca | 604.770.1336

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Park West Presentation Centre

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This is not an offering for sale. Any such offerings may only be made with a Disclosure Statement, E.&.O.E.

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Belle Isle

Park West

ALL ABOUT THE LIFESTYLE IN LIONS GATE VILLAGE PARK WEST CONDOS AND BELLE ISLE TOWNHOMES OFFER TWO FABULOUS OPTIONS IN AN UNBEATABLE LOCATION

fter years of living in Chicago, Sonja Nordahl and her husband decided to move back

to B.C.

“Once we decided to retire, the only place I wanted to live was on the North Shore,” says the former West Vancouver resident. After looking at several condominium projects, the couple knew once they looked at the Park West presentation suite in Lions Gate Village, they found their new home. “I was attracted to the location, the great amenities and the real sense of community I think is going to develop here,” she explains. “I also love the two patios, which will give us ocean and mountains views.” Keltic Canada Development’s Park West features a collection of 258 beautifully appointed one-, twoand three-bedroom residences, ranging from 550 to more than 2,000 square feet, within two mixed use concrete and glass towers. Park West residents will enjoy resort-style amenities, including

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a pool and hot tub showcased by a sculptured waterfall feature, fully equipped fitness room with a yoga and dance studio, spa and massage rooms, dry sauna and showers. For entertaining, there is a professional-grade kitchen, a piano lounge, a billiards room and a theatre lounge with TV. Once a largely commercial enclave, Lions Gate Village is one of five town centres currently being developed in North Vancouver district. Nestled in this vibrant pedestrianfriendly neighbourhood, there will be great shopping, dining, a recreation centre with library, biking and walking trails, all within easy access to Lions Gate Bridge and downtown Vancouver. “When you are first to buy in an emerging community, you benefit from the best prices,” says Nick Askew, president Pacesetter Marketing. “You are first on and off the bridge, so you can literally be downtown in 10 minutes.”

Belle of the village Lions Gate Village will also be home to Citimark Development’s

Belle Isle – a selection of 88 one-, two- and three-bedroom contemporary townhomes, ranging from 534 to 2,704 square feet. Surrounded by parks, along the Capilano Pacific Trail, these sophisticated residences feature private Sky Lounges, electric vehicle charging, climate-controlled interiors and smart home options. Like Nordahl, Emily Kaplun is from the North Shore. When Kaplun and her fiancé saw Belle Isle, “it ticked all of our boxes and more.” “We are avid cyclists, so the location is fantastic,” she says. “The new village is a stone’s throw away from Park Royal, and easy access to nature and the bridge, which was a huge benefit to us as we work downtown.”

The large private rooftop patio of the three-level townhome they purchase also sold Kaplun. “It is such an expansive patio,” she adds. “Relative to all the other projects we looked at, for the price, Belle Isle just gave us more.” Phase 1 of Park West sold 80% in one week. Phase 2 is now selling with a great selection of one-, two- and 3-bedroom homes available. Park West presentation centre is located at 1633 Capilano Rd., North Vancouver. Park West is set to be completed by the end of 2021. Belle Isle is now selling one-, two- and three-bedroom Parkside Townhomes in Phase 1 & 2 at The Condo Shop, located at 88 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver. Belle Isle is set to be completed by the end of 2020.

For more information, VISIT PARKWESTLIVING.CA, CALL 604-770-1336 OR EMAIL INFO@PARKWESTLIVING.CA; VISIT LIVEBELLEISLE.CA, CALL 604-788-2728, OR EMAIL INFO@LIVEBELLEISLE.CA

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Live in Lions Gate Village, the North Shoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Sought-After New Neighbourhood Next to the Capilano River, at the intersection between nature and city, lies Belle Isle Townhomes. These 1, 2, & 3 Bedroom Parkside Townhomes, located right in the heart of Lions Gate Village, a brand-new master-planned community that offers a wealth of shops, services and amenities. The modern homes at Belle Isle are surrounded by the things that make the North Shore postcard perfect: rugged peaks, sparkling ocean and lush forests. And with the Lions Gate Bridge only minutes away, Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be closer. It would be hard to imagine a better location to live.

S H O P

T O DAY ! Presentation Centre at The Condo Shop

Belle Isle Location

Open daily 12 noon to 5pm (Friday by appointment only) 1956 Belle Isle Place North Vancouver

88 Lonsdale Avenue North Vancouver

3 B E D S S TA R T I N G F RO M L E S S T H A N $ 1 M .

604.788.2728 livebelleisle.ca Belle Isle is developed by Citimark Belle Isle Project LP. Digital renderings are representational only and may not be accurate. This is not an offering for sale. Any such offering may only be made with a Disclosure Statement, E.&.O.E.

Another quality project by

Marketed by

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THE CREST OF NORTH SHORE LIVING SWEEPING MOUNTAIN VIEWS, ACCESS TO NATURE, GREAT AMENITIES AND LUXURY FINISHES – WHAT COULD BE BETTER? IMAGINE WAKING up every morning to unparalleled views of the North Shore Mountains, Burrard Inlet or some of the Vancouver skyline from your private, expansive rooftop lanai? At Adera Development Corporation’s newest project Crest, it can be a reality. In the heart of North Vancouver’s revitalized Central Lonsdale, multiple awardwinning Adera’s Crest is a collection of 161 wood-framed condos and 18 concrete city homes in two six-storey mass timber and wood-frame buildings centrally located off Lonsdale Ave. on a quiet culde-sac. “We launched in May and we are already more than 80 per cent sold,” says Eric Andreason, vice-president of sales and marketing for Adera. “The architecture is true West Coast style, with lots of natural materials used both inside and out to create a connection between both.” Crest brings a new elevated perspective to each living space, with high quality fixtures and finishes such as quartz countertops, high end wide plank laminate flooring, two tone cabinetry blending

warm wood grains and glossy laminate finishes, oversized windows and in-floor radiant heating. An exciting component to Crest is Adera’s signature iD By Me program, featuring an expansive number of different options to choose from, that allows your new home to reflect your unique personality. “We developed a program that allows our customers to browse online at the different options we have available,” says Adera’s in-house interior designer, Deborah Kerr. “They then make a wish list and bring it in to our sales staff, who will go over it and make sure all the options can be incorporated effectively into their homes.” Crest’s i.D. By Me offers choices like upgraded closet organizers with shelves and drawers, appliances, and custom millwork, faucets and flooring, to name a few.

“We have recently expanded our presentation centre to showcase more upgrades available in our i.D. By Me program,” says Andreason. “We now have an entire second kitchen and a vignette of an upgraded bathroom.” Crest is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. From your doorstep, you are minutes away from numerous mountain trails, where you can bike, hike and ski for hours. No need for a car either – the Seabus at the Lonsdale Quay is just down the hill and gives you access to all downtown Vancouver. If that isn’t enough, Crest residents will have private access to the West Coast Club with a lounge for entertaining, fitness centre, a shared outdoor space for relaxing, EV charging stalls, and a newly revived adjacent green space

for pets – Crest allows you to live in the centre of it all. Crest is also steps away from a variety of restaurants, boutique shops and entertainment options, like Whole Foods Market, Loblaws City Market, Club 16 Trevor Linden Fitness, Lagree West and Buddah-Full Café. With 80 per cent of the residences already sold as of mid-September and prices starting in the high-$600s for the remaining two- and three-bedroom homes, this is your last opportunity to buy in Mother Nature’s playground, close to everything an urbanite wants. Crest’s sales centre and display suite, located at #101 – 1200 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, is open noon to 5 p.m. daily. Occupancy is slated for late 2020 for Building 1 and early 2021 for Building 2.

For more information, visit WWW.ADERA.COM/CREST, CALL 604-980-0016, OR EMAIL CREST@ADERA.COM

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A R C H I T E CT U R A L

D E TA I L S

COMPLEMENTARY CONDOS

r c h i t e ct s o f to day ’ s n e w c o n d o c o m m u n i t i es a r e ta k in g pa in s to b l en d s e a m l es s ly into t h e i r lo ca l s u r r o u n di n g s . WC C ta k es a lo o k at s o m e p r i m e e x a m p l es

Kenstone Properties’ 1555 West Eighth in Vancouver takes on the boxier form of the low-rise commercial buildings close by, and the varied heights break up the development’s mass

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ack in the day, it used to be the case that designing a new residential building was all about making an architectural statement. Think towering high-rises, improbable angles, twists and cantilevered sections. While that is still sometimes the case (see “The New Icons” in our fall 2017 edition), more often than not, today’s new residential communities are working hard to be good – and unobtrusive – neighbours by design. This kind of thoughtful architecture can include such details as: copying the height and density of neighbouring buildings; mimicking local materials and design influences; designing the building to respond to the site’s orientation and topography; and creating public spaces so that there is a blurring of the private and public boundary. It’s a combination of factors that has led to this trend. First off, the city’s planning department will require that the design makes considerable effort in this regard before they’ll even consider approving the project. And these increasingly tough requirements in turn are a response to public demand, in a world where development can often face local opposition – and the building’s design has to pass its public consultation. But more than this, it’s a natural design response to working in established neighbourhoods, ensuring the character of the area is not destroyed while bringing new life to the streetscape.

Responding to neighbours Arno Matis, principal of Arno Matis Architecture (AMA), told West Coast Condo, “How you transition from what is public to what is private is an interesting design challenge. It’s how you respond to the site – not only responding to the current context, but also anticipating future buildings. A lot of our buildings are in areas that are densifying, so you should be designing to the future scale. But in the meantime you’re impacting WCCONDO.COM

With its stepped roof and warm materials, Second + Main looks like it truly belongs in the hip Main Street area, and includes public art and performance spaces

the neighbourhood.” Matis offered an example of tackling this challenge. “At our Aperture project [on 41st and Cambie], we were responding to the six-storey scale under the Cambie Corridor plan – right behind that site we were immediately stepping down to single-family homes with low profiles and big yards. So how do you respond to that transition? We broke the scale of the building down so we had a much more residential, single-family scale along the lane, separated by landscaping and courtyards. We then stepped it up to a much higher form [on the Cambie side], pushing density further to the street. That also eliminated any shadowing impact in the neighbouring houses, which is always a concern.”

Materials matter Sensitive use of materials is another crucial way to not only blend in with the neighbourhood but also break up a building’s mass.

The rippling grey cladding on 1555 West Eighth is a nod to Vancouver’s climate and is designed to blend with the city’s darker skies

Matis added, “The other thing we like to do a lot is to break a building down into scale that fits the neighbourhood using materials. We love to use wood [as on Aperture], using materials that are friendlier to the neighbourhood, that you recognize as being the material

for a single-family house, and are more transitional in nature than commercial building materials.” At 1555 West Eighth in Vancouver, by Kenstone Properties, located in a neighbourhood with a mix of residential and commercial WEST COAST CONDO

buildings, the variegated-grey metal cladding is intended to blend in with the often-grey skies of Vancouver. Edwin Liang, director of Kenstone, told West Coast Condo, “It’s meant to be a cheeky reference to Vancouver’s reputation as ‘Raincouver’ – so the building seems to shimmer as if it were wet. It is intended to blend into the sky and our climate – the architect describes it as ‘the shimmer across a water’s surface.’”

Site, scale and orientation

Cascade City in Richmond is a large development but its cascading roof terraces break up the form and embrace the south orientation

project, architect Walter Francl took a similar stepped roofline approach to the building in Vancouver’s hip Main Street neighbourhood. This design was informed by the denser market-condo section of the building being allowed to rise up to 12 storeys, with a lower end of the building that would be a separate section comprising below-market residences for local artists, plus gallery space.

In Westbank’s massive Oakridge masterplan, the architecturally iconic buildings aren’t designed to blend, but the site blurs public and private realms with its huge park as well as retail elements

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“

What we’ve seen in the past is a very strong divide between public and private spaces… But the line will keep blurring – and that’s a good thing - Arno Matis, principal, Arno Matis Architecture

“The fact that the building fronted to both Second and Third Avenues, as well as Main Street, provided a clue to how to respond to those programmatic functions,” Francl told WCC. “The large stepped roof terraces that resulted are appealing, and for those residents who don’t have them, there are common roof terraces with garden plots and play areas on both the market condo and the artists’ ends of the building.” Back at 1555 West Eighth,

“

Also designed by AMA, the Cascade City condo building in Richmond is an example of a large development that still managed to respond creatively to its narrow site and orientation. Matis said, “We took the very narrow site and put two towers on it, but then staggered the buildings so that it wasn’t one imposing mass, and light could get through. We then stepped the south-facing edge of the block to give larger roof terraces to those units, which gave it this curved, cascading shape. It allows for units that are limited in their interior to at least have lots of outdoor space like a yard, which is great when people can’t afford a lot of interior space. Plus the tiered effect means that the roof and the unit is flooded with light.” At the recently completed Second + Main residential

the feel of the neighbourhood – an area full of commercial and industrial buildings, and close to the low-rise shopping district of South Granville – was crucial to the architectural choices. Kenstone’s Laing told WCC, “It was very important to us in designing 1555 West Eighth that we respect what makes this neighbourhood unique. This included choosing to break up our massing and density into two buildings, instead of building a tall tower, WCCONDO.COM

Arno Matis Architecture’s Aperture (above and below) incorporates familiar residential materials such as wood, and concentrates its density on Cambie Street so that it can transition to the single-family scale at the back

to keep in line with the human scale of the neighbourhood. It also means drawing inspiration from the lower-rise commercial buildings in the area, and responding in a way that is both familiar and interesting.”

Public realm Aside from the building’s form and materials, another very important way for a building to work in tandem with its neighbourhood is by blurring the line between what is public and what is private in the development. This could be as simple as a widening of a sidewalk or incorporating street-level retail and commercial so that the public can use part of the building. Alternatively, it can be a much more significant part of the project – such as at Second + Main. The project’s architect, Walter Francl, explained that because the building included 30 non-market units for artists and interior gallery spaces, the team at Francl Architecture also realized that the outside courtyard space off the lane could serve as a public gallery and performance space. This in turn informed the design of the building, to encourage the public to walk through into the creative area. “We wanted to ensure the public moved through the building and was invited in,” said Francl. Matis believes that the trend WCCONDO.COM

for thoughtful, invitational condo building design will continue. “What we’ve seen in the past is a very strong divide between public and private spaces,” he said. “But one thing that’s happening now is that the digital tools are making it much easier to model, and to plan around this invisible property line, to see how your project is working within the context of the urban ecosystem. And new tools can help us do that, including such sophisticated tools as energy, wind and shadow modelling. The line between public and private will keep blurring even further – and that’s a good thing.”

WHEN SHOULD YOU BREAK THE RULES? Blending in is good, but rules are made to be broken – if the design calls for it. Developer Edwin Liang of Kenstone Properties said, “Whenever we approach design, we ensure that it has a purpose. That approach has always served us well in the past, particularly among our more controversial projects. It’s OK to break the rules if it enhances liveability for the clients, while respecting the site’s history and condition.” One of Kenstone’s townhome projects, called Sixth and Steel in Fairview, Vancouver, caused a stir among neighbouring residents because of its radical cladding system. “We worked closely with the architect and a steel cladding manufacturer to create a corten weathering steel [which forms a patina of rust] screen that was a cheeky nod to the railroad tracks across the street. There are a lot of townhome projects on Sixth Avenue, facing the busy street, and a lot of their solutions is to close the blinds. We wanted to preserve the green view overlooking the tracks while preserving privacy.” The vertical lines of the weathering steel prevent passing cars from looking inside the homes, as well as providing a great sound barrier, while residents inside still enjoy the leafy view. On other elevations of the project, the exteriors take on a much more familiar townhome style.

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T O U R

LIVEABLE CHIC This waterside condo in Yaletown got a luxury refresh of its main living areas, and the result is cool yet comfy

hen local interior designer Jamie Pryde was asked to restyle a high-end condo in Yaletown, he jumped at the opportunity. The clients were an active retired couple who had downsized to the ground-floor unit on Marinaside Crescent with direct access to False Creek’s north seawall. Having bought the unit new 10 years ago, it was mostly in great shape, but in need of a décor

refresh in the elegant entry foyer and the spacious living and dining areas. “The unit has a beautiful yard, huge windows and is full of light,” Pryde tells West Coast Condo. “The clients are a vibrant couple who like luxury but it was important that the design couldn’t be too precious, as they have a lot of grandchildren who visit and run around a lot. But we still wanted the feel of an upscale condo, so we were careful to

use durable materials and a neutral colour palette.”

The surprising rippling wall sconces were ordered in from Israel

Pryde explains that one of the owners loves to change up her home accessories such as throws and pillows according to the time of year, so the neutral colour choices also provided a great backdrop for pops of seasonal colour. “She loves to introduce fun colours like orange and yellow in summer, and more dramatic jewel tones in winter to change up the look,” he says. “And this

A warm grey sectional couch in the family room works perfectly with the unchangeable flooring, which has very warm tones

ALL PHOTOS: BRIGHT PHOTO

The warm grey theme is echoed in the dining room with the chairs, the top of the sideboard and the concrete planter and bowl

A basis of inspiration One major source of inspiration for the colours and other design choices was the existing flooring, which the clients loved and wanted to keep. This warm reddish-brown hardwood meant that typical choices for an oceanside home – pale blues, cool greys and seafoam, for example – wouldn’t work in this space. “Sometimes you have to work with existing attributes of a home, and with their floor, it was very warm. And usually with a unit looking at the water you’d lean towards a cool palette, but we really had to balance that with some WCCONDO.COM

“

gives a lot more longevity to the refresh overall. I can see them keeping the décor and just changing up accessories, so they don’t have to change it all in five or 10 years.”

The only option is to embrace the ‘bossy element’ in the room. Go with it and change your design if you have to – Jamie Pryde, interior designer

RESTYLING WHEN THERE’S SOMETHING YOU CAN’T CHANGE Jamie Pryde used his client’s warm-brown flooring as a springboard for his colour choices. He says that oftentimes it can pose a challenge to a designer when there’s an unchangeable, major element in the room – what he describes as the “bossy element” of the space. This could be the colour of flooring, or a major piece of furniture such as a large leather couch, or a statement piece of artwork. So what does the designer suggest for those who want to refresh their home’s look but have to work with such a “bossy” item? “The only option is to embrace it,” says Pryde. “Go with it and change your design to make it work. I think that if you ignore something like that, it doesn’t work. Like with this beautiful, warm floor, if we’d gone with a watery, cool palette, it wouldn’t have worked as well or looked so good, and in fact it would have drawn attention and made the floor feel like the wrong colour. But when you embrace the ‘bossy element,’ you make it look as good as it deserves to.”

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warmer tones in the materials that we used. We had to find a fine balance and choose either warmer greys or a cream that didn’t go too yellow.” One favourite vignette of Pryde’s in the home is a perfect example of these warm greys – two concrete plinths in the entry foyer that act as an art display. “I would normally put a console table there but there really wasn’t anything that could fit in that small space, so we went with these cast concrete plinths of two different heights so we could layer them,” explains Pryde. “I love to incorporate concrete in my designs, it’s such a versatile material. The warm grey is echoed in the family room with its inviting sectional couch and the custom-made side table, and again in the dining room, with the concrete planter for the bonsai tree, the concrete bowl centrepiece on the table, and the grey dining chairs. Even the top of the sleek sideboard is a similar warm grey, which complements the rustic wood

A unique brushed-gold vase also serves as a sculpture for this art-loving couple, while concrete plinths make an unusual foyer console

WHERE TO BUY Family room

Dining room

Foyer

Handpainted zebra pillows: CB2 Wool rug: Jordan’s Home Coffee table: Herman Miller

Concrete plinths: CB2 Gold ball mirror: Kravet

Mirror: Arteriors Green monkey-face sculpture: Jonathan Adler Steel-and-wood console: Custom by local furniture designer Stefanie Dueck

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Chandelier: Moooi Candlesticks: Provide Home

Concrete bowl: Local designer Martha Sturdy

White rings sconce: Sonneman

Gold hands vase: Da Vinci’s Home

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of the African masks displayed on top. The clients are great travellers, according to the designer, and their collection of masks and other artworks were enthusiastically embraced as part of the overall design concept. Another inspirational jumping-off point for Pryde’s design choices was the new statement fireplace in the dining room. Above the fire, white tiles look like painted breezeblocks until you see two ripples in their surface, which acts as a lighting sconce with a hidden, warm-white light behind. “These tiles are from Israel and are fixed by magnets, so they come right off so that you can access the LED lighting behind,” says Pryde. “It’s a really elegant and surprising way to incorporate a wall sconce above a fireplace.” Hung below one of these sconces, and lit by it from above, is a favourite tribal mask. “One of the showstopper features of this home is the fireplace. That was one of the first features we decided on, and a lot of design decisions were then based on that,” adds Pryde.

Lighting for warmth and shape There are still plenty of colder colour choices throughout the home, such as the white fireplace and the white media cabinet in the family room – but Pryde points out that even these whites are lit in such a way that they remain warm. Indeed, lighting is a key component of this condo’s décor, serving to add not just warmth but also sculptural shaping – a nod to the clients’ artistic tastes. The statement Moooi lighting fixture above the dining table is both sculptural and airy, observes Pryde – “and it still has that element of white in it, which makes it that bit more contemporary.” The wall lighting sconces in the entrance foyer also double as artwork, looking like abstract leaves on top of leaves, which works especially WCCONDO.COM

The homeowners have a fabulous collection of masks, which inspired the designer

well as the creamy, leathery wallpaper has folds the look like vines climbing up the walls. Other cool lighting elements such as low LED strip lighting below the dining room sideboard add further depth to the space. “Looking at this project, we really did some very cool lighting elements,” laughs Pryde.

Creating vignettes and highlights A good interior designer will create vignettes – small areas of loveliness that incorporate several complementary elements – and Pryde has several favourites around this small Yaletown home. “Certainly the concrete plinths in the foyer is a favourite, with the fun brushed-gold mirror with the balls around it, which speaks to the fun nature of my clients,” he says. “I also love the custom table in the family room with the lime-green monkey sculpture and orange bird-of-paradise flowers – I don’t often get to work with colour so it’s a good opportunity.” Pops of colour also brighten up the family room in the form of the owner’s seasonal pillows, resulting in splashes of red, orange and green complementing the foliage on the leaves outside the huge windows. And more burnished gold is incorporated in the highly sculptural chair in the entry foyer, which is another favourite vignette of Jamie’s. “We chose everything for whether it was either sculputural or organic,” says Pryde. “Sticking with those principles really ties the whole design together.”

Clever lighting subtly enhances this home’s ambience, such as soft strip lighting under the dining room sideboard

JAMIE PRYDE’S FOUR TIPS FOR AN EASY HOME REFRESH 1. Neutral base: Specify major furnishings in neutral tones and layer colour and pattern in accessories to make a bigger statement. 2. Calm the eye: Even a minimalist room can be busy, take a step back and make sure the eye has a place to “rest”. Anchor your room with larger pieces of furniture or pockets of colour in moderation, and use thoughtful storage to minimize clutter. 3. Rethink the art: Moving your artwork around is an easy way to refresh in a tired room. Allow yourself to be open to new ideas – a shop art from another room and try it in a new spot, place a mirror on a wall facing a window to reflect the light, or add interest with an abstract sculpture. 4. Edit the room: Is everything in the space telling the same story? Give the special elements room to breathe – donate, sell or toss anything that isn’t sentimental or doesn’t make you happy. Doing this will help declutter and make the room feel fresh again.

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D ES IG N

I N S P I R AT I O N

WCC LOVES...

Ikea LÅNGFJÄLL chairs Who says office chairs have to be ugly? Ikea offers an option to customize your perfect version of the LÅNGFJÄLL office chair. This pink model is $169. Want a higher back? Arms or none? Wheels or no wheels? Different colour fabric? Black or white frame? The choice is yours.

GET DOWN TO BUSINESS WITH THIS HOME OFFICE SPECIAL.

WE THINK business can be beautiful, especially when you get to work at home in a space styled to fit your design tastes. Here are our office picks…

$149-$229 ikea.com/ca/en

Reese five-tier bookcase We think this bookcase – available from Costco among other outlets – is a great choice for a contemporary condo office. It makes a fabulous room divider too, in case your home office is in an open-concept room and needs some space-definition. The shelving system also comes in grey and black.

$649.99 costco.ca

Old Station wall clock This station-style wall clock would work just as well in a living room or kitchen as a home office. You’d never miss your deadlines with numbers that big! It comes in two sizes, perfect for either a compact or oversized wall space.

$149/$199

Langley Street Tess writing desk

urbanbarn.com

This contemporary-chic, industrial-style writing desk by Langley Street is the epitome of hipster cool, and will hopefully inspire your most creative work. Who’d imagine it’s from Wayfair? Pictured is the walnut/ gunmetal combination, but other colour combos are available.

$111.99 (in August 2018, 30% off original price) wayfair.ca

Ikea FJÄLLA storage solutions The leafy print in the FJÄLLA range of paper storage products is impossibly pretty, and will liven up any home office. They are great value but robust, with solid sides and a chic and practical metal trim. There are lots of size and shape options (as well as plain colours), of which these are just two, both under $10.

Magazine rack two-pack $7.99 | Storage box $8.99 ikea.com/ca/en

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P R O J E CT

PROF I LE

Edgemont Village

Haven

VILLAGE LIFE CLOSE TO NATURE’S PLAYGROUNDS PERFECT MIX OF URBAN AND RURAL ON OFFER AT NORTH VANCOUVER’S EDGEMONT WALK AND POCO’S HAVEN

t the gateway to one of nature’s biggest playgrounds, in one of the most coveted North Shore Villages, multipleaward-winning Boffo Properties presents Edgemont Walk. In the heart of the resort-style Edgemont Village, Edgemont Walk is an intimate collection of 24 executive three-level, threebedroom townhomes ranging from 1,800 to 2,500 square feet.

Edgemont Walk is located within highly ranked school catchments, a short walk from the new Delbrook Recreation Centre and a rare mix of locally owned shops and services. Tucked away between Mosquito and Mackay Creeks, Edgemont Walk is ideally situated minutes from highway 1 and a short drive to Lion’s Gate Bridge.

A GREEN HAVEN

The attention to detail in these stunning Craftsman-style townhomes is second to none. Boffo truly understands how today’s families and young professionals live. Inside these bright, airy three- and threebedroom-plus-den residences there is a fusion of function and beauty. The homes feature wideplank engineered hardwood floors, in-floor radiant heating, kitchen islands or peninsulas and high-end appliance packages, including a wine fridge.

Once a small bedroom community on the outskirts of Metro Vancouver, Port Coquitlam has grown into a vibrant city. Known for its parks, central location and excellent transit options, it’s no wonder people from across the Lower Mainland – first-time buyers, young families, downsizers and outdoor enthusiasts – move to Port Coquitlam for its combination of urban sophistication and idyllic green spaces.

The homes come with a parkade and each one has their own private, secured two-car garage that leads into a flex space perfect for that wine room or movie theatre that you have always dreamed about.

This is where you will discover Boffo’s Haven, a collection of 45 East Coast-inspired, threeand four-bedroom townhomes, ranging from 1,312 to 1,843 square feet.

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Ciccozzi Architecture, Haven is showcased by nine-foot-high ceilings, hexagon tiles in the front entrances and wide-plank laminate hardwood flooring. The gourmet kitchens come with Caesarstone countertops, chevron tile backsplashes and shaker-style cabinetry. Backing onto a green space, Haven is surrounded by several parks and trails. Additionally, getting to downtown Vancouver has never been easier – from Haven, you can get downtown by car via Highway 1 or by transit on the West Coast Express or Evergreen Line Skytrain.

BUILDING IN BALANCE If you have ever entertained the thought of buying a spectacular home in North Vancouver or Port Coquitlam, in quaint villages where you know your fishmonger, the local butcher and where you can shop at independently owned stores, now is the time to do it.

Built by a trusted name in family homes, Boffo is the province’s premier neighbourhood home builder. Locally owned, Boffo is renowned for creating homes people want to live in that balance the area’s natural surroundings and strong sense of community with a sense of privacy for residents. Edgemont Village Presentation Centre and display home, located at 14 – 1133 Ridgewood Drive, North Vancouver, are open daily from noon to 5 p.m. (closed Fridays). Homes, with prices starting from $1.5M, will be ready to move in by late fall, early winter 2018. With prices starting from the low $700Ks, Haven is set to sell fast. Haven’s sales centre, located at 16-2560 Pitt River Road, Port Coquitlam, is open noon to 5 p.m. daily (closed Fridays). Tentative occupancy is late 2018/early 2019.

VISIT WWW.BOFFOPROPERTIES.COM/EDGEMONT, EMAIL EDGEMONT@BOFFOPROPERTIES.COM OR CALL 604-880-0441. OR VISIT WWW.RESIDEHAVEN.CA, CALL 604-690-6672, OR EMAIL SALES@RESIDEHAVEN.CA

Beautifully designed by

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Shopkeepers, neighbours & teachers you’ll know by name. Biking and hiking trails you’ll know by heart. It’s more than the top-rated public and private schools nearby that make Edgemont Village remarkable. It also has that rare mix of locally owned shops, new community amenities, a friendliness you can feel, and a natural setting that’s both walkable and wild. In this much-loved neighbourhood comes Edgemont Walk – large townhomes right within the Village. Their masterful layouts, private garages and front-door access to bright, well-designed interiors make these homes the right choice for you and the family, for now and the future.

TOWNHOMES FROM 1,800 TO 2,500 SQ.FT. STARTING FROM $1.5M

Now Selling. Open Saturday-Thursday 12-5pm. 1133 Ridgewood Drive, North Vancouver | 604.882.0441 | edgemontwalk.ca

This is not an offering for sale. Any such offer can only be made with a disclosure statement. E. & O.E. Sales by Boffo Real Estate Inc. and rareEarth Project Marketing.

You know that place where kids & dogs play, nature is all around, neighbours hang together, and getting around is easy? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s here.

3 & 4 Bedroom Townhomes Starting from the low $700â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Haven in West Port Coquitlam has a location story no one else has. Set amid a protected greenbelt and near a network of trails means quiet walks along the river, stick-throwing sessions with the dog, and safe bike rides with the kids are an everyday thing. For traveling in and out, Highway 1 is close and Lougheed Highway is even closer. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not picking up essentials in the charming downtown core, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have convenient access east and west, plus a bridge-less commute into Vancouver. Home sweet home, indeed.

604.690.6672 Residehaven.ca 5IJT JT OPU BO PĆ&#x160;FSJOH GPS TBMF "OZ TVDI PĆ&#x160;FS DBO POMZ CF NBEF XJUI B EJTDMPTVSF TUBUFNFOU & 0 & 4BMFT CZ #PĆ&#x160;P 3FBM &TUBUF *OD

Presentation Centre Open Daily 12â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5pm (Except Friday) 2560 Pitt River Road, Port Coquitlam

AS YOUR LIFE EVOLVES, SO DO YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

HOMES | TOWNHOMES | CONDOMINIUMS A STORY OF SERVICE AND RESULTS BUILT ON REFERRALS AND REPEAT CLIENTELE WESTSIDEREALTY.CA | 4381 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver | 604.222.3750