FLUEVOG HOUSE

Vancouver, BC

Type: Net Zero Single Family Home, RS-1

Area: 2795 SF

Status: Completed 2024

Construction: Rain City Homes

Photography: Janis Nicolay

Awards:

2025 Architecture Foundation of British Columbia (AFBC), Architectural Awards of Excellence, Design Excellence Award, Single Family Residential

Nestled between the vernacular forms of a vibrant East Vancouver neighbourhood, a sea green gable appears. A home for a prominent local shoemaker, the Fluevog House is an expression of the family’s unabashed love of colour, form and pattern. The home’s unique appearance is derived from a subtractive carving of pure geometry: a yellow roof deck featuring a circular opening is carved out of the roofline, and triangular and round windows mark the facade.

Inspired by the joyfully rebellious nature of the owner’s shoe brand, the project uses everyday materials in unconventional ways. Stucco control joints wrap the facade, echoing the craftsmanship of shoemaking. Interior elements are boldly coloured to guide and define space while willfully insisting that no colours clash.

The main floor unfolds through a blue foyer and past an audacious powder room adorned with custom Fluevog wallpaper. The kitchen blends functionality with style, featuring fluted cabinets and a long window backsplash. The space then opens up to the living and dining area, seamlessly connected to the backyard patio.

A bright yellow stair leads to the second level which offers a multifunctional space serving as a family room, library, and hidden guest suite. A shared bathroom enhances privacy with separate areas for sinks and toilets, featuring playful tile patterns and cheerful yellow cabinetry.

At the uppermost level, the principal bedroom is illuminated by triangular and circular windows, and connected to a hallway study by clerestory glazing. The washroom showcases a walk-through shower and bath under a skylight. The study looks out over a sunlit yellow roof deck. There, a blue clawfoot tub sits before a large circular opening and looks across neighbouring gables to dense green treetops and hints of the mountains beyond.

As a Net Zero project, the creative expression of the architecture demonstrates how creativity and technical performance can continue to co-exist. As our building technologies become more necessarily prescriptive, the exercise here was to demonstrate how we can continue to achieve high performance buildings, within a highly creative context: the offset gable form is derived exclusively by the spatial needs of the solar array; and the simple, solid massing is an optimum form factor that allows for the continuity of the air barrier and thermal insulation. These resultant strong geometries are then repeated throughout the design - circle, square, triangle - creating a holistic language that reflects both the technical requirements of the project and the spirit of place.

West Elevation

East Elevation

Section 2

Main Floor

Second Floor

Third Floor

Roof Plan

3D Model Template

E15

320 East 15th Avenue, Vancouver BC

Type: Multi Family Housing, RM4, 49 units

Area: 28,429 SF / 2,647 SM

Status: Completed 2024

Developer: Open Form Properties

Mural Artist: Scott Sueme

The site is located in the RM-4 District of the Northeast Mount Pleasant Apartment Core Area at the prominent residential intersection of East 15th Avenue and Sophia Street, and directly across from Tea Swamp Park. The surrounding context is a mix of low rise apartment buildings, similarly scaled townhouse developments and low-rise single family homes.

The building comprises of a variety of unit types: studios, 1 bedrooms, 2 bedrooms, and 3 bedrooms that centre around a shared courtyard. In providing an assortment of unit types, the project aims to foster a diverse and robust community that prioritizes singles, couples and families while providing 41% Family Units. It also provides for 25% Garden Studios for individuals hoping to enter the buyers market.

The massing is further defined as a series of individually rendered home modules rotated 45 degrees and shifted in plane so as to expose the sidewalls of each module. In doing so, the distance between units is drastically elongated and reduces the sense of overlook and increases privacy as well as dramatically improving the courtyard experience. Additionally this gesture contrasts the traditional townhouse typology that often results in a long continuous massing along the street edge.

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1. The project is thought of as a series of individually rendered homes rather than a solid wall along the street. This is accomplished by turning the townhouses on a 45 degree angle - minimizing the continuous length of facade along the street, allowing for landscaping and terraces along the sidewalk, and maximizing the courtyard within. 2. Gaps in the massing create porosity, allowing for access to shared courtyard, and further breaking down the length of facade along the street. 3. Units open onto shared courtyard allowing for a community gathering space and landscape. 4. Landscaping along the sidewalk edge provides a buffer between the street and residential units.

1.Primary access to the courtyard is provided off East 15th Ave. 2. Open courtyard shared between residents. 3. Exterior bike parking at the street, in addition to private bike parking below grade. 4. Landscaping along the sidewalk edge provides a buffer between the street and residential units. 5. Access to below grade parking. 6. Car Share parking.

Courtyard Section

Garden Studio Outside

Garden Studio Inside

Level 2 Plan

C14

2992 Commercial Drive, Vancouver BC

Type: Mixed-Use, C-2C1, 14 units

Area: 13,239 SF / 1,230 SM

Status: Building Permit

Developer: AviSina Properties

The site is located in the C-2C1 District of the vibrant neighbourhood of Kensington-Cedar Cottage, at the intersection of Commercial Drive and East 14th Avenue, and directly across from Clark Park, and a short walk from Trout Lake Community Centre and VCC-Clark Skytrain Station. The surrounding context is a mix of low rise mixed-use buildings, similarly scaled townhouse developments and low-rise single family homes.

As a small-scale building, the project comprises of a variety of unit types: studios, 1 bedrooms, 2 bedrooms that open up to a quiet south-facing street. In providing an assortment of unit types, the project aims to foster a diverse community that prioritizes singles, couples and families while providing 37% Family Units.

Located at a prominent corner on Commercial Drive, an arch is carved out from the massing at the ground-level storefront: a inviting gesture to the public realm and city dwellers.

MAC

Main St. and E. Cordova St., Vancouver BC

Type: Mixed Use, 100% Social Housing, Retail, Office, Educational Facility, Theatre, 11 Floors Mass Timber Construction

Area: 103,279 SF

Status: Building Permit

Developer: Happy Harvest

This project will provide the Downtown Eastside/Oppenheimer community with a place of culture, connection and primarily, of home: 118 units of 100% social housing. A diverse mix of units ranging from micro-studios to three bedrooms, with 27% of the units being two bedrooms or larger (family units), the community is supported by a variety of amenity spaces, to further encourage the formation of integrated, resilient and healthy community at varying scales.

A carefully programmed mixed-use building, the building will include a music-capable not-for-profit community cultural space, New Harvest, allowing for space for the local community to carry on their own traditions of storytelling. In addition, the inclusion of micro CRUs and small scale commercial units are provided to support the tradition of local neighbourhood-serving retail in the area. Finally, strong educational programming will ensure a place of curiosity and learning. The goal is that all the programmatic elements harmonize into a place that activates, elevates and speaks to the surrounding community as a place of their own.

Primarily mass timber construction, the project was recently awarded a grant under the Province of British Columbia’s Mass Timber Demonstration Program. The goal of this architecture is also to create a system for living that is modular, repeatable and economical, targeting carbon neutral construction and operation. The architecture, conceived of as a forest of ‘Mother Trees’ harkens back to the history of what was once a maple grove nearby on the shore of the Burrard Inlet, and echoes the use of wood structure within the building.

The execution of this work sits at a timely peak of a changing tide; where the global pandemic has magnified the issues that we embrace as the vision for this work and ones that lie at the core of our City’s re-building, and healing: that the visible cultural presence of our diverse community is both a reconciliation and a richness; and that the provision of a boldly environmental and socially-focused architecture will nourish our City. The project, in all ways, strives to be a good neighbour.

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Micro Unit Interior

Modularity of Housing Types

THE HOLLYWOOD

West Broadway Vancouver, BC

Type: Heritage Theatre Restoration + Rehabilitation, Market Residential

Status: Residential - Complete 2022, Theatre - Complete

Area: 4270 sm Residential, 670 sm Hollywood Theatre Restoration + Rehabilitation

Photography: Exteriors - Ema Peter, Interiors - Janis Nicolay

Awards:

2023 BC Heritage Award for Conservation, Outstanding

2023 City of Vancouver Award for Outstanding Achievement for Heritage Conservation

This project comprises the conservation and adaptive re-use of the Hollywood Theatre, one of the last surviving neighbourhood cinemas in Vancouver and a superior remaining example of the Art Deco style. Through an innovative Heritage Revitalization Agreement that included a density bonus and transfer to the adjacent site, the obsolete theatre was transformed into a multipurpose performance venue, enabling its continuation as a beloved place of gathering for all citizens of Vancouver.

The primary intent was to preserve the existing historic structure, while undertaking a rehabilitation that would upgrade its structure and services to increase its functionality for theatre and performance venue use. The major interventions included: restoration of the historic front facade, including the neon signage and lighting; the preservation and recreation of surviving original interior character-defining elements; and the rehabilitation of the interior space to accommodate uses beyond a single screen movie theatre.

The introduction of state-of-the-art lighting, video and audio equipment ensures the Hollywood Theatre is relevant and modern while also enabling film screening; the original analogue projector and film reels have been retained in addition to its digital capacity. Technical upgrades to the electrical and mechanical systems and the introduction of a fire suppression and fire alarm system ensure the buildings' sustainability and resilience.

The project also includes the addition of a new, six-storey concrete residential building that stands proud in its own architectural presence. The new building, like the Hollywood Theatre, is read as a singular statement that resists the standard massing typical of Vancouver residential buildings. Because of this, the building remains sensitive to its context while also providing a distinct identity of its own. Set back intentionally from the facade of the Theatre, the new building invites the passerby to engage with the property under the colored and offset openings in the soffits, providing a visually delightful play of geometry and colour that accentuates the presence of the Hollywood Theatre.

The horizontal bands of the building recall the verticality of the Theatre pilasters, extending over the Theatre. This projection inextricably links the Theatre and the residential building, connoting their relationship both in form and in tenure. The protective arm of the residential building ensures that no building will ever be built over the Theatre.

Inspired by Architect Harold Cullerne’s design of the elegant theatre, the new residential building evokes the same glamour and elegance of the 1930s Jazz Age, a time when Vancouver was growing rapidly, building landmark Art Deco structures such as Vancouver City Hall, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Burrard Bridge. This style proclaimed the modernity of the young city and a progressive attitude. The swift movement of form and boldness of colour reflect this ethos in an architecturally unique form.

The Hollywood Golden Era, Portrait by Tamara De Lempicka.

The Hollywood Golden Era, Portrait by Tamara De Lempicka.

Original signage, prior to restoration.

“The Hollywood Theatre is one of the last surviving neighbourhood cinemas in Vancouver, and is a superior example of the Art Deco style. Architect Harold Cullerne designed the elegant theatre with neon signs reflective of the streamlined Jazz Age. Run by the Fairleigh family for four generations, it evoked the glamour and elegance of the 1930s, a time when Vancouver was growing rapidly, building landmark structures such as Vancouver City Hall, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Burrard Bridge, Art Deco icons that still define our city. This style proclaimed the modernity of the young city and a progressive attitude.” Donald Luxton & Associates, Inc.

1. Painting & repair of existing stepped front parapets, undulating second floor front facade treatment with angled wall planes and vertical pilasters, and vertical / horizontal shadow banding. 2. Restoration of multi-paned steel sash windows on second floor front facade. 3. Restoration (painting & repair) of inset scroll figures in panels at the top of facade & doors. 4. Restoration of all exterior sheet metal at canopy. 5. Restoration of all exterior signage. 6. Restoration of neon lighting in soffit. 7. Painting, cleaning, & scraping of original storefront elements including ticket booth.

Step One: Extrude 6 Storeys.

A vertical extrusion results in heavy shadowing to the backyards of the neighbouring homes to the north.

Step Two: Pull Massing South.

West Broadway Street is a busy, active arterial road with 4 lanes of traffic and parking on both sides, with wide sidewalks. By pushing the bulk of the massing to the Broadway side, we reduce visual & shadow impacts on the single family residences to the north. We believe that West Broadway should take the bulk of the massing.

Step Three: Step North Side To Shadow Less, push Back Commercial For Public Realm.

Step north side to shadow less. Push back commercial for public realm. This further alleviate visual & shadow impact on single family neighbourhood. By pushing back the first story, we create potential for space for public use, while deferring for the Hollywood Theatre, allowing it to stand proud.

Step Four: Create an Overhang.

Further area is removed at the North side. This area is recovered through a small overhang above the theatre. This reduces building depth and shadowing on the residential neighbourhood to the North while minimizing the impact on the Hollywood Theatre. Conceptually, the overhang shows the interconnection of the 2 buildings while guaranteeing that no form will be built over the Hollywood Theatre. It also allows for an expressive and animated east facade.

Step Five: Create an Architectural Expression to compliment the Hollywood Theatre.

The Vertical Expression of the art deco facade is transformed into a horizontal expression of the new building. Hollywood Modern.

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The Hollywood Golden Era, Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers.

W8

288 West 8th Avenue Vancouver, British Columbia

Type: Office/Industrial 4.5 FSR (1.5 Industrial / 3.0 Office)

Area: 6275 sm (67,547 sf)

Status: 2025 Marketing

Developer: Open Form Properties

Mechanical Engineer: AME Group

Energy Modeling: AME Group

Electrical Engineer: O’M Engineering

Mount Pleasant is in a state of reinvention - single-family homes are absorbed into and nestled between old and new industrial buildings, tech laboratories and offices, creating a continuous dialogue between the stoic industrial buildings of the past and the youthful cadence of the new hybrid Architecture. The urban fabric is also peppered with restaurants, breweries, wine bars and shops that serve the workforce while inviting the public into a traditionally sequestered industrial zone. These programs also invite sparks of nightlife, punctuating and activating a new after-hours life for the neighbourhood. The topography is elevated towards the northern view, creating another dialogue: In Mount Pleasant, you are simultaneously within a vibrant urban fabric, while the gaze is drawn outwards towards expansive views extending beyond the edge of False Creek, past the downtown skyline and across to the distant mountains.

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TOMO HOUSE ON MAIN

Main Street Vancouver, BC

Type: Cohousing

Status: Completed 2023

Area: 14327 sf

Developer: Tomo Spaces Inc.

Passive House Consultant: LaneFab Design/Build

Urban Place Consultant: Happy City

Choosing Lite Group: Our Urban Village

Landscape Architect: Jonathan Losee Landscape Architecture

Photography: Janis Nicolay

Tomo House is a new 12 unit development situated on a double wide lot. The project densifies the site to allow for a model of affordable ownership deemed “cohousing lite”. Situated between both the bustling thoroughfare of Main Street to the east and a quiet single family community to the west; between a 4 storey traditional apartment building to the north and a series of single family residences to the south, the project strives to balance modern needs within a traditional urban fabric. The architectural parti and its resultant form and massing are in response to the need for a new typology that is neither a traditional single family home nor the expected low rise massing typical to Vancouver. The project strives for the elusive “Missing Middle” in all ways: typology and buildability, affordability, sociability and sustainability.

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The architectural design strives to make connections outwardly to the surrounding neighbourhood. The corner of Ontario Place and Main Street becomes a welcoming space for all the community to gather, with the Common House purposefully placed adjacent to it, acting as a transition piece between the private courtyard realm and the public street face. The inclusion of “stoops” at the Ontario Place residential entrances are intended to invite interaction at the quieter street.

The broader sociability goals are further emphasized by the network of oversized exterior walkways that allow for informal neighbourhood interaction; the shared outdoor use at the courtyard and the Common House; shared patios; and shared laundry spaces.

1 Southern courtyard / building orientation maximizes daylight. 2 Through units and operable windows allow for passive ventilation. 3 Living spaces with larger windows are located on south / courtyard side to maximize solar gains. 4 Minimal glazing on north facade. 5 Thermally broken canopies and walkways provide solar shading on south facade. 6 Passive House envelope with minimal articulation. 7 20/80 glass-to-wall ratio 8 Passive House certi ed windows and doors with a U-value < 0.8 9 Secure bike storage in courtyard and in below grade bike room. 10 Shared vehicle parking space 11 Shared outdoor amenity 12 Permeable paving surfaces 13 Air source heat pump for domestic hot water 14 Passive House certified heat recovery ventilators within units.

Young Pines in Light, Emily Carr, c. 1935

1 Community interface in front of Common House: The front yard creates a soft zone between public and private realms, where Tomo residents, neighbours and passers-by intermingle. 2 The entry at Common House activates and animates the northeast corner of Main Street and Ontario Place. 3 The main residential entrance on Ontario Place marks the arrival from busy Main Street into a residential scale environment. 4 Entrances to the townhouses along Ontario Place activate the street and give a residential scale while still allowing for privacy. 5 A residential scaled facade along Ontario Place and Main Street provides a soft and approachable edge. 6 Generous glazing creates social transparency in and out of the Common House. 7 Public/private interface at neighbour stoops and Juliette balconies: These semi-private spaces encourage residents to linger where they can cast eyes on the street, but still feel at home. 8 The southeast roof line is scaled to two stories to respect the context and mediate the streetscape along Main Street. 9 The profile of the building along Main Street is shaped by the familiar ‘gable’ form that maintains the residential character and scale of the neighbourhood. 10 Pedestrian scale: The street canopy creates greater comfort for residents as well as other pedestrians.

1 The south-facing courtyard provides a sun lled social space for all residents. 2 Common House connection to courtyard and Main Street: By providing a space for shared meals, creation and recreation, the common house is a powerful enabler of daily, meaningful social encounters. 3 Flexible parking spaces allow courtyard to expand to lane: Like people in single-family dwellings, Tomo residents may occasionally use parking areas for extra social space. In a future of autonomous and shared vehicles, these parking spaces may be converted back to social use. 4 Lane entry. 5 Generous walkways, social stairs and patios off the walkways increase the likelihood of more frequent, casual interaction between neighbours. 6 A vibrant interior cladding scheme contrasts the more modest exterior. 7 Multi-level spaces encourage socialization. 8 Through units allow for cross ventiliation. 9 Robust materials ensure longevity and low maintenance over time.

1 Standing Seam Metal - White 2 Standing Seam Metal - Silver 3 Salvaged Brick - Buff 4 Passive House Certified Window - Wood 5 Passive House Certified Window - Aluminum 6 Steel Guardrail 7 Cementitious Panel Siding - Green, Varied Tones 8 Standing Seam Metal Canopy - White

A new cohousing community in Vancouver

BROADHURST & WHITAKER BLOCK

3493 Commercial Street, Vancouver BC

Type: Character Retention + New Infill Building, MC-1

Area: 22,137 SF / 2057 SM

Status: Complete 2022

General Contractor: Dicata Group

Photography: Conrad Brown, Francis Lai

Awards:

2025 Architecture Foundation of British Columbia (AFBC), Architectural Awards of Excellence, Special Jury Award

2023 BC Heritage Award for Conservation, Honour

2023 City of Vancouver Award for Heritage Conservation

Built in 1910, the Broadhurst + Whitaker Block is one of the oldest commercial and residential buildings in the surrounding area, representing the small, self-sufficient village that grew up around the interurban tram stop at 18th Avenue and Commercial Street. Abandoned since 2010, the primary focus of the work is the retention and restoration of the historical building and the addition of an infill residential building in the lane, to create a new courtyard community on the vibrant and eclectic Commercial Street.

At the Heritage Building, a full restoration: the original clapboard siding will be revealed and restored and the distinctive front facade rehabilitated to its original condition. The four original commercial units at grade and the original historical apartments will be restored and rejuvenated. A modern addition, distinct from and subordinate to the heritage building, is modestly placed atop the Broadhurst + Whitaker Block, allowing for four secure market rental units.

At the lane, a ten unit infill building is proposed. The mass of the infill is divided into five separate modules that shift along its length. This shifting allows each module to be read as an individual expression. Rendered in robust and timeless brick sized concrete block, the materiality is reminiscent of the surrounding industrial buildings, while parlaying warmth and character.

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1913. Frank, L. 3400 block of Cedar Cottage (Commercial Street)

1. All residential units are ‘through units’ enabling natural ventilation and access to an abundance of daylight. 2. Daylight to the courtyard is enhanced by stepping the massing of the infill and the addition to the Heritage building. 3. The undulation of the infill lane facade reduces the impression of scale from the lane and adds variation to the massing, differentiating the dwellings. 4. The residential setback above the podium provides hydro clearance, lower level patios, planting and reduces shadowing and sense of mass from the lane. 5. Covered, accessible Car-Share adds utility to the neighbourhood. 6. Location and orientation of stairs bound the courtyard while minimizing space and providing the necessary exits. 7. All infill glazing is designed as ‘french balconies’, providing ample access to daylight, views and ventilation. 8. The upper units of the infill include generous roof top patios that include planting on the lane to reduce overlook.

1. Original Heritage building is restored as per Conservation Plan; including period bay windows, trims, glazing, storefronts and details throughout. 2. The main residential entry is carefully located at an existing door location and highlighted by a period inspired blade sign. 3. The residential addition to the character building is recessed from the character facade by 8’-6”. This greatly reduces visibility of the addition from Commercial Street as well as providing generous outdoor patios. The minimalist and light appearance of the addition is subordinate to the existing building. 4. Coniferous planting adds to the roofscape and contributes to the urban ecology. 5. A green roof improves stormwater runoff, reduces heat island effect, is bird friendly and beautiful. 6. Infill is not visible from street. 7. The courtyard is designed to include residential patios, planting, trees and hardscaping in a balanced approach. 8. The Infill buildings reduced lane setback is necessitated by the depth of the Heritage building.

Infill from Lane

Infill from Courtyard

Addition to Character Building from Courtyard

Level 2 Plan

Section A:A

Due to the character and culture of this close-knit neighbourhood, an Open House was held in order to gauge support for the project and integrate early neighbour feedback. With overwhelmingly positive feedback, the project was submitted to the City of Vancouver and is currently under construction.

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STEPHENS

2525 Stephens Street, Vancouver BC

Type: Mixed Use, Multi Family Rental Residential C-2C

Area: 15,270 SF / 1 418.6 SM

Status: Completed 2022

General Contractor: Kindred Construction

Mural Artist: Zoe Pawlak

Photography: Upper Left Photography

Located in the densely populated neighbourhood of Kitsilano and along the major transit corridor of West Broadway, the site is an ideal location for pedestrian and bicycle-oriented residential homes.

Thirteen units of modern Market Rental housing atop two commercial retail units at grade, the dwelling units range from studio to three bedroom units, complemented by significant outdoor space in the majority of the units, oftentimes of similar size to the unit itself. These highly liveable units are housed within an architecture that pushes colour, art and landscape at the forefront.

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West Broadway @ Stephens St.

Zoning Envelope

Entry Mural, Zoe Pawlak

East

North

South

Second Floor Plan

MAD(house)

Vancouver, BC

Type: Multi Adult Dwelling, RS-1

Status: Complete 2014

Area: 2880 sf

General Contractor: Novell Design Build

Photography: Janis Nicolay, Stefan Levasseur

The MAD (house) is a multi-adult dwelling in Vancouver. Housing three sets of adults from the same family within a 2880 square foot volume, the home was designed to allow for wide open shared public spaces and private separated suites. A contrast of high volume spaces with small nooks allows for varied spatial experience in the contained footprint. The homeowners sense of whimsy and quirk allows the home its delightful eccentricities: peekaboo views from the window at the floor, an exuberant use of tile and colour, a column that carries rainwater, and coloured glass mosaic chips embedded in the concrete floor. The purposeful manipulation of natural light creates a sense of spaciousness in the home, while full height doors, soaring windows and wide open roof decks add to this sense of openness. The private spaces are purposefully intimate and smaller: the juxtaposition emphasizing a sense of respite and comfort. The home provides a practical solution to housing affordability and multi-generational living while embracing the homeowners’ artful and creative nature.

photograph by Janis Nicolay

photograph by Stefan Levasseur

LOWER FLOOR

1 LIVING ROOM 2 DINING ROOM 3 KITCHEN 4 BATHROOM 5 BEDROOM 6 SHARED LAUNDRY / MECHANICAL 7 SUNKEN PATIO 8 CRANNY

MAIN FLOOR

1 LIVING ROOM 2 DINING ROOM 3 KITCHEN 4 ENTRY 5 BATHROOM 6 BEDROOM 7 MUDROOM 8 OUTDOOR KITCHEN 9 RAMP

SECOND FLOOR

1 MASTER BEDROOM 2 MASTER BATHROOM 3 ROOF DECK 4 BEDROOM 5 BATHROOM 6 NOOK 7 PERCH

THIRD FLOOR

1 UPPER ROOF DECK 2 CRANNY 3 PLANTER 4 ROOF GARDEN

JERVIS

Jervis Street, Vancouver, BC

Type: Major Renovation + Vertical Addition, Market Rental RM-5B

Status: Complete 2019

Area: 1500 sm

Built in 1953, this classic four-storey apartment building in Vancouver’s dense and vibrant West End community was in need of love: a major renovation was undertaken to upgrade the existing suites, the building envelope, the fire and life safety systems and the electrical and mechanical systems to bring new life and vibrancy to the street.

A technical construction and building code exercise, the work also strives to create homes of high liveability. Floor to ceiling glazing maximizes the amount of natural daylight and fresh air for each suite, while the addition of numerous balconies per unit allows for a multiplicity of private outdoor spaces. These balconies, rendered in colourful and artful shades are set against a neutral canvas of metal cladding, providing residents and the surrounding neighbourhood with an Architecture that is sculptural, joyful and interactive.

Existing West Facade 1. Existing White Stucco 2. Existing Burgundy Stucco 3. Existing Windows 4. Existing Third Floor Suite 5. Existing Doors 6. Existing Stairs

West Facade 1. White Cementitious Cladding 2. Prefabricated Painted Balconies 3. Windows, Charcoal Frame 4. Glazed Doors, Charcoal Frame 5. Entry Doors With Sidelights, Anodized 6. Garage Door 7. Existing Concrete 8. Exterior Steel Door, White 10. Steel Canopy, White 11. Exhaust Vent 12. Air Intake Vent 13. Holes

Photo by Janis Nicolay

E5

1660 East 5th Avenue, Vancouver BC

Type: Stacked Townhouse, RM-4, 8 Units

Area: 11,230 SF, 1.45 FSR

Status: Completed 2023

General Contractor: Saint Group

Interiors: Evoke International Design

Renderings: Bam3D

Photography: Janis Nicolay

Located in Vancouver’s vibrant Commercial Drive neighbourhood, E5 (La Menta) is an 8 unit townhouse development, with a south facing courtyard for residents’ use.

The form of development is in response to the neighbouring courtyard typology, which is a sensitive and appropriate form at this infill block location. This form responds directly to the courtyard development to the east, allowing their open courtyard to remain unshadowed. At the same time, the courtyard does not obstruct the balconies of the neighbouring building at the west side yard. The courtyard plan allows for a greater use of shared outdoor space, and invites a more communal, ground-oriented family development.

The intent is also provide the community with a unique architecture that expresses its distinct typology. A minimal palette of materials is proposed so as to minimize visual noise, allowing for the architecture to remain a backdrop to the life of its inhabitants. The use of high quality glazed brick at the courtyard and street side, allows for a fresh and minimalist expression, while a variety of punched windows provide whimsy and cheer. We intend to provide the community with a warm and happy architecture.

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HOPE

Hope, BC

Type: Recreational Home

Area: 2,560 SF

Status: Completed 2021

Construction: Travis Slootweg

Photography: Janis Nicolay

This recreational home for an extended family was built to replace the original 1950s Douglas Plywood Association Recreational Home design that was the family cabin for several generations.

The parti was replicated to include two bars connected by a breezeway. This allows for immediate connection to each bar and comfortably to the outdoors through a series of sliding glass doors. The breezeway also serves to cool this intermediary space in the hot summer months while framing the stunning landscape beyond. The materiality of the building: clear cedar, left to silver; colourful door and transom panels; white painted wood and fibreglass covered shades, are all meant to evoke the memory of the past building.

At the two-storey module, a spacious floor plan allows for the family to dine and relax. Upstairs, the bedrooms are big enough for parents and all the kids in the bunk beds. The shared washroom allows for gathering around one big sink outside of separated toilet and shower/ bath rooms. The secondary module is designed as an individual suite for privacy, or a place to stash the kids to watch a movie.

The primary goal of the work to provide this large extended family with a place that felt like home, drawing familiarity from the history of place and a connection to each other and the surrounding nature.

Design Precedent - Design No.12 DFPA Second Home. Henrik Bull

1. Kitchen 2. Dining 3. Living 4. Mud Room 5. Storage / Mechanical 6. Bathroom 7. Bedroom /Den 8. Garage 9. Laundry Room 10. Planter 11. Deck / Breezeway 13. Canopy

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E23

Vancouver BC

Type: Multiple Conversion Dwelling, Character Retention + Infill, 4 Dwellings

Area: 5130 SF / 477 SM, FSR

Status: Completed 2024

E23 introduced four family-oriented homes organized around a design approach that celebrated both individuality and community. The work centred on creating a bold, legible distinction between old and new while prioritizing liveability and architectural quality. Each dwelling was crafted to function well on its own and as part of a cohesive whole.

The original 1924 Character Home was restored to re-establish its Craftsman proportions and presence on the corner site. Its essential roofline, form, and historic detailing including verandah elements, tapered fascia, eave brackets, traditional shingles, and restored wood trims were brought back to life after decades of alteration. This careful restoration allowed the home to reclaim its role as the primary figure on the property.

To honour that hierarchy, the new east addition was purposefully modern; set back, secondary in scale, and clearly differentiated through its form and articulation. A distinct roofline further reinforced a respectful separation between the historic structure and the contemporary intervention.

The laneway infill introduced two efficient, family-focused units. Clad in materials shared with the Character Home but detailed in a contemporary language, the infill is related yet an independent member of the architectural family. Its windows and outdoor spaces were oriented toward the lane to activate the streetscape while preserving neighbourly privacy.

Together, the restored Character Home, modern addition, and sensitively scaled infill created a unified composition; a small community where new and old inform one another, each retaining its identity while contributing to a whole.

More photos to come…

1. Full restoration of Character Home including all significant Craftsman period details. 2. Roof Pitch of Character Home retained; exterior walls are raised 18” to allow for increased ceiling height. 3. Front door of Character Home retains prominence of the street. 4. The colour of the Character Home is distinctive from the rest of the development, highlighting its importance and joyfully announcing its presence. 5. Spatial openness of site is retained. 6. Side yard addition is significantly set back from Character Home and front street. Natural topography of landscape also serves to diminish its presence. 7. Side Yard addition is rendered as modern so as to highlight Character Home.

1. The fully restored Character Home is visible from both Prince Albert and East 23rd Street. 2. The south corner is cantilevered over the new lower floor to create a visible and covered entry to this unit. 3. Modern and oversized glazing at the rear of the character building allows for the expression of the roof form and a generosity of daylight and northern view; infill facing windows are purposefully designed so as to avoid overlook. 4. A simple route through generous, low-rise and long landscape stairs provides clear wayfinding to each dwelling unit. 5. The infill is considered a hybrid design between that of the Character Home and the new addition, creating a family of similar, yet distinct buildings. 6. The infill building is lower than the principal character building. The Character Home is significantly below the allowable height, allowing the development to be grounded and human-scaled. 7. The covered balcony at the lane allows for privacy from the lane while the round window elevates the lane condition.

Original Character House

GARDEN

Garden Drive, Vancouver, BC

Type: Two Family Dwelling, RT-5

Area: 3158.6 SF, 0.75 FSR

Status: Completed 2021

Photos: MA+HG

The Garden Drive duplex is the third in a series of duplex projects for a repeat client. Unique to this project was the corner site that allowed for a significant departure from previous duplex planning and design principles as explored on earlier projects.

The corner site enabled the duplex to ‘read’ as two adjoined independent houses favouring the East 6th over the Garden Drive frontage. Rendered in high contrast, one in black, one in white, the gable forms are simple and direct that reference a traditional ‘house’ without the adornment of traditional details. The houses are understated, reflective of their time with detailing and materiality to complement contemporary construction techniques.

The duplex homes are mirrored in plan yet are not identical. Subtle variation between the two houses in plan, elevation, and detail inside and out, create some individuality in an otherwise stale vernacular.

The homes are each 2-1/2 story, slab on grade, stick built wood construction maximizing building height and area, while minimizing costs and maximizing effect.

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NAPIER

Vancouver, BC

Type: Character Retention, 3 Dwellings, RT-5

Area: 4030 SF

Status: Completed 2020

Photography: Janis Nicolay

Napier Street brings together character retention and thoughtful infill to create a small, family-oriented community on a single Vancouver lot. The existing Craftsman home is carefully restored and converted into two suites, reintroducing lost heritage elements such as shingle cladding, wood trims, and the traditional material break at the band board. Subtle modern interventions such as new dormers providing improved daylighting that supports contemporary living while preserving the home’s original charm.

At the lane, a modest new infill home provides a third family unit. Its form is simple and modern, yet it borrows key materials from the character house to establish continuity across the site. This dialogue runs both ways; the character house adopts the infill’s language of colourful alcoves at the entries, while the infill uses heritage materials in a contemporary expression.

Together, the two buildings frame a generous shared yard and a series of interconnected pathways and patios. These spaces create a balance between neighbourliness and privacy, offering places to gather, play, and form community. Careful massing, strategic window placement, and increased setbacks ensure the project fits comfortably within its residential context while contributing positively to the lanescape.

The result is a cohesive pairing of old and new; respecting the character of the original home while welcoming a modern, livable infill that meets the needs of today’s families.

1. New simple discreet dormer adds needed space and daylight while minimizing visibility. 2. The existing roof pitch is maintained yet raised to add space while maintaining original character aesthetic. 3. The character house is conceived as ‘elevated’ on a contrasted base to maintain character proportions and scale. A new steel stair acts like a ‘bridge’ connecting the character dwelling to a new modern landscape. 4. A simple route through the site provides clear wayfinding to each dwelling. A new feature wall facing napier will provide addressing reinforcing the clarity. 5. A generous 30’ deep courtyard maximizes outdoor space while minimizing overlook and sense of massing on the site. 6. The infill upper floor is ‘shifted’ to the west to provide Hydro clearance and reduce the sense of the infill massing. Direct facing windows are minimized. 7. All dwelling entries feature contrasting materials to add prominence and delight. 8. The infill’s offset massing allows for a covered ‘carport’ and covered secondary entrance to the infill, promoting a neighborly lane. 9. The flat roof of the infill allows for Northern views for the upper floor of the character house.

1. New modern glazing wall maximizes daylight and northern views over the flat infill roof. 2. New yard planting reinforces the site’s planning organization. 3. The Upper floor of the infill is 8’ back from the lane side property line to further reduce and diminish the massing facing the lane. 4. A large picture window frames Northern views and add to neighborliness along the lane. 5. An eastern access path provides clear rear access to all units as well as a secondary entry to the infill. 6. A western service path provides access to garbage and recycling area. 7. A small lane-facing deck maximizes liveability and minimizes overlook.

Existing Elevation

New Elevation

Section

TRINITY

Vancouver, BC

Type: Laneway

Status: Complete 2020

Area: 590 SF Residential

Contractor: Saint Construction

Photography: Janis Nicolay

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LANEWAY 1

Vancouver, BC

Type: RS-1 Laneway

Status: Complete

Area: 615 SQFT Residential/Studio

General Contractor: Smallworks Studios and Laneway Housing, Inc.

Completed in collaboration with Smallworks Studios and Laneway Housing, Inc., this wee laneway allows for a multiplicity of use. Purposefully designed to be a one storey building to take advantageof a bylaw allowing for a larger footprint, the space is intended to transform from a bodywork studio to a home over the course of one day. Thus, the functional aspects of the home are tucked to the edges: the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and laundry room project no further than three feet into the space in their closed positions, and all storage is tucked. This allows for a clear floor area whose soaring ceiling height belies its small square footage. The laneway homes' form is a play on the traditional gable, its structure askew on a diagonal and exposed, allowing for the warmth of the massive Douglas Fir timbers to infuse the modern space.

All Photographs by Janis Nicolay.

Cladding offcuts

1855 W2

1855 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver BC

Type: Mixed Use, Multi Family Housing + Commercial, 20 Floors, 171 unit Secured Market Rental, Below-Market Rental Housing Policy for Rezoning

Area: 122,051 SF

Status: Rezoning Approved

Development Consultant: JTA Development Consultants

The 1855 West 2nd Avenue project transforms an aging 36-unit apartment into a 171-unit secured rental tower, adding 135 new rental homes and delivering 20% below-market rental floor area. A generous 700 m² indoor/outdoor amenity program and commercial spaces at grade help establish a complete, community-serving development.

Located between Burrard and Cypress Streets, the site sits steps from transit, bike routes, parks, beaches, and the West 4th shopping district. Kitsilano’s identity; relaxed, youthful, and creative informs the architecture throughout.

The tower’s staggered solid-and-void façade creates a light, distinctive profile while supporting a high-performance envelope. Coloured balcony undersides, inspired by the tones of Kitsilano and the art of Gustav Klimt, add a vibrant, street-level character. As the building rises, reflective cladding subtly shifts toward blue, blending with the sky.

A two-storey glazed amenity pavilion crowns the tower, offering expansive views and a social hub for residents. With 11339 m² (122,051 sq. ft.) of floor area at 6.5 FSR residential + 0.3 FSR commercial, the project provides much-needed secured rental housing that draws inspiration from its current context while projecting a bright new future in one of Vancouver’s most beloved neighbourhoods.

1. PUNCHED WINDOW GLAZING 2. CURTAIN WALL GLAZING 3. GLASS GUARDRAIL 4. HORIZONTAL METAL PANEL 5. ACM METAL CLADDING 6. METAL MECHANICAL SCREEN

STEP 1.

The maximum anticipated building envelope is placed as a single mass on the site. The Broadway Plan identifies a maximum of a 20 storey tower over a 6 storey podium, at a maximum of 6.5 Residential FSR. The podium massing is elongated on the west/east axis, while complying with the setbacks as noted in the Broadway Plan. Above the podium, the tower is scaled to be within the maximum recommended floor plate area of 6500sqft and is justified to the east to allow for future tower separation potential to the west of the site.

STEP 2.

The massing is articulated into 3 distinct amenity zones, from top to bottom;

A. A two-level shared amenity space creates a unique cap to the building, prioritizing health, well-being and democratized access to Vancouver’s spectacular views for all residents.

B. The podium is topped by a roof deck amenity space with maximized solar access and outdoor play spaces.

C. The ground floor and mezzanine levels are fronted by commercial and retail spaces that interconnect with the building lobby, to create areas of social and commercial interaction at the ground plane.

STEP 3.

The massing is carved to reveal the 3 sections to further address the surrounding context while mitigating shadowing.

A. The top two levels are setback to reduce shadowing on Seaforth Peace Park and West 1st Avenue High Street, while allowing for a generous accessible outdoor space, with views to the North.

B. The podium is stepped to further delineate its use and continue to scale the massing from the adjacent street context.

C. The ground and mezzanine levels are pulled back to align with the setback of the adjacent properties for a cohesive streetscape, further articulating the tower mass.

STEP 4.

Balconies and windows are scattered across the facade to contrast the minimal tower form with a sense of unique play.

1. The Parker by Fitzrovia, Toronto; 2. Character Homes in Kitsilano; 3. Blue Sky; 4. Bauerngarten, Gustav Klimt; 5. Staggered Openings on Nieuw Bergen, MVRDV; 6. Metal Clad Apartment, Joliark

The proposed program mix is 100% Secure Market Rental housing. It draws from the Below-Market Rental Policy for Rezonings to provide 20% of units with income-tied rents for households earning less than $80,000 annually. The project additionally supports the need for family housing by providing 35% family units. The project greatly exceeds the minimum requirements for indoor amenity space by providing nearly 700sm of indoor amenity. The remaining program is 0.3 FSR of commercial retail, accessed off West 2nd Avenue, that aims to support the new homes as well as the neighbourhood at large. Canopies and the overhang of the tower provide a protected outdoor space onto which the program can extend. Large setbacks contribute to a welcoming public realm that includes new street trees, sitting areas and public bicycle parking.

A primary goal of the project is to maximize the amount of indoor amenity available to tenants to catalyze community, improve liveability and spark sociability within the tower. We believe this to be a key component in the creation of homes that support the happiness and well-being of its residents. We are excited to propose a building that aims to maximize this shared-use potential while celebrating this contribution as an architectural feature.

Amenity Space

APT

West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC

Type: Major Renovation

Status: Completed 2014

Area: 15000 sf

General Contractor: Eton West Construction

Photography: Ema Peter

A major renovation to 15 000 sf of tenant amenity area in a 12 storey residential tower. The design of the amenity floors are intended to complement the size of the units; they are all carefully detailed. The project highlights how design and creative thinking can address issues of affordability and sustainability.

MAIN FLOOR - LOUNGE AND LEISURE LEVEL

1 LOUNGE 2 CONVERSATION NOOK 3 TV LOUNGE / COFFEE COUNTER 4 CONCIERGE 5 RESIDENT DINING LOUNGE 6 ELEVATORS 7 OFFICE 8 RESIDENT LOUNGE 9 ENTRANCE LOUNGE 10 MAIL 11 SPIRAL STAIR DOWN

LOWER FLOOR PLAN - EXERCISE LEVEL

1 WORK ROOM 2 EXERCISE MACHINES 3 SAUNA 4 GAMES / YOGA 5 ELEVATORS 6 LAUNDRY 7 STORAGE 8 SINK / DRINKING FOUNTAIN W/ BENCH 9 LOUNGE 10 SPIRAL STAIRS UP

LITTLE SIX

RS, Vancouver BC

Type: Typology Research

Area: 18,500 SF / 1718 SM

Status: Ongoing

In our continued search to find new typologies to address the issues of densification and affordability of our low density neighborhoods, MA+HG presents 'Little Six'! Little Six, boldly extends on our previous work forming the Vancouver Making Room policy back in 2021, entitled 'Six' (units).

Today, and looking towards the future, we need to push significantly further. By focusing on min/max current and upcoming building code rather than existing zoning, a new typology arises.

Little Six is a six storey, light wood framed building on a double wide lot, (66'x122') and 2.3 FSR in buildable area. Designed upon a single exit stair and a max of 4 units per floor, Little Six could contain 21 units vertically accessed by single stair and elevator for accessibility.

Property setbacks are 10% side yard on both sides, 25' front and 30' rear. No basement provided.

Design features could include;

- At grade vehicular parking at the lane, up to 7 stalls (.33 stalls /unit)

- Bike room, amenity area and storage on level 1.

- An equally divided floor plate creates 4 - 2 bedroom corner units at 800+ sqft.

- Expansive 'clip on' balconies measuring 10'x10' for all suites.

We believe this typology could significantly address our issues of densification and affordability in the future, while also providing a new typology, a 'Missing Middle +'. Little Six's would engage a broader field of architects creating a variety of design responses, providing the city significantly more character than podium towers on maximum lot consolidations.

INDIAN ARM

Indian Arm, BC

Type: Single Family Residential - GVRD

Status: In Construction

Area: 200 sm Residential

Contractor: Powers Construction

Photography: Andrew Latreille

A family home on a site that is accessible only by water, this work represents the Owners desires to disturb no landscape, fell no tree and to employ only the most sustainable of building materials.

A series of prefabricated modules that will be built off site and craned into location, the home is both a study in prefabrication and of the environmental impact of common building materials and their alternatives.

The modules are conceived of as stacked boxes that both respond to and reveal the adjacent steep slope, and affixed to the spectacular view of Buntzen Bay. While one corner allows for a close reading of the adjacent landscape with windows parallel to the sloping ground plane, another hovers over the grade on delicate pilotis.

Indian Arm

Indian Arm Install by Powers Construction. Photography and Video by Andrew Latreille. Architecture by MA+HG Architects.

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Site Plan

1 Sleeping Module 2 Living Module 3 Beach Module

Beach Module

1 Entry Deck 2 Entry 3 Family Beach Room

Living Module

1 Roof Deck 2 Living Room 3 Kitchen

Sleeping Module

1 Living Roof 2 Bedroom 3 Spa 4 Master Bedroom

Arctic Tuk loaded with hoppers. Photo by Amix Group.

HOTEL

Victoria, BC

Type: Mass Timber Mixed Use, Hotel, Office, Restaurant

Area: 25,000 SF

Status: Feasibility 2022

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Exploded Axonometric

Mass Timber Construction Methodology

5W2

5 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver BC

Type: Mixed Use, Multi Family Housing + Commercial, 18 Floors, 122 unit Secured Market Rental, Below-Market Rental Housing Policy for Rezoning

Area: 106,461 SF

Status: Completed at Rezoning Approval, Virtual Open House Video

Development Consultant: JTA Development Consultants

This work represents a vision of both purpose and form rooted in the delivery of 100% Secured Market Rental Housing within a neighbourhood that is in need of a diversity of housing tenure and greater affordability. The work includes a youthful and expressive Architecture that draws upon the rich history of industrial and warehouse buildings of the area.

The intent of the proposal is to provide 122 units of 100% Secured Market Rental on a site that does not require residential displacement. The project proposes that 20% of these units are delivered with income-tied rental rates for households with moderate incomes, as defined by the new Below-Market Rental Housing Policy for Rezonings.

The project proposes 36% Family Units, with a diversity and variety of amenity spaces offering a multiplicity of use, within a landmark Architecture, one that is sensitive to daylight and view, responsive to its neighbours, and draws from its historical past to create a building of unique character.

The primary concept for the building design draws upon the industrial legacy of the area - conceptually the new 5W2 is a collection of industrial block buildings, modernized to form a collection of stacked brick residential massings. This robust character is conceived both in form and materiality - its harkens both to an industrial past, and celebrates a more robust future - a mixed and inclusive community built of lasting materials.

Concept Collage

Step 1. The maximum anticipated building envelope is massed on the site. No massing articulation in a 16 + 2 penthouse storey configuration.

Step 2. The massing is cut into 4 vertical sections to enable further articulation to address the surrounding vertical context. 1. A podium relates to the street. 2. The tower base forms a streetwall and matches the height of the neighboring building to the West. 3. The tower mid-block matches the building height to the East. 4. The tower upper-block incorporates the +2 into a +5 penthouse.

Step 3. Each vertical mass is tapered to reduce the sense of mass at the higher floors of the building, while reducing shadowing.

Step 4. Each mass is horizontally shifted and / or carved to respond to site conditions. 1. Podium is positioned to match adjacent buildings and form a continuous street wall. 2. The tower base is pushed to the East to maximize the side yard setback and create outdoor amenity space. 3. The tower mid-block is shifted to the west as it clears the height of the building to the West, creating a defined SEFC streetwall on the east. 4. The tower upper- block is pushed East and South to reduce shadowing towards the North-West.

The project aims to provide a diverse mix of 100% secure market rental housing, with 36% family units. It draws from the recent approved Below-Market Rental Policy for Rezoning’s to provide 20% of units with Income-tied rents for households earning less than 80,000 annually. The massing of the building as a series of stacked apartment blocks reflects the mixed community within, creating a unique landmark building that celebrates rental housing opportunities in our city.

The varying heights of the tower massing have been set to relate to the surrounding context in a unique yet clear way. Each volume relates to height datums of the adjacent buildings. The tower low-block reinforces the existing streetwall along West 2nd Avenue and steps back at the 8th floor. The tower mid-block is set to be compatible with the building to the North and the building to the East, reaching 13 stories before being set back to form the tower upper-block. The tower upper-block, being further reduced in scale, has a floorplate similar to adjacent penthouse floors. While rising to 18 stories, the building’s overall height may be described as 13 +5.

The vertical separation and shifting of massing results in multi-roof terraces that are to be used for a combination of shared outdoor amenity space and private patios, each with unique view and daylight opportunities. By providing a multitude of amenity spaces vertically throughout the building, no resident is more than 3 stories from an outdoor amenity space, accessible by elevator or stair. This strategy enables each vertical block to have a unique indoor and outdoor amenity space, providing a variety of opportunities to establish community within each block. Neighbours share a lounge or kitchen, and an adjacent ‘back yard’, where the community can gather outside their individual suites.

Each roof terrace creates opportunities for a variety of uses, including lounging, relaxing, meditating, congregating and partying, and will therefore require a careful balance of softscaping and hardscaping. The current landscape stategy treats each terrace as a ‘backyard’ to each unique building block. Each terrace will include green roof areas, roof planters and mature trees. The hardscape areas will include paved areas for picnic tables, BBQs and children’s play equipment.

Looking East on 2nd Avenue

2nd Avenue Streetscape

Building Section

South Elevation

Looking North from 1st Avenue and Ontario

SIX

RS Prototype, Vancouver, BC

Type: Study

Status: Complete 2021

Area: 5750 sf

We were honoured to provide the schematic design that formed the basis for the upcoming motion “Making Housing Options for Middle Income Earners” heading to Council. By making small changes to the existing Zoning Bylaw, we can create enhanced affordability for homebuyers while still maintaining the character of our neighbourhoods. The design, pictured here, is a 4-unit front building with a 2 unit lane building with a front yard and a backyard. Betcha couldn’t tell.

CO-

Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC

Client: RizeLab

Type: CO-Research

Status: Completed

Area: 136,600 sf Total, 75,500 sf Residential (185 Units), 16,960 sf Amenity, 12,525 sf Retail

MA+HG Architects were commissioned to undertake a research-based project by RizeLab, the research arm of Rize Alliance Properties, Ltd. Situated on a test site in Vancouver, CO- aims to create a new housing model for Vancouver. CO- draws its principles from co-housing and co-living dwelling typologies, while recognizing the limits and strengths of each model. The study is based on ideas of community, porosity of building, access to outdoor space and the sharing of an abundance of amenity space all within a membership model - where amenities may differ from building to building but accessible by all residents of each building.

CO- is rooted in the idea that the creation of real, ample, and useable shared amenity spaces allows individual unit sizes to become smaller, thus larger in number. These amenity spaces allow sociability to play a more significant role in day to day life: activities that would traditionally be undertaken in solitude are now conducted communally with neighbours. By eliminating redundant area within a suite, we create shared kitchens, courtyards, lounge spaces and laundry spaces; shared workout and work spaces and shared spaces for gathering. This multi-generational community can participate in a myriad of activities designed specifically to catalyze community at varying scales: from the Neighbour scale(the adjacent two units), to the Block (the adjacent seven units), to the Neighbourhood (the adjacent thirty-five units), the Village (the adjacent 185 units) and finally, to the City at large (additional CO- buildings).

CO- also creates a model for 185 affordable homes that are capable of renting for below the required City of Vancouver Rental 100 maximum rates. The increase in unit count also allows for an offset to additional construction costs brought on by the building typology.

CO- also imposes a new building bylaw rationale: one that reasonably debunks current City of Vancouver bylaws and counters the current homogeneous six-storey stacked typology. This allows for the creation of a porous and expressive architecture by adding modest height to contained areas of the development, while allowing other areas to be lower than six-storeys. This model also allows for a deeper porosity of building: one where ample and useable green space is shared and sunlight penetrates throughout: it also allows for double exposed units: each suite has access to daylight from both ends.

the intention of this work is to reveal creative opportunities for development that support affordability, community interaction and sociability, our drive to a sharing economy and the formation of homes that create happiness.

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CONFETTI

CANADA

Type: Research, Mixed Use Residential, 920 Units

Status: Completed

Area: 799,435 SF / 74,270 SM

MA+HG Architects were commissioned to explore ideas for a large scale residential development in Canada. This exploration represents a continuation of our firm philosophy of Social Density: the density in an area in terms of the number of people and, the number of interpersonal reactions that are likely to happen in a setting. With Social Density, we can create communities that engender what we believe to be our collective core values as human beings: to feel safe, to belong, to feel cared for, to be well. Put another way, we seek to endorse the fundamental right to happiness.

The work here represents an evolution of this thinking, as the age of social distancing magnifies our need for connection and how as builders of our urban environments, we must learn to inspire and incite it, especially when we must be physically apart. It also gives us the opportunity to apply these principles to a setting that we have been unable to directly explore and understand. This tests our assumption that the ideas we use to create this sense of belonging and well-being are universal: to Build Social Bonds; to Bring the Outdoors Home; to Connect to History; to Bring Art and to Embrace Colour.

The tools we use to achieve these ideas are small, scattered insertions that occur mostly at a human scale. The insertions serve to permeate and perpetuate the ideas of the work. Collectively, we call them “Confetti”: colourful bits of scattered art and function that serve to connect, catalyze and create happiness.

Amenity Decentralization

Amenity Types

Amenity Distribution

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Balcony Area Comparison

Balcony Types

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Balcony Summer View

Balcony Winter View

Balcony Structure

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E27

Vancouver, BC

Type: Net Zero Single Family Home, RS-7

Area: 2610 SF

Status: Building Permit

Construction: Saint Construction

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PEOPLE'S PLAYBOOK

Collective Solutions for Inclusive, Social Neighbourhoods

Type: The Missing Middle Competition

Status: Awarded - Second Place

Location: Port Coquitlam, BC

Project By: Happy Middle - Harley Grusko, Mark Shieh, Leslie Shieh, Wilmer Lau, Charles Montgomery, Kathy McGrenera, Michelle Hoar, Rufina Wu, Elsa Snyder

Our regional housing challenge is urgent. Too often, top-down redevelopment and cookie-cutter prescriptions fail to produce the flexible forms that meet the needs and incomes of a diverse population.

Let’s empower more people to become makers of their own neighbourhoods.

Our solution: A Playbook that gives neighbours a catalogue of ‘moves’ to create their own ‘plays’ and to creatively collaborate and do more with their land.

Over time, these ‘plays’ result in walkable, transit-friendly, medium-density neighbourhoods that offer long-term affordability, inclusive sociability and the continuing freedom for homeowners to make and choose the housing that suits them.

The Playbook reflects the aspirations of Port Coquitlam’s 2015 Housing Action Plan, but could be easily replicated in other municipalities.

The policy and design ‘moves’ push what’s currently permissible in Port Coquitlam’s RS1, RS2 and RS4 zones. These changes are necessary to achieve four of the six directions outlined in the Housing Plan:

• Expand opportunities for housing within residential neighbourhoods

• Increase options for ground-oriented housing

• Protect and expand rental housing

• Address housing needs of a growing senior population

Key Policy and Design Moves;

• Provide more support to small-scale development projects, especially those that involve collaboration between neighbours.

• Create long-term affordability for people to stay in place with a variety of tenure forms.

• Support spaces and programs that spark social interactions between neighbours.

• Decouple parking requirements from individual property. Instead solve for parking at neighbourhood scale.

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BROUGHTON

1160 BROUGHTON (SEE-EM-IA LANE)

West End, Vancouver, BC

Type: Laneway Infill

Status: Design Completed

Area: 611 sm Residential, 6 units, stacked townhouse configuration.

Located in the densely populated neighbourhood of the West End and along the newly named See-em-ia Lane, the site occupies the corner of See-em-ia Lane and Broughton Street. The site is one and a half blocks off the Comox Street bike route and adjacent the bustling yet more residential portion of Davie Street. The site is an ideal location for pedestrian and bicycle oriented residential market rental homes.

The primary intent of the proposal is to provide 6 units of market rental housing to the West End
neighbourhood, comprising three one-bedroom units at 745sf and three two bedroom units at 1016 sf.

Secondarily, the intent is to provide for small scale, incremental growth in a manner that is appropriate to the urban fabric of the West End.

Finally, the intent of the project is to provide the in ll residents with spaces of high liveability in a dense setting: the project proposes larger than average unit size with dual aspect, generous glazing and roof top patios. The new courtyard space between the existing building and the new infill building provides all resi-dents with shared outdoor amenity. The intent is to provide both residents and the surrounding neighbour-hood with an Architecture that is refreshing and youthful that reflects its contemporary time, while its scale and mass reflects the desire for small scale, incremental growth.

THE COMMODORE BUILDING

Granville Street, Vancouver, BC

Type: Heritage Class 'A' Storefront Rehabilitation + Base Building Restoration

Status: In Construction

The Commodore Building is a Category ‘A’ classified building on the Vancouver Heritage Register. Originally completed in 1930, this project intends to restore the Commodore Building to its rightful presence on the street, embracing both its history and its location in the Entertainment District.

The design of the seven storefront entrances is a series of regular, repetitive steel arch modules that comprise a dedicated area for signage, glass canopies and display. This modular element will be repeated at each arched opening, reinstating the rigour and regular rhythm of the original design. The existing imposing horizontal canopy, installed in the late 2000s, will be removed and the original glazed storefronts will be reinstated. The original decorative sunburst motif at the transom is reinterpreted at the edge of the archway evoking the past while complementing the original tilework at the perimeter of the arches.

The project will also restore existing historically significant base building elements, replace missing historical elements and repair existing historical features.

The 70's, The Commodore.

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In Construction

APT 2

12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC

Type: Secure Market Rental Housing - Rental 100

Status: Design

Area: 2600 sm Residential

APT2 is a 6-storey modular residential building that provides 42 secure secured market rental units ranging from studio to three bedrooms. The intent is to build upon the thriving community at the existing building, APT, which was renovated in 2014. APT currently provides residents with a youthful, energetic urban community within a sharing environment. Here, the sense of commonality that increased density provides, as well as the environmental bene ts of living small and sharing in abundant common amenity outweigh the perceived need for large private spaces.

This notion contributes not only a sense of community within an urban environment but also provides the resident with an economical solution to housing affordability. The project provides affordable secured market rental housing within an already established community setting that is in keeping with the intent of the City of Vancouvers’ Housing and Homelessness Strategy. This is a timely and important response to the current lack of rental housing and the affordability crisis in the City of Vancouver.

The rationale for the design of the proposed building was based on the intent of the District Schedule, to ensure that the new midrise building be respectful of its surrounding low rise context and that the existing garden remain as ground plane amenity.

The infill building is thus conceived of a building in a park, with the landscape amenity taking a central role in the shaping of the form of the building.

The building proposes a stepping facade, in both plan and elevation. By increasing the front yard setback at the southwest corner, the building mass is reduced adjacent the existing low rise building. This is further accentuated by setting back the facade at the third to sixth storey and further mitigates the rise to the 13 storey building by stepping up as the modules move to the east.

As part of this proposal, the roof of the existing building is renovated to include a new roof landscape amenity area. This, in addition to the proposed landscape roof of the new building and usefully designed outdoor ground landscape, results in a substantial increase in usable outdoor amenity. All landscape amenity areas will be designed to allow for a variety of programming including, communal gardens and private lounging areas.

APT2 will provide residents with desperately-needed secure market rental housing in a small-scale high- density community that thrives upon interaction and is responsive to current issues of urbanity, density, live-ability and affordability.

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Landscape design and Image by Atelier Anonymous

1. Roof Garden 2. Apt Park 3. Residents Gardens 4. Apt Access 5. Raised Garden Space 6. Children's Play 7. Games Area 8. Seating & Lounging 9. Gathering 10. Eating 11. Film Screening 12. Covered Bicycle Storage

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6 Story Mass

Residential Module

Plan Shift

Sectional Shift

Streetscape Facade Concept

WEST 2ND

West 2nd, Vancouver, BC.

Type: Exterior Renovation, RM-4

Status: Complete 2015

Area: Exterior Facade + Balconies

Photography: Janis Nicolay

A balcony and guardrail replacement that began as a technical exercise, a more playful approach to the renovation was instead proposed. Creating a more vibrant and happy face to the street, this project highlights how one simple move using standard building materials can create great impact and immediately refresh an aging but much needed market rental building.

GIBSONS

Gibsons, BC

Type: Private Masterplan

Area: 5 Acres

Status: Development Permit

1. Treehouses  2. Elevated Walkway  3. Boathouse  4. Connecting Structures  5. House of Four Chimneys  6. Existing Beach House  7. Meditation Dome  8. Pathways  9. The Portal  10. Pagoda  11. Bog  12. Neon Angel  13. Garage  14. Music Practice Room  15. Terraced Hillside Gardens 16. Sauna

MANSIONS

Vancouver, BC

Type: Feasibility Completed

Status: In Progress

Area: 84,550 SF

LITTLE MOUNTAIN LEARNING ACADEMY

UBC Campus Vancouver, BC

Type: Tenant Improvement

Status: Complete 2011

Area: 2300sf

Photography: Stefan Levasseur

General Contractor:
Woodworks Custom Developments

A 2300sf educational facility for children, Little Mountain Learning Academy wanted to create a space that was bright and energetic but seriously useful. The main feature is a 60’ long library wall that infuses the space with an unexpected whimsy, while operating as a functional bookcase adjacent the open study spaces. A structure of Douglas Fir GluLam beams and columns with exposed steel connections, the library wall adds a sense of permanence to the space while infusing it with warmth. A long magnetic chalkboard wall with tangram magnets provides an area of quiet creative educational play, a partner to the joyful rumpus of the classrooms.

FLOOR PLAN

1 RECEPTION 2 KITCHEN / STAFF ROOM 3 WASHROOM 4 OFFICE 5 CLASS ROOMS 6 LIBRARY WALL 7 FLEX SPACE

LIBRARY WALL ELEVATION

LG RESIDENCE RENOVATION

Vancouver, BC

Type: Renovation, RS-1

Area: 1000 sf

Status: Completed 2011

General Contractor: Novell Design Build

Photography: Jean Phillippe Delage

A complete transformation of a seldom used ground floor from basement storage to master bedroom and living quarters, this renovation was inspired by the homeowners’ profession of archeology. Rather than merely repair and replace the old, the project was designed with the principle of peeling away and exposing the layers of history found in the 1927 home. The contrast between old and new is proudly pronounced: Original red brick fireplaces are revealed, their chalk inscriptions from previous owners left behind; old fir beams find new life as stair treads, and vintage fir planks salvaged from the demolition become a crafted herringbone feature wall. The concrete floor is uncovered, contrasted by shiny new tiles. A spectacular cool blue wet room and powder room adjoin a new master bedroom; the headboard is the vintage brick fireplace. Uncovering the hidden treasures in the everyday creates an architectural palimpsest of time, lending a sense of permanence, warmth and longevity to the family who grows here.

1 FAMILY ROOM 2 MEDIA ROOM 3 MECHANICAL ROOM 4 POWDER ROOM / LAUNDRY 5 MASTER BEDROOM 6 DRESSING TABLE NOOK 7 WET ROOM 8 EXERCISE ROOM