This mixed-use retail, office and residential complex in Kitsilano mixes retail and residential aspects with the historic streetscape of this urban village. This integration reduces the need for travel by car. Built on the site of a former car dealership, the complex was designed to make a positive contribution to a healthy and sustainable neighbourhood. It is now used as a planning model by the city of Vancouver. The development was readily accepted by the neighbourhood, thanks to an exemplary public consultation process.

Highlights

A closed-loop, ground-source heat pump heats and cools the commercial levels and two penthouses, as well as the domestic hot water for the other condominiums. The 80 wells, 250 feet deep, were drilled in record time using oil-drilling crews. This reliable, energy-efficient system needs no backup. Energy-efficient metered-gas fireplaces heat the condominiums. Electric baseboards heat bedrooms: bathrooms are heated by low-voltage radiant heating in the floors. The brick-and-stucco rainscreen wall with steel-stud backup provides good thermal, acoustic and moisture performance. The wall’s air barrier reduces air leakage and moisture penetration. Glass block around courtyards and endwalls lets daylight into the corridors. This promotes a less energy-dependent environment. Low-energy electric fixtures are also used. Residential and office windows are thermally-broken, aluminum double-glazed units. On south-facing windows overlooking a busy street, triple glazing reduces noise. Form work was reused horizontally for the concrete frame. Recycled materials include carpets made from recycled pop bottles.

Other vital information:

Building type: five-storey mixed-use retail, residential, and office
Location: 2211 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
Status: completed in 1993
Construction cost: $15 M or $1154/m2
Owner: Harold Kalke, Salt Licks Ltd. Kalico Development
Gross floor area: 13,000 m2
Typical population: 78 residential units total: one-bedroom, two-bedroom and studio units, with two larger penthouse units.
Automobile parking: 274 underground spaces.
Landscaping: Hardy plants needing little water or sun decorate the terraces and small courtyards overlooking the busy street.