WEST QUEENS – AFFORDABLE HOUSING

This high-performance building that provides secured, non-profit owned, affordable rental homes, supports the mission of Hollyburn Family Services Society of BC and many policies and objectives of the District of North Vancouver. The proposed development is a four-storey rental building that will offer 86 affordable units.

The Delbrook Lands are currently owned by the District of North Vancouver and include a parking lot and various buildings used for recreation and community services. The site is adjacent to a 4 storey seniors’ residence on the west and surrounded by single family residences across public streets to the east and south.The Community Centre located to the north is scheduled to be demolished at a future date and become a city park.

Architecturally, the 4-storey rectilinear massing reflects a distinct residential contemporary character. The long facade along West Queens Avenue has a strong visual articulation to reduce the massing impact and to align with the adjacent neighbouring properties and street context. The main residential entrance is defined by warm wood-toned horizontal siding and a glazed lobby to orient both resident and visitors as they approach the building. Large indoor amenity space is located on the first floor and is connected to the outdoor amenity space and community garden area that is located to the north. The east and west exposure of the outdoor space will encourage use during morning and afternoon hours. The massing is carefully articulated through the use of materials, feature frames, balcony elements, as well as with oversized overhangs. Creating an incremental quality to the development is an important consideration in the design and contribution to the diversity of the streetscape. Along West Queens and Stanley Ave, landscaping responds to sloping site conditions, and provides a visual buffer to soften the building. The building will be designed to BC Energy Step Code 3.