ZARA AT LAKESTONE

The development site is located at Lakestone in the Benchland neighbourhood with prominent views of Okanagan Lake and scenery of vineyards and park-conservation area. The project will feature two separate 6-storey buildings with 86 units, orientated east/west and north/south, adjoined at the 5th level with a sky bridge. Two entry lobbies are proposed adjacent the breezeway between the buildings, connecting to ground level amenities and large outdoor infinity pool, fire pits and hot tubs.

The project required a variance to allow for increased height from 4 to 6 storey to reduce the site coverage, create more public space at the edges, preserve views and to minimize the impact of the buildings to the surrounding single family uses. The design of the building follows a Westcoast style of architecture and considerable thought has been given to the rationale for increasing the height. The building design is sensitive to the natural environment in attempting to minimize the site coverage and increasing the area available as part of public realm on the site. The reduced building footprint allowed to preserve view corridors, created more separation to adjacent land uses and an additional space for the public realm with commercial uses. The proposed residential amenities will include sun deck with swimming pool and hot tub overlooking the lake, fitness centre and spa facilities. Public plaza connects the commercial area to the exisiting public park and the surrounding neighbourhood. The project will include a small commercial component with retail and services spaces with a range of intended possible uses; rental shop for outdoor activities, café and juice bar, restaurant/bar, medical clinic, boutique grocery store and other services.

These buildings will be steel construction, because of its strength, steel can span greater distances offering larger open spaces and increased design flexibility. Steel also offers a superior acoustic floor and wall assembly over traditional wood frame. Exterior rigid insulation will be used to minimize thermal bridging and comply with building code requirements, creating an environmentally responsible building.