Vancouver’s New Construction Aims Higher and Higher

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In 2027, the Vancouver skyline will get a new look when Curv, estimated to be the tallest passive building in the world, is completed. Rising 61 stories and with a name inspired by its seemingly rounded shape, Curv will rise in the West End on Nelson Street between Thurlow and Burrard.

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Developed by Montreal’s Brivia Group and designed by Tom Wright Architects, Curv will be the tallest residential building in Vancouver, says Jacky Chan, CEO of BakerWest Real Estate.

“It’s going to be the most energy efficient and sustainable building in Vancouver,” says Chan. “It will set the tone for a new era. This will be used as an example for all future developments.”

Curv pre-sales are planned for the end of 2022.

And the winner is…

After a four-year break, the Urban Development Institute Awards were presented at a sold-out event of 750 attendees at the Hyatt Regency in Vancouver on May 11.

“Usually it happens every two years,” explains Ginny Normandeau, program manager at UDI. “It was supposed to happen in 2020, but due to COVID, it was delayed.”

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This year the institute introduced two new categories, one of which was Innovation in Affordability, awarded to Aryze’s Tiny Home Village in Victoria – 30 transitional housing units built from reused shipping containers.

“This time, the jury created a new category to address Aryze Developments’ Tiny Homes Village as truly worthy,” says Normandeau. “They just felt like they wanted to create a special award to bring attention to that instead of having him as a finalist in the other categories.”

Charles Gauthier received another new category, the Public Practice Award. Peeter Wesik, President of Wesgroup Properties, was inducted into the Hall of Fame and Mike Mackay of Strand Development received the Maureen Enser Future Leader Award.

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For a full list of winners, go to udi.bc.ca/awards-2022/.

inspiration suite

“I love making beautiful show homes, but I also like making them accessible so people can imagine living in something similar to what we show,” says Allison Mark, senior design manager for Wesgroup Properties.

Mark’s most recent work is Ace on The Drive (1690 E 12th Avenue, Vancouver), a project that reflects the vibrant energy of the Commercial Drive neighborhood. The space is a fresh and elegant take on functionality with a dash of whimsy. Cheerful poppy-print wallpaper in the bathroom complements geometric floor tile and modern finishes, for example, while a “flex” space has been transformed into a creative home office.

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“I had this vision,” says Mark, referring to the wallpaper. “I knew it was going to stand out and be a point of remembrance.”

Mark likes to work with a neutral palette that incorporates different textures and tones, which is why he appeals to both men and women. He then adds what she calls “punches” with art, accessories, and bedding, ending up with unique, even quirky, pieces for the character.

Mark has found the feedback on the display set encouraging.

“People walk away excited about the project,” he says. “They are excited that this could be their potential home. That makes me feel great knowing that I have designed a space that people find welcoming and are excited about and want to show it off.”