Bridging scale and density
Russell and Maple
15631 Russell St, White Rock
Status: Design Development
The Challenge
To design a transitional multi-family residential project, bridging scale and density in a rapidly changing neighbourhood.
About this project
Situated in the city of White Rock, the project proposes a collection of stacked townhomes arranged in a courtyard typology. The site is located directly adjacent a high-rise development, the first of its kind in the neighbourhood which creates an immediate jump in scale and density from the comparatively low-rise, single-family context.
The project seeks to bridge this gap with a massing that matches the adjacent high-rise podium and steps down to the scale of the future 3-storey multi-family residential developments planned for the area. The project takes advantage of the ocean views available by designing loft penthouses with access to roof-top terraces. The concept of an outdoor-leisure lifestyle is carried throughout the design with a wide garden courtyard, open-air landscaped walkways and central outdoor amenity space.
The courtyard scheme has a multitude of benefits including unique dual-exposure units which see increased access to nature, views, natural light, and cross ventilation then homes arranged on the typical “double-loaded corridor”. The design combines glass, metal, wood and stone finishes to invoke a clean, west-coast modern feeling. The restraint of the material palette intentionally allows the architecture to stand as a quiet, ordered backdrop to the dynamism of the extensive landscaping, where the changing seasons and colors of nature will take center stage.
