Piccadilly Road Townhomes

**North Vancouver, BC // Piccadilly North GP Ltd**
Teaming up with Inception Capital and Ankenman Marchand Architects, LOCI is part of a unique in-fill proposal for a multi-townhome development on the site of the historic Gentles Cottage, an early pioneering homestead nestled on the cliffs of Caulfield, in West Vancouver. This rich history, along with the expansion and modernization of the cottage in 1951 by the renowned architectural firm Sharp and Thompson, Berwick, Pratt and Partners, helped guide the design character and materiality for both the homes as well as their adjacent outdoor spaces.

01 // Plan + Analysis

The landscape design approach to the site focuses on (4) four underlying thematics: use of naturalized materials in visible areas iconic to the North Shore; celebrate the site’s hydrology and proximity to the ocean; foster a sense of ‘community’ on site by providing spaces for both intimate and group gatherings; and preserve the site’s rich history through the integration of existing buildings and possible interpretive signage. The above design considerations will help shape the outdoor experience, expressed in materials, characters and form.

02 // Visualizations + Engagement

The role of water on the site is also brought to life via a continuous water feature, descending along the centre of the site in cascading terraces and pools and culminating in a “seasonal” pond at the site’s lowest elevations. For the houses themselves, the rooftop decks will be programmed for a variety of social uses and gatherings while taking advantage of the amazing views to the south overlooking English Bay. Rainwater collection strategies are made visible via green roofs for each house , comprised of sponge-like sedums and grasses to mimic the north shore’s coastal bluffs. A proposed wood structure at the base of the site, in the “secret garden”, is a nod to the existing historic gazebo structure adjacent to the heritage home.

03 // Flythroughs

We also utilized 3-D modelling and video animation as a design tool to communicate our ideas to the District of West Vancouver and Public during city meetings as well as multiple public open houses hosted by the Team.