January 28, 2017
Alberni by Kuma
“"In this project, the minimal glazing details and the layered landscaping blurs conventional boundaries to enhance the sense of continuity. The design celebrates the presence of nature in Vancouver." – Kengo Kuma” Master architect Kengo Kuma's latest project, Alberni by...
May 01, 2015
3681 Sunset Lane
The Sunset house by Mcleod Bovell Design, recipients of the Arthur Erickson Memorial Award, is a newly constructed 6,428 square foot house that fronts a steep, rocky terrain, with south facing views reaching as far as Lions Gate Bridge, and private views to the...
January 30, 2015
The Value Return From Home Renovations
"Value", in the context of real estate, is a nebulous term. Homeowners are inherently biased in terms of what features or renovations contribute to increasing the value of their home. A better-suited definition is "Market Value"—based on objective observation of...
June 23, 2014
Stanley Park
Vancouver's 400 hectare urban oasis, Stanley Park, was recently voted the number one park in the world according to Trip Advisor, a travel website that receives 50 million+ monthly unique visitors, and millions of user reviews; 6,300+ of which were...
June 18, 2014
Mere Postings
A Mere Posting is a property that is listed for sale through the MLS®, by a homeowner who is not in an agency relationship with a REALTOR®. Although the homeowner must list the property through a licensed REALTOR®, the cost to...
June 18, 2014
Vanglo House
“"Designed to strike a fine balance between simple elegance and engaging playfulness." - Oliver Lang” There are exciting development projects under construction in Vancouver, with radical architecture that deviates from traditional run-of-the-mill design, livening up the neighborhoods with their presence. The...
May 29, 2014
Rain Catchment Systems
Yes, it rains in Vancouver. A lot. But besides it being a default conversation starter, a reason to complain on Facebook, or perhaps even population control for our small city, some prefer to be resourceful and capitalize on the use of...
May 27, 2014
Aperture
“"It will be like living in an idea." - Urban Design Panel” Arno Matis Architecture's Aperture development is located along the Cambie Corridor. The structure, much like the 6th and Willow townhouse complex, possesses an architectural presence that welcomely deviates from the...
May 21, 2014
Gastown 1905 to 2014
As Vancouver's original Downtown founded in 1867, Gastown survived a period of decline and disrepair following the 1960s—today known as a tourist and commercial hub, and home to a number of the city's most prominent high-tech businesses and startups. It...
April 30, 2014
Vancouver's West End Gentrification
“"Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts." – Arnold Bennett” It's one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in Western Canada, comprising 35% of Downtown Vancouver's peninsula, and with the City under...
April 17, 2014
6th and Willow Townhomes
“"The essence is the essential and the essential is the essence." – Michael Green” Designed by Michael Green Architecture, the townhomes sit on the corner of 6th and Willow in the Fairview area of Vancouver West. Its minimalist yet richly...
October 12, 2013
Economic Fundamentals of Transit
Urban and Real Estate Economics at The University of British Columbia is one of the most interesting courses offered in their Real Estate program. Not because students wake up everyday excited to deconstruct the elasticity of supply and demand, but...
October 03, 2013
Laneway Housing
Typically classified under names such as coach houses, infill housing, and granny flats—Laneway House (LWH) is a densification initiative that can provide many benefits for both the land owner and tenant. Made official in late 2009, the Council adopted regulations...
September 01, 2013
How Your Home Is Valued: Physical
In Part 1, we discussed how location affects the market value of a home. In Part 2, we take a look at how physical characteristics are factored into determining property value. Everything from the orientation of a property to the...
August 19, 2013
How Your Home Is Valued: Location
In this series on valuing real estate, we'll look at specific factors that contribute to the overall market value of a property, so you can have a better understanding of how market value is estimated. A home’s value is based...