Completed July 2021
2121 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver, BC, Canada
A three-lot assembly with approximately 120-foot frontage on Chesterfield between 21st and 22nd Street, within easy walking distance of Lonsdale Ave amenities and bicycle and transit routes to downtown Vancouver. Wagg Creek ravine and park back the property, providing access to natural greenspace within a dense urban setting.
The five-storey building contains 27 strata-titled units — two- and three-storey townhouses at ground level with apartments above — in a variety of sizes and types for singles, couples, and families. Eight units incorporate City of North Vancouver adaptable design to support aging in place, and eight additional units were developed at 25% below market value, with covenants ensuring they remain permanently below market. This affordability component was approved by the City in exchange for a Community Amenity Contribution.
A vertical atrium runs through the building with open circulation to all units and common facilities; upper-level units open onto suspended walkways overlooking the atrium, creating natural opportunities for daily encounter among residents. The approximately 2,800 sq ft of common facilities includes a kitchen and dining room, lounge, common laundry, children’s playroom, guest rooms, office, and multi-purpose room. The landscape supports children’s play with outdoor cooking and eating areas and a sunny rooftop deck for gardening. Parking is underground with a mezzanine workshop and storage. Sustainable features include triple-glazed windows, no fossil fuels, and a passive house-based building envelope.
Ronaye Matthew’s company, Cohousing Development Consulting, provided cohousing development management services from project initiation through completion in July 2021.
Images courtesy of https://www.driftwoodvillage.ca/about