Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1174518
OCTOBER 2019 | 55 Lyra Residences PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY MARKER GROUP Lyra Residences by LAURA WALKER W ith panoramic views of Victoria in B.C. and the Olympic Mountains beyond, Lyra Residences is the third and final phase of an upscale resi- dential project located on Christmas Hill and developed by Aplomado Developments. The setting offers resi- dents a reprieve from everyday hustle and bustle, while still providing conve- nient access to Victoria's amenities – all within minutes of home. Lyra is comprised of two eight-sto- rey multi-family buildings, explains Mike Cronquist of Marker Group, who partnered with Aplomado Developments to carry the project through to completion. "The develop- ment team worked collaboratively to make the buildings connect seamlessly with the hillside setting and the adja- cent protected Garry Oak forest and public park," notes Cronquist. The buildings feature contemporary architecture and colourful facades. "The design intent was to maximize the light and views in all suites in all directions to take full advantage of the spectacular location, as well as to place the buildings on the site in a manner that preserved as much of the exist- ing natural features as possible," says Charles Kierulf of de Hoog & Kierulf architects (dHKarchitects), who was brought into the project to carry the design through contract documenta- tion and construction administration. The building's exterior utilizes exposed painted concrete, vision and spandrel glass, and metal panel and stucco cladding. "There are also coloured glass panels on the balcony guards," notes Kierulf, adding, "the materials were intended to project a clean and contemporary appearance, while being durable and low-mainte- nance for the strata in the long-term." The expansive decks offer a very unique outdoor living space that allows owners to take full advantage of liv- ing a park-like setting and views. "The buildings' spacious cantilevered con- crete balconies are oriented to provide every unit with a view," adds Paul Heron of Knight Contracting Ltd. With the exception of the top floors, all the units are two bedrooms, two bathrooms and range in size from 1,050 to 1,200 square feet.