Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/904555
DECEMBER 2017 | 49 RENDERINGS COURTESY COX DEVELOPMENTS LTD. 1075 Pandora strikingly modern and very unusual to the Victoria rental market," says Cox. Each suite has a large balcony and features floor-to-ceiling windows. As for the exterior, HDR/CEI used metal and cement panel cladding for durability and ease of maintenance, and the architects created subtle variations of decking on each floor for visual interest. Farmer Construction Ltd. commenced excavation at the site in August of 2015, and while work proceeded smoothly, there were unexpected minor changes such as the electrical breakers being moved during the concrete pour to the main electrical room from their original intended location of an alcove area. "Farmer accommodated this without any interruption of schedule; they were really outstanding," says Tyler Davidson, project engineer for WSP Canada. Trevor Weber, Farmer Construction's project manager, says at peak 110 people were working on site, and apart from taking extra care with machinery operations so as not to disturb nearby BC Hydro lines, all deadlines were met. Lighting proved to be a major component in enhancing 1075 Pandora's unique design. LED was used throughout the complex for resiliency, including the suspended walkways. "Certain modifications were required," says Davidson. "For example, originally we were going to use strip lighting in a channel for the entire exterior, but that would have made the formwork overly complicated, so we wound up using a surface application that is so subtle it almost has a pot light look." Photo and occupancy sensors would contribute to the lighting design exceeding the latest ASHRAE standards – but as Davidson points out, while energy efficiency was a major consideration, there was still plenty of room for creative inspiration. "For example, we designed the lighting for a V-shaped exterior showcase column to exhibit a very thin pencil effect, almost like a laser," he says. "In addition, the lights of the balconies align vertically, which will help make 1075 Pandora look like a jewel at night." With occupancy scheduled for December or January, Cox is excited about 1075 Pandora's long-term potential. "Everything was designed and constructed to attract long-term tenants, and we honestly believe this sets an example of how inviting rental living can be," he says. "Most definitely, this complex is going to stay in our portfolio forever." A Gem-Tec.indd 1 2017-11-10 2:14 Fu.indd 1 2017-11-02 3:02 FM35632.indd 1 2017-10-30 2:13 Steel.indd 1 2017-11-06 11:22 AM PR Bridge Systems.indd 1 2017-11-08 10:07