Award

FEBRUA RY 2018 | 49 Addition and Murray Hotel Rehabilitation RENDERING + PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY KENSTONE PROPERTIES Addition and Murray Hotel Rehabilitation by ZUZANNA WODZYNSKA A historic hotel in downtown Vancouver, B.C. received a facelift thanks to a new residential build- ing that has recently been built right next door. Kenstone Properties, own- ers and developers of the Addition project, recognized the value of the neighbouring historic landmark, and invested over $1 million to restore the Murray Hotel to its former glory. Influenced by its heritage neighbour, Addition's design fits seamlessly into the neighbourhood while remaining unique. "The exterior of the build- ing stands out with a complex and detailed design that is quite artistic," notes Chris Blondin, lead on the project from Quorum Group, the construction managers. "This required the work of numerous trades and complex supervi- sion on the part of the site supervisors." The facade is contemporary brick and concrete, accented with C-shaped concrete fins that frame the LOCATION 1133 Hornby Street, Vancouver, B.C. OWNER/DEVELOPER Kenstone Properties ARCHITECT Henriquez Partners Architects CONSTRUCTION MANAGER Quorum Group STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT Bryson Markulin Zickmantel Structural Engineers (BMZ) MECHANICAL/ ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT Integral Group LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT PWL Partnership Landscape Architects Inc. INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTANT Studio Finlay TOTAL SIZE 130,000 square feet TOTAL COST $35 million thermoacoustic underlay, while most bedrooms feature 100 percent wool, 30-ounce loop carpet. Grey charcoal mullions frame the windows with matching roller shades and no fascia panels. Enclosed balconies are outfit- ted with textured porcelain tile and double-glazed sliding doors. "Custom cabinetry by Italian com- pany Friul Intagli was installed in the kitchens and bathrooms including lac- quered doors coupled with soft-touch release, soft-close hinges and recessed finger pulls, built-in waste bins, under- cabinet LED lighting, and stainless steel kitchen countertops with integral sinks," says Blondin. Some suites also contain built-in laundry cabinetry to match. To keep energy consumption down, Addition features a building energy management system with advanced in-suite metering technology and occu- pancy-detecting thermostats. The forced-air heating, cooling, and ventila- tion systems have removable brushed aluminum grills and custom pow- der-coated galvanized steel casings without rivets. "To support these heat- ing and cooling systems, Addition also features heat recovery ventilation for continuous fresh and comfortable air circulation," comments Blondin. Chu also notes that the use of LED lights with appropriate controls helps to ensure energy efficiencies are met. "What stood out was the implementa- tion of BCHPA Vista switches within the building in a separate room," notes Chu. Vista switches are more com- monly located in underground vaults outside the buildings. "The complex and detailed design of the building forced our construc- tion team to immerse themselves into details and process, pushing the team to be very proactive in the co-ordina- tion with all trades and suppliers," says Blondin. "Our team rose to the occasion to meet the expectation of both the cli- ent and the design team." Nevertheless, challenges are part of any construction project. "Weather is always an issue with freezing rain in the winter and overcoming heat in the sum- mer construction period," notes Blondin. "Standard construction heating was of course used, but we also installed a mesh system hung to the exterior of the building before window installation to prevent snow and rain from getting into open areas of the building." During excavation, thick layers of bedrock were encountered. "Blasting was not an option with the historic Murray Hotel located immediately next door," comments Blondin. "Increases in manpower and equipment were needed to break up the bedrock and minimize delays as much as possible." Padraic Greed, electrical design and construction administrator at Integral Group notes, "Ultimately, we're proud to have an energy-efficient building and the design was well co-ordinated with minimum change orders issued during construction." Construction was originally sched- uled for completion for June 2017 but complex offshore material procure- ment and some in-stream construction obstacles that were encountered delayed completion. The site achieved occupancy in December 2017. A elevated exteriors of three townhomes. "Aluminum coloured sheets cut into the brick pattern screens for the townhouse facades on Hornby Street," comments Blondin. "Zinc panels were also utilized to roof wall areas for screening and roof- top presentation to neighbouring views." A main courtyard provides a tran- quil outdoor space for residents to enjoy on the second level. "Some of the landscape features located in the main courtyard include seating around a gas fire bowl and an outdoor kitchen with a dining table and chairs," says Grant Brumpton, principal at PWL Partnership Landscape Architects Inc. "These areas provide residents with an opportunity for social interaction and help build community." Several planters have been des- ignated for urban agriculture giving residents an area to grow food, an informal play area allows small chil- dren an opportunity to explore, and a double-height, fully-equipped fitness room overlooks the courtyard. "The overall theme for the project's landscaping reflects the elegance and sophistication of the architecture," notes Brumpton. "A West Coast influ- ence in the design is reflected in the plant material, flowering trees, shrubs, ground covers, and seating opportuni- ties." Plant material was used to create quiet and private open spaces, free from the street noise. "The outdoor spaces are organized into various areas that respond to the activities within the building," contin- ues Brumpton. "Planting areas with seasonal flowering plant material and grade change are used to define the outdoor spaces and also provide screening from neighbouring buildings and the busy surrounding streets." Moving indoors, the main lobby and amenity room lobby feature black basalt stone tile. Upon entry, residents and their visitors are greeted by 25-foot- high structural glass. The exterior wood soffits extend indoors and cascade down to form a feature wall. "The entrance area has architectural features so we introduced appropriate spotlights to enhance these features," says Paul Chu, associate principal at Integral Group. "This allowed flexibility for the client and seamless integration of the lighting into the architectural components." The suites themselves feature brushed ash laminate flooring with 2:52 PM FM35738.indd 1 2017-12-21 7:35 AM April 2018 ANNUAL INDUSTRY FEATURE: Structural Steel Book your ad space now: Dan Chapman 604.473.0316 Alexander Sugden 604.473.0358

• Cover