29 replies to this topic

[Kapten Kapsell]

Factory Block by Aryze Developments is a proposed residential strata development in Vic West @ 480 Esquimalt Road.  It will include 40 residential units + 7 live/work units and features industrial-inspired architecture.  

 

[Nparker]

It looks like a hospital.

[E2V]

Or the generic YMCA/YWCA buildings that you saw in many Canadian cities in the 1960s.

[Kapten Kapsell]

This project is going to include some manufacturing and warehousing space as well as some offices for Aryze (per the project's information brochure).  Residents will also get access to coworking facilities.

[Mike K.]

Well, the name if 'Factory' Block 

[Jackerbie]

I like that Aryze is bringing more architectural variety to the smaller builds. I like the clean lines of this one, and the metal cladding with exposed concrete could be very striking. Much preferred over another spandrel box.

 

Based on the drawings, looks like the back units have sunrooms instead of balconies. Interesting touch!

[Mike K.]

Being quite familiar with this area, the views from the residential units will be incredible. It's a superb location, and in fact that whole pocket of Vic West is one of the city's best kept secrets.

[Casual Kev]

Being quite familiar with this area, the views from the residential units will be incredible. It's a superb location, and in fact that whole pocket of Vic West is one of the city's best kept secrets.

 

Not much for outsiders to do in the area and the semi-industrial vibe doesn't make it very appealing. Homes must still be pretty expensive methinks, I know there's a townhome complex there that's almost 40 years old but the homes go for well over a million.

Edited by Casual Kev, 24 March 2021 - 10:54 AM.

[Mike K.]

That's what makes it so cool, it's one of the most unique mixes of SFD residences next to industry next to apartments next to trails and just a block from the harbour. It's quite something, and super urbany in its own way.

[zoomer]

Are we sure that image isn’t the building that’s being torn down?

It has that early 1970’s grimy institutional look, so if this is real, I guess it fits with the existing neighbourhood. Also reminds me of some of the permanent modular housing developments made out of shipping containers we’re starting to see pop up in various North American cities.

[Mike K.]

D’Arcy Architecture sure digs the brutalism thing. I like many Aryze designs, and while I appreciate the mixed-use concept of this project, the architecture is not particularly inspiring, and I wish it wasn’t so institutional.

Maybe this is a result of the step code? Can PPP speak to this? I’d also be far more amenable to a lighter colour as opposed to 70s moustache brown

[zoomer]

Here’s an LA modular housing building for the homeless that has a similar vibe:

 

 

https://inhabitat.co...ess-population/

 

Oh wait, it’s actually completed, and turned out better than the rendering:

 

https://urbanize.cit...alvarado-street

 

Although someone commented about the $321,000 cost per unit being pricey for homeless housing..

[sablefish]

It looks like a hospital.

 

Our Lady of the Broken Fence. Visiting hours 14:00-16:00.

 

Aryze is building something in my neighbourhood that also features giant slabs of ground-level concrete. It's not awful, but it's not good.

[PPPdev]

Have a read through the application brief and then lets critique the architecture from an informed position: https://www.dropbox....eb Res.pdf?dl=0

 

Sablefish: I can only assume you are speaking about 430 parry which is like 20% done so maybe give the building a chance to get further along

[m3m]

I really like it. 

[Mike K.]

PPP, any other colour options that are on the table for the vertical lines?

[Brantastic]

I really appreciate a lot of the work Aryze does but I'm not feeling the aesthetic on this one. Very institutional and imposing. The vertical elements remind me of the kinds of metal bars businesses put on their windows to prevent break-ins. Still an improvement on what's currently there.

[sablefish]

 

Sablefish: I can only assume you are speaking about 430 parry which is like 20% done so maybe give the building a chance to get further along

 

That's the one! It's at peak concrete right now, but what a lot of it for a smallish development. Factory Block has a similar kind of look: massed concrete on the bottom, surmounted by a thick shelf, and then what looks like a different building on top, but set back a bit. I'll give both designs credit for a certain ruggedness. Not a big fan of either at present, but maybe they'll surprise.

[Kapten Kapsell]

This proposal has been submitted for a formal rezoning request (today) and it has been substantially revised.  The proposal now calls for 85 rental units (rather than 40+ condo stratus units) and the massing has been broken up... it will have three industrial units on the ground floor.

 

A new look: 

 

[Nparker]

Much improved.