design quarterly summer 2010

SUMMER 2010 Vol. 11 No.1

Q U A R T E R L Y

PM

40

06

30

56

ShowcaSing Bc & alBerta’S architectS and interior deSignerS

Creekside Community reCreation Centre arChiteCt roger hughes | applianCes | multimedia | Flooring

Aculux precision recessed lighting includes a comprehensive series of high-performance, architectural-grade luminaires. Designed to blend quietly with the architecture, Aculux fixtures provide highly efficient illumination of artwork and furnishings, as well as dramatic space-enhancing effects.

®

www.rlrbc.com

Vancouver2285 Cambie Street

604.879.2494

Coquitlam1338 United Boulevard

604.523.6555

Edmonton18511-104 Avenue

780.453.5714

Calgary4120 Blackfoot Trail SE

403.245.8637

Penticton240 Industrial Avenue

250.492.2000

Brandon420 Van Horne Avenue

204.725.1968

Western Canada’s premier lighting and bath showrooms

robinson_lighting_bath_juno_dq_20100719.indd 1 7/23/2010 8:39:12 AM

summer 2010 | design Quarterly 3

:::::::kitchen & bath

PUBLISHERDan Gnocato

[email protected]

MaNaGING EDItoRCheryl Mah

GRaPHIC DESIGNERS Shannon Swanson, Cory Dawson

CoNtRIBUtING WRItERSReesie Duncan, Mark Elmore

Russ Faulk, alexis GavinShea Gifford, Murray GrahamDavid Hanson, Colby Harder

P.J. Mallen, Harry SainiDavid Vitale

B.C./aLBERta SaLESDan Gnocato

604.739.2115 ext. 223

PRINtED IN CaNaDa

PUBLISHED BY

PRESIDENtKevin Brown

VaNCoUVER oFFICE 402-1788 W. BroadwayVancouver, BC V6J 1Y1tel: 604.739.2115Fax: 604.739.2117

toRoNto oFFICE 1000-5255 Yonge St.toronto, oN M2N 6P4tel: 416.512.8186Fax: 416.512.8344

Copyright 2010Canada Post Canadian publications mail sales publication agreement no. 40063056 – ISSN 0834-3357Return all undeliverable Canadian addresses to:Suite 1000 – 5255 Yonge Street, toronto, ontario, M2N 6P4

Design Quarterly is published four times a year by MediaEDGE Communications Inc.

Yearly Subscription $26.40 + GSt

REPRINtS: No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form — print or electronic — without written permission from the publisher. Requests for permission to reprint any portion of this magazine should be sent to the publisher.

For all subscription inquiries or changes of address, please contact [email protected]

Q U A R T E R L Y

SUMMER 2010 Vol. 11 No. 1

www.designquarterly.ca

the purpose of Design Quarterly is to reflect and represent practitioners and professionals in the architectural, interior design and design resource communities throughout British Columbia and alberta.

PRoUD SPoNSoR oF

contents

06 DESIGNER PRoFILE Roger HughesRoger Hughes, principal of Hughes Condon Marler, has been shaping the city’s communities and urban landscape for more than three decades.

12 PRoJECt PRoFILEone of the legacies of the 2010 olympic Winter Games is Vancouver’s Creekside Community Recreation Centre, located on the stunning waterfront of False Creek.

16 appliancesModular KitchensInduction Cooktops Heat Up outdoor Kitchens Feature Greater Functionality

24 FlooringDesign is ShiftingNew Looks In Resilient FlooringHardwood Fashion

27 MultimediaHi-Fi design aV to “Green” the Workplace Channelling Multimedia

32 Special Supplement 2010 aIBC awards of Excellence

FEatURES

ON THE COVER: Vancouver’s Creekside Community Recreation Centre. Photo: Michael Elkin.

DEPaRtMENtS04 From the Editor Decisions

34 IDC a new face for IDC

36 architects in BC Designing the almost Pub

37 Design Headlines

Aculux precision recessed lighting includes a comprehensive series of high-performance, architectural-grade luminaires. Designed to blend quietly with the architecture, Aculux fixtures provide highly efficient illumination of artwork and furnishings, as well as dramatic space-enhancing effects.

®

www.rlrbc.com

Vancouver2285 Cambie Street

604.879.2494

Coquitlam1338 United Boulevard

604.523.6555

Edmonton18511-104 Avenue

780.453.5714

Calgary4120 Blackfoot Trail SE

403.245.8637

Penticton240 Industrial Avenue

250.492.2000

Brandon420 Van Horne Avenue

204.725.1968

Western Canada’s premier lighting and bath showrooms

robinson_lighting_bath_juno_dq_20100719.indd 1 7/23/2010 8:39:12 AM

FEBRUaRY 23 & 24, 2011

MaRCH 22 & 23, 2011

NoVEMBER 3 & 4, 2010

design Quarterly | summer 20104

from the editor::::::: :::::::

decisions

often the challenge with putting together content for each issue is deciding what to include and what not to include. As a quarterly magazine, space is limited yet the

amount of talented designers, projects and trends to be highlighted is endless. Decisions, decisions.

But it was an easy decision when I realized one of Vancouver’s leading architects had never been profiled by Design Quarterly in its 10 year history.

Roger Hughes, founding principal of Hughes Condon Marler, has helped change not only where we live but how we live with many notable civic projects that have infused new energy and vitality into communities. We chat with him about archi-tecture and his illustrious career.

Hoping to be a vibrant new hub for the South-east False Creek neighbourhood is our project pro-file, Creekside Community Recreation Centre. The city’s newest community centre, one of the legacies of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, is a striking building on the city’s waterfront. The decision to push the bar on this project has made it Canada’s first LEED platinum community centre.

And as usual, we bring you a number of features in this issue. For our first feature, the focus is on appliances. We take a look at modular appliances — the latest trend in kitchen designs; and outdoor kitchen appliance options.

The three articles in our flooring feature touch on what’s happening with carpet tile, resilient flooring and hardwood.

Finally, our multimedia feature examines hi-fi de-sign, green A/V solutions and wireless connectivity.

Our summer issue would not be complete with-out our annual showcase of the best in B.C. archi-tecture. Read about all the 2010 AIBC Architec-tural Award winners and why these projects and individuals share the common goal of excellence.

Cheryl MahManaging Editor

w w w . c o a s t a p p l i a n c e s . c o m

VANCOUVER

NANAIMO

VICTORIA

SURREY

CALGARY N.

CALGARY S.

COQUITLAM

EDMONTON N.

EDMONTON S.

ABBOTSFORD

SASKATOON

RED DEER

KELOWNA

REGINA

WINNIPEG

TORONTONEWNEW NEW

We s t e r n C a n a d a ’s L a r g e s t S u p p l i e r o f H o m e A p p l i a n c e s

excellence


designer profile:::::::

as one of Vancouver’s best and innovative architects, Roger Hughes has been contributing to the city’s archi-tectural landscape for more than three decades.

The 65-year-old architect is thoughtful and candid during our conversation as he reflects on his career

and architecture. “I really love architecture. I’m a very visual person and I like

seeing the design coming together — seeing how every design is solving a different problem,” says Hughes. “Architecture is about intellect, talent and perseverance. Without all those things, archi-tecture doesn’t happen.”

The founding principal of Hughes Condon Marler Architects (HCMA) has come a long way since 1976 when he started his own practice in a small drafty studio in Granville Island’s Creek House.

Hughes credits the firm’s success to its founding values of design excellence and talented people.

:::::::

pursuit of

By Cheryl mah

“A big part of our success is being able to attract and retain talented people. Architecture is a team profession and a product of a lot of talented people working very hard,” he says. “Our success has been about the pursuit of excellence, setting goals and achieving them.”

That pursuit of excellence is exemplified by the numerous national and international awards the firm has received over the years, including several Governor General’s medals and awards from the Royal Archi-tectural Institute of Canada and the American Institute of Architects.

The most recent accolade is a 2010 Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Merit Award for the West Vancouver Community Centre, a stunning facility representing a dynamic new approach to commu-nity centre design.

Hughes has always been attracted to public buildings from his early days of doing social housing in London, England to local co-op housing projects. Like many young firms, he started with housing work before gradually moving into public work.

Eileen Daily Pool

Ga

ry o

tte

For detailed product information and where to buy, please contact Hytec at 1-800 -871- 8311 | Hytec.ca

BATHS AND WHIRLPOOLS | SHOWERS AND RECEPTORS | MODULAR SYSTEMS

a so l id foundat ion of s ty le Rugged materials • Smooth, easy-to-clean finishes

Simple, quick installation • Affordable • Outstanding service and support

87533_HYTECreceptor_DQad_vF.indd 1 10/21/09 9:40 AM


designer profile::::::: :::::::

Other areas of interest for Hughes are libraries (his mother was a librarian) and urban design. The firm has won several urban design competitions such as UBC’s University Boulevard project.

“Urban design is a love of mine simply because it’s that connection — that interrelationship of architecture and urban design to creating city form which I think is important,” says Hughes.

Growing up, the Toronto native always knew he wanted to be an architect. He remembers his grandmother giving him “mini bricks” for Christmas when he was 3 or 4 years old.

“We didn’t have Lego in those days,” he laughs. “I used to sketch and draw a lot. I love drawing. That was the start of it and then with encouragement from my family, there was no question in my mind that I would be an architect.”

Hughes graduated from the UBC School of Architecture in 1970 and completed continuing studies at the Architectural Association in London.

“I went to UBC in the 1960s when things were changing dra-matically in architectural education. It was interesting times with the radicalization process, questioning of standards etc,” says Hughes, citing Louis Khan and Mitchell/Giurgola as early influ-ences in his design work as well as Robert Venturi’s Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture.

After graduation in 1970, he went to London for five years, where working with partner Doug Paskin, he gained experience in the res-toration of historic buildings for re-use as housing.

“Going to England was a real eye opener. It was a major part of my education,” recalls Hughes, who has many relatives there.

He came back to Vancouver in 1975 and realized the opportuni-ties were greater in Canada, prompting him to stay and to eventually open his own firm.

His first notable project was the awarding winning Sixth Estate, a 48 unit townhouse complex at the foot of Fairview Slopes in Vancou-ver. That was followed by Pacific Heights Housing Co-op.

“The Sixth Estate was a whole city block and a significant urban design challenge,” notes Hughes.

He bought the building where the Vancouver office is currently lo-cated on West 2nd in 1985, adding a 3,500 square foot open space studio on top the following year.

While HCMA works on a broad spectrum of projects, it has built a reputation for coherent, socially generous public buildings like the Renfrew Branch Library on East 22nd Avenue and the Eileen Daily Pool in Burnaby.

The Eileen Daily Pool was a seminal project for the firm. The proj-ect marked a significant paradigm shift in recreation pool design and technology. The award winning facility set a new benchmark for innovative aquatic centre design.

“It moved pools out of the kind of black box competition typology into something different and more open and transparent,” describes Hughes. “Since that project, we’ve done a dozen more. The latest one being the Hillcrest pool.”

Today, HCMA is led by three other partners (Darryl Condon, Kar-en Marler and Stuart Rothnie) and six associates. The Vancouver of-fice has a staff of 35 and the Victoria office has eight.

Their projects all share traits of being accessible and inclusive, of-ten very identifiable in the community.

“I’ve had many clients say that they can go by a building and say that’s a Roger Hughes building,” he says, estimating the firm has about a dozen projects on the go at any given time.

Focusing on designing these days, Hughes remains hands on at the front end of projects.

“I think the most exciting part is the start of a project — when you’re defining what the project is really going to be about. It also can be the most challenging and difficult,” he says.

Current projects include the UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences Build-ing, UniverCity Childcare Facility, East Fraserlands and Jasper Place Library in Edmonton.

“I’m also doing a master plan for the Britannia Centre site in East Vancouver,” notes Hughes. “It’s an 18 acre site with lots of stakehold-ers. It’s a major master plan project for us just like the East Fraser-lands with Jim Cheng.”

The firm focuses on creating buildings that are sustainable, eco-nomical, open and fit naturally within the surrounding landscape.

“Our design philosophy is founded on the notion that architects have a responsibility to society but further that architecture does affect peo-ple and how they behave,” he explains. “Design is about many things…context, craft, materiality, social responsibility, sustainability…”

Renfrew Library

Roger Hughes

Ga

ry o

tte

Hu

be

rt K

an

g


profile::::::: :::::::

While he acknowledges computers have had a huge beneficial im-pact on the design profession, he is also wary of what he describes as “form for form sake.”

“Computers have been a mixed blessing,” says Hughes. “The danger is a lot of computerized designs are very superficial and not thought through well enough. Designs are becoming shallow and about style and form for form sake.”

He asserts that architecture is about working with a concept and striving to provide solutions that address the unique needs of each project.

“There are many designers out there who are wonderful form makers. Unfortunately like everything else, architecture ages,” he says. “Once the shine wears off, if there is no concept that gives the architecture deeper meaning, it loses any significance it has.”

Green design is a strong part of the firm’s approach too. They were among the early adopters of LEED, obtaining the first LEED CI Sil-ver certification for their own Vancouver offices.

Sustainability is common sense, says Hughes, pointing out that when he did the Matheson Heights Housing Co-operative in 1979, it was all about sustainability but “we didn’t know the ‘s’ word back then.”

It wasn’t until LEED in the last decade that green design was brought to the forefront of the industry.

Even though the rating system isn’t perfect, “LEED is very im-portant because it’s given us an instrument to continue to raise the bar,” he says. “The demand for green from clients is really because of LEED and the publicity around green.”

As for the future, Hughes would ideally like to see the firm carry on and continue to grow and become recognized as a world class design firm. He describes the recent market downturn as a “wake up call” for them to re-focus and ensure the longevity of the firm.

“We being mostly in the public sector weren’t nearly affected as badly as firms doing developer work. But we had to lay off some people,” says Hughes.

Having helped to shape many of Vancouver’s communities and public spaces, Hughes believes the city and the developers here are gradually understanding the value of design.

“We’re becoming more mature and urbanizing,” he says. “But there is this infatuation with view at the expense of what you’re looking at right in front of you. People have to start really begin-ning to value what’s in front of their noses as opposed to the view that’s beyond the city because it’s that view that’s of real value.”

Like all successful architects, Hughes struggles to balance fam-ily and work. Married for 34 years, with two children, he says he’s been fortunate.

“I’ve been very fortunate that I’ve been able to have a successful professional life and a rewarding family life too,” he says. “I’ve worked very hard and put in lots of hours — more than I should have so I’m very lucky to be married to a woman who understood that architects do work too damn much.”

When asked if he’s given any thoughts to retirement, Hughes smiles and shakes his head in an emphatic no.

“I love coming into this office. I like the people. That’s huge. There are a lot of talented people who are interesting to work with so coming to work is something I enjoy,” he says. “I still get great satisfaction in working as an architect and helping clients and us-ers realize their aspirations and dreams and doing so in a manner that contributes meaningfully to our community.” DQ

Burnaby Mountain Transit Hub

6th Estate


project profile::::::: :::::::

situated on Vancouver’s spectacular False Creek water-front, the Creekside Community Recreation Centre is a showcase of innovation and sustainability.

The 45,000 square foot facility is one of four signa-ture 2010 Olympic Winter and Paralympic Games ven-

ues that were built to serve as a lasting recreation legacy to the city. During the Olympics, the centre (formerly known as Southeast False Creek Community Centre) was used as office space and hosted ame-nities for athletes.

As the heart of the evolving Southeast False Creek (SEFC) commu-nity, the centre’s architecture is inviting and energized with a wealth of natural light, fresh air, colour and flow.

The $36 million centre was designed by Walter Francl Architects in collaboration with Nick Milkovich Architects and the late Arthur Erickson.

When the architectural team undertook the design of the facil-ity, the goal was to create an open, transparent and light filled building. Through its transparency, the building animates the surrounding areas, with indoor activities visible from outside and vice versa.

“We wanted the building to be as transparent as possible,” says Walter Francl, principal of Walter Francl Architects. “You can see right through the gymnasium for instance from one side out to the other or from within the gym out to the outdoors.”

Nick Milkovich of Nick Milkovich Architects says unlike tradition-al community centres which are located in park like settings, Creek-side is an urban community centre so a key design approach to the project was how to make it open and visually accessible.

“The goal is for this to be an engaging and inviting building,” he continues. “With the restaurant and other multi-use activities, this will be a great spot in the city.”

The city’s newest community centre opened in late July with the of-ficial opening set for September. The concrete and steel facility houses a community centre including a full size gymnasium, multipurpose rooms and a fitness centre; a 6,000 square foot two level restaurant, 8,000 square foot childcare centre and a non-power boating centre.

The boating centre is fully integrated into the facility and includes a lecture and meeting room, office space, and change rooms, as well as boat and gear storage. A separate moorage is still to be constructed.

“It was a difficult challenge to assemble all these program compo-nents on a fairly constricted site and make them work well together,” notes Francl. “We did a lot of work with the client to get a satisfactory solution that would meet the requirements of each of those disparate programmatic uses.”

Another design challenge was to deliver a building form that could embrace all of the diverse uses and create a signature build-ing for the waterfront community. The long narrow footprint dic-tated the building’s form and expression.

engagingthe

CommunityBy Cheryl mah | miChael elkin photos


:::::::::::::: project profile

The site about 100ft wide and 400ft long necessitated a long low profile building. “It’s a fairly long narrow lot and presents a long fa-çade to the street,” says Francl. “We tried to mediate that by breaking the building at its centre point with a large two storey atrium lobby space. It runs right through the building almost like a street.”

The lobby space interconnects circulation on both floors as well as the through traffic, essentially serving as the heart and soul of the building. On the waterfront side, a curving arc and glazed façade em-braces the outdoor plaza space.

The community centre has a long sloping roof line, rising from two storeys at the west to three at the east.

“We had a height envelope that the city favoured…a higher form at the east end than at the west end of the building,” explains Francl, adding the daycare is located on the third level and takes advantage of an adjacent outdoor play space on the roof over the gym. “There was no space to put play space for the daycare except on the roof.”

Designing for a community that doesn’t yet exist was also unusual and a bit of a challenge.

“We were fortunate that we had the parks board and the city step forward. They were very helpful in terms of their contributions and setting the vision for this neighbourhood and providing a larger overview that helped inform the design,” says Francl.

The design team was additionally challenged to create a building that exemplified the city’s commitment to sustainable design.

The mandate from the outset was for the building to achieve LEED Platinum. As Canada’s first LEED Platinum community centre, the facility incorporates various sustainable strategies and state-of-art mechanical and electrical systems that will translate to low energy and water consumption.

Cobalt Engineering designed the mechanical system with the pay-back period estimated to be about 15 years.

Like all of the buildings in the SEFC neighbourhood, heating/cool-ing requirements are derived from an innovative neighbourhood en-ergy utility (NEU) that captures waste heat from municipal sewage lines and distributes it throughout the community.

The community centre has an additional unique feature: the build-ing is cooled using the sun.

“There is an innovative cooling system which runs from a solar hot water thermal collector system on the roof. It’s called an absorption chiller system that uses hot water to provide cooling for the daycare and other program components in the building,” says Francl.

The use of a solar powered absorption chiller cooling system is be-lieved to be a first in North America.

Fifty-five solar hot water units on the roof supplement the build-ing’s energy sources. During the summer, the solar array provides hot water to the building and excess heat is sold to the NEU to be used in adjacent buildings. In the colder winter months, Creekside derives the balance of its heat energy from the NEU.


::::::: :::::::project profile

Green power is being purchased to meet 50 per cent of the to-tal electrical consumption of the centre. Three large cisterns below grade will collect rainwater to be used for flushing and irrigation.

The building contains 15 percent of recycled materials and 20 per-cent of regionally-sourced materials. Certified wood (primarily bam-boo and some maple) is used throughout in the millwork, interior and exterior soffits, gym wall panels and floor.

“Essentially a wood soffit system is used throughout the building both inside and outside,” describes Francl. “There are wood ceilings that mi-grate from the exterior soffiting to the interior of the spaces themselves. A bamboo panel is used for the millwork and some of the wall paneling where we were trying to add warmth to the otherwise concrete wall.”

Natural daylighting flows into the majority of the interior spaces. A well-insulated building envelope, louvers and overhangs help to minimize heat gains and losses. The green roof is a mixture of se-dums and grasses.

The project faced challenges of being built during peak market conditions, inclement weather and a hard deadline for VANOC.

“It was frantic at times and lots of anxiety about scheduling,” says Francl. “For instance we ran out of zinc. We were getting stuff out of Georgia finally to complete the last bit of the project.”

The exterior cladding is a unique mix of curtain wall glazing and zinc sheet metal.

“The zinc is not galvanized material but a zinc sheet metal clad-ding which we thought was important because it’s going to age and develop a nice patina to it,” says Francl.

Completed in October 2009, the 18 month project was built by Metro-Can Construction. The firm was also responsible for other projects on the Olympic village site.

“Overall the design is pleasing and I think it fits into the location on False Creek quite well,” says Derek Pilecki, Metro-Can’s Olympic Village co-ordinator. “It’s an institutional quality building that’s built for a 100 plus year life span so it uses high quality materials.”

The brownfield site required remediation and piles were origi-nally to be used for ground improvements to support the build-ing foundation but instead Metro-Can chose an alternative cost saving solution.

“Since there was some hazardous materials that had to be removed from previous activities, we backfilled with aggregate and used a rap-id impact compaction method for the foundation improvement as opposed to installing piles,” explains Pilecki. “It’s not used very often but it turned out to be quite a cost saving to the city.”

The community centre was retrofitted and final details completed after the closing of the Olympic Games such as the installation of the gym floor and landscaping for the daycare.

“The centre has an unusual feature of having a daycare on the top floor with a highly developed exterior landscape, which was just re-cently completed, all enclosed by a high glass wall,” says Pilecki. “It’s a daycare with the most exceptional views in the city.”

The diversity of uses along with its integrated design will make Creekside Community Centre a vibrant and enduring hub in the SEFC neighbourhood.

“This is going to be the living room for a new neighbourhood that’s just beginning to evolve…many of whom will be living in rather small spaces. It’s going to be their place and part of the lifestyle they’ve come to enjoy and expect,” says Francl. “We were very happy to have been a part of this project. We think it’s quite a striking building on the waterfront.” DQ


Advertise in Design Quarterly and let us connect your products and services to the design industryEndorsed by the leading design and architectural associations, Design Quarterly is the publication of choice by advertisers who want to connect with the decision makers in the multi-billion dollar B.C. and Alberta design marketplace.

To advertise your products, services and expertise or for more information on customizing an advertising program, please contact:

Dan Gnocato604.739.2115 ext. [email protected]


::::::: :::::::appliances

With the hectic pace daily life can bring, families are spending increasing amounts of time in the heart of the home: the kitchen. This focal point of the home needs to be a space that is convenient, orderly and most importantly, functional. As the

kitchen industry continues to evolve, appliance manufacturers must keep pace by engineering products capable of adapting to any space the visionary sees fit. Modular appliances are tomorrow’s kitchen, available today.

For years consumers and designers have looked to modular systems as space-saving solutions. More recently the design has morphed to provide customization while maintaining style, so-phistication and accessibility. Modular kitchen systems are slowly becoming the calling card for modern homeowners, designers, builders and architects.

“Modular” pertains to a space composed of standardized units for easy planning and design. Stemming from the Latin word “modulus,” meaning a small measure, modular has taken many forms through-out the decades including a reference to astronautics.

New modular designs combine ergonomic effectiveness with sleek sophistication. For consumers who value the overall culinary experience, an impractical and unorganized kitchen can spoil the experience altogether. Appliance manufacturers have begun tak-ing into consideration the subtle nuances of environmental psy-chology during the design process in order to create the perfect customized workspace. Modules can be positioned at the optimal ergonomic height and position based on what is comfortable to the consumer. Imagine being able to sauté vegetables and load plates into the dishwasher while still being able to kiss little John-ny’s booboo. Without the constraints of inefficient kitchen design, the possibilities are limitless.

Modular designs are suitable for a wide range of homeown-ers. Some are looking for sheer ergonomic convenience. Others favour modular design because of their lust for the latest and

greatest gadgets and innovations while some desire the com-plete customization that modular systems allow. The designs are available in a multitude of appliances and materials to suit every preference.

Refrigerators, dishwashers, warming drawers, cooktops and ovens complete the list of appliance modules offered. Each unit

modular kitchensBy mark elmorethe next generation of kitchen design

top: Fisher & Paykel CookSpace features multi-function cooking with eight

specially designed cooking functions and a powerful 4050W grilling element.

Inset: Fisher & Paykel CoolDrawer


:::::::::::::: appliances

PEBO STONES CORP. has expanded its plant to 40,000 square feet to serve you better.

From fabrication to installation of STONE (MARBLE, GRANITE, ENGINEERED STONE) countertops, we provide QUALITY AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST.

Extensive inventory of MORE THAN 100 COLOURS OF GRANITE, MARBLE, SLATE IN BOTH SLABS AND TILES

We specialize in residential and multi-unit commercial projects. For the past 18 years, we have proudly been servicing the Lower Mainland’s most prestigious developers including

POLYGON, LEDINGHAM MCALLISTER, MARCON, PARKLANE HOMES, MONDIAL, BOSA, AND MANY MORE.

To find out what we have to offer, please visit our showroom.

11500 Eburne Way, Richmond, BC V6V 2G7604-322-9188 • www.pebostones.com

is designed and engineered with standard-ized dimensions for easy assembly, repair, flexibility of arrangement and ease of use. Nowadays your kitchen island might in-clude warming and refrigeration drawers instead of just cabinetry. With access to material options such as stainless steel or an integrated finish to match custom cabi-netry, it is no challenge to create the exact design story desired.

Appliance manufacturers have also add-ed models with different sizes and configu-rations to allow for optimal flexibility. For instance, a consumer may choose to forgo a standard refrigerator and opt to purchase two smaller refrigerator drawers. This situ-ation can be ideal for placing one stocked with fresh produce in the nucleus of the kitchen while placing the other in a con-venient location where the kids can grab a beverage without hindering the flow of food preparation.

This design freedom speaks to homeown-ers and is ideal for design professionals. For builders, the modular system simplifies the overall construction process without com-promising craftsmanship. Chefs know their personal cooking preferences and where the ideal position for every tool lies in their kitch-en. Modular appliances satisfy the craving for convenience and organization within their fast-paced work environment. Designers and architects enjoy visual order as well as the opportunity to express themselves creatively without sacrificing artistic intellect. DQ

Mark Elmore is head of design at Fisher & Paykel Appliances. With more than 25 years experience in design and product develop-ment, he has been part of Fisher & Paykel’s growth into a customer driven, premium, global brand. He is a graduate of School of Design, Wellington, NZ.

appliance manufacturers have also added models with different sizes and configurations to allow for optimal flexibility.

Fisher & Paykel

CookSurface.


::::::: :::::::appliances

induction cooking is the ultimate standard of cooking tech-nology in Europe and is commonplace in both restaurants and many households. While this technology has previously failed to catch momentum on the North American markets, seemingly it looks as though this trend is about to change.

Manufacturers have adapted induction technology to the North American mar-ket and in turn the market has begun to embrace these products. Their original bulky size was thought to be one factor in their failure. The technology has now ma-tured and it represents one of the fastest growing segments in the North American market. This efficient and clean technology also fits well with increased awareness and importance placed on “green” build-ing and resource efficiency. This way of cooking has long been popular in Europe as they have had a heightened awareness and concern for their natural resources.

how induction WorksInduction cooking works in the sense that the heat bypasses the cook top surface and transfers this heat directly to the cookware. Electro-magnetic elements under a ceramic glass surface send a current into the iron atoms in the cookware and they react by moving around

which creates friction and heat. The cookware must be made with ferric content such as steel, iron, nickel or other various alloys. The rule of thumb is if a magnet will stick to the surface of the cookware it will work on an induction cook top. In turn, the greater the ferrous content the more efficient the cook top will be. In compari-son to more common cooking methods, induc-

tion cooking is 90 per cent efficient, where electric is about 65 per cent efficient and gas about 55 per cent. Since it is the cookware that is heat-ed and not the cook top itself, cooking times are greatly reduced as well as less heat being released into the kitchen. This can result in dramatic energy savings over traditional electric or gas cook tops.

induction cooktops heat upBy alexis gavininduction cooktops and ranges continue to sizzle in kitchens.

the technology has now matured and it represents one of the fastest growing

segments in the north american market.

Wolf 36” framed

induction cooktop


:::::::::::::: appliances

Induction cook tops also feature an al-most instantaneous reaction to increasing or decreasing heat giving the user more precise control over cooking temperatures. Another feature is more settings than a tra-ditional cook top with a range from ultra high (which will boil water in half the time as a gas cook top) to just warm enough to keep food at serving temperature.

induction BenefitsInduction cooking is clean and easy to main-tain due to the fact that the cook top surface rarely gets too hot to the touch, so spills do not get the chance to burn, smolder or ignite. This is a very enticing universal design stand-point as well in regards to safety.

sizzling marketInduction cook top price tags are still consid-ered to be on the luxury end of the market, but with many people spending thousands on kitchen remodels and new kitchen appliance packages more and more consumers are will-ing to make the leap to induction cooking.

Luxury appliance brands like Wolf are meeting this demand. It offers the Wolf Dual

Convection System in both its built-in-ovens and dual fuel ranges. These products deliver even temperature and airflow throughout the oven cavity. Wolf dual convection oven will cook roughly 20 per cent faster than a single fan convection oven.

Manufacturers have also developed hy-brid models with one or two induction elements to let consumers test the waters so to speak. However today’s consumer is becoming more tech-savvy not only us-ing technology for its own sake but also focusing on how new technology can help them realize concrete benefits. Education is the key reason why induction has be-gun to take off with this latest introduc-tion to North America. With the advent of consumer research on new technology and heightened environmental aware-ness, induction cooking gives consumers a new alternative in their home lifestyle offering a cleaner, more efficient, safer way to cook. DQ

Alexis Gavin is showroom manager for Bradlee Distributors Inc in Richmond. www.bradlee.net

a design iCon takes a Fresh neW direCtionRefrigeration does not have to look like refrigeration. Sub-Zero has made the integrated line even

more versatile by introducing the newly expanded integrated line, now featuring 27” column units.

available as a 27” all refrigerator and 27” all freezer with 16.2 cu. ft capacity, the integrated

columns enables pairing of full size refrigeration with drawers to customize your clients designs

in countless new ways.

the Integrated column accepts custom wood panels or optional stainless panels with tubular

or pro handles. the integrated design of the column units allow for dual installation with other

integrated products in the Sub-Zero Family.

Sub-Zero 27”

integrated column

all refrigerator and

all freezer

With over 600 colors and styles of granite:

• Marble • Travertine • Limestone • Slate

• Semi Precious Stone • Onyx • Soap Stone

• Engineered Quartz Stone Hari Stones turns your

vision into reality.

www.haristoneslimited.com

13042 84 AvenueSurrey, BCV3W 1L2

PH: 604.599.4274 (HARI)TF: 1.877.599.4274 (HARI)FAX: 604.502.8478

WAREHOUSE LOCATIONSin KELOWNA and EDMONTON

SURREY

Natural Stone

At your fi ngertips

A worldselection of

PHOT

O: JA

KE FI

LUSH

MEDIA PARTNERS

S E A T T L E • OC TOBER 27, 2010C A L G A R Y • N O V 3 & 4 , 2 0 1 0VANCOUVER • FEB 23 & 24, 2011EDMONTON • MARCH 22 & 23, 2011C H I C A G O • COMING JUNE 2011

Buildex shows are about designing, building and managing real estate.www.buildexshows.com1.877.739.2112

Join us at BUILDEX CalgaryBUILDEX Calgary attracts over 4,000 professionals engaged in Calgary’s Construction, Renovation, Real Estate, Property Management, Interior Design and Architectural Industries to see over 250 exhibits and attend more than 35 industry leading educational seminars. It’s Alberta’s next great opportunity to Network, Educate & Discover.

Supplier or Exhibitor? Access to Calgary’s best leads in the industry is just one step away. For more info and to reserve your exhibit space at BUILDEX Calgary, please contact:

Wolfgang Ortner Paul [email protected] [email protected]. 403.241.1088 o. 604.730.2057

NOVEMBER 3 & 4, 2010BMO CENTRE, STAMPEDE PARK

www.buildexcalgary.com

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

CO-LOCATED WITH

MARCH 22 & 23, 2011EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE, NORTHLANDS

www.buildexedmonton.com

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Get ready for BUILDEX EdmontonThe largest event of its kind in Edmonton, BUILDEX has become a must-attend trade show and conference for the Design, Construction and Real Estate Management Industries. BUILDEX Edmonton is your gateway to the Northern Alberta market.

Supplier or Exhibitor? Secure space for 2011 today! For more info and to book your exhibit space at BUILDEX Edmonton, please contact:

Wolfgang Ortner Ben [email protected] [email protected]. 403.241.1088 o. 604.730.2032

Don’t miss out on BUILDEX VancouverJoin over 12,000 industry professionals at Western Canada’s largest exposition and conference for Construction, Design and Real Estate: BUILDEX Vancouver. With over 600 exhibits, 50 seminars and 120,000 square feet of networking opportunities, you cannot miss this show!

Supplier or Exhibitor? Book now for high-profi le locations. For more info and to reserve your exhibit space at BUILDEX Vancouver, please contact:

Mike Pelsoci Ben [email protected] [email protected]. 604.730.2034 o. 604.730.2032

FEBRUARY 23 & 24, 2011VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE

www.buildexvancouver.com

NOW ACCEPTING 2011 SEMINAR SUBMISSIONS

OCTOBER 27, 2010THE CONFERENCE CENTER AT CONVENTION PLACE – SEATTLE

www.buildexexpress.com

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Introducing BUILDEX Express!This one day streamlined event is designed to facilitate new business relationships, product launches and professional development for Washington State’s Construction, Renovation, Architecture, Design, and Real Estate Management industries.

Supplier or Exhibitor? Don’t miss out, ACT TODAY. For more info and to reserve your exhibit space at BUILDEX Express, please contact:

Mike Pelsoci Ben [email protected] [email protected]. 604.730.2034 o. 604.730.2032


appliances::::::: :::::::

in the beginning, an outdoor kitchen was little more than a built-in grill. Over the last five years, however, the trend has grown rap-idly — as has the functionality of these spaces. Today’s outdoor kitchen can handle any cooking or entertaining task. Many rival the indoor kitchen in most regards.

There are no limits. There are more outdoor-rated appliances to choose from today than most would have ever imagined possible. Let’s put it in perspective — our company alone offers more than 25 different refrigeration units. Back in 2005, it was quite rare for an outdoor kitchen to have even a simple refrigerator. The National Association of Home Builders surveyed designers, builders and ar-chitects at the end of 2008. Nearly half (47 per cent) declared a keg tapper or wine chiller to be a critical feature of the upscale outdoor kitchen. Not just nice to have, but critical.

Outdoor kitchens are largely about luxury and relaxation, so spe-cialty equipment is a natural fit. Separate wine chillers are installed to keep whites, reds and sparkling wines each at the right temper-ature. Keg tappers can serve up to three different varieties of beer. Outdoor televisions are becoming more common. Pizza ovens have nearly achieved must-have status.

An outdoor kitchen design project starts with a wish list. What types of cooking and entertaining activities does the client aspire to do in their new oasis? This exercise can lead to an amazing list of equipment. Availability is not the limitation. The budget is another matter. However, outdoor kitchen appliances typically make their first foothold at the high end of the market and then trickle down. Wine chillers, for example, are more affordable than ever before.

It is not just about luxury. Other trends are at work as well. People are watching more cooking shows on television than ever before. Cooking has become as much entertainment as necessity and the right equipment adds to the experience. There is also a movement toward artisan cooking and ingredients. This explains in part the

popularity of pizza ovens and wood-burning grills. Other specialty equipment abounds: wok burners; searing stations; lobster boilers; smokers; warming units and more.

Where do we go from here? Expect to see an outdoor-rated dish-washer on the market very soon. There is a lot of pent-up demand. Some homeowners are already choosing to install standard dish-washers outdoors even though they know it voids their warranty. Cooktops are moving from single or double-burner affairs to full range tops. Waste water recycling systems will also become more prevalent in the outdoor kitchen. More garbage disposals are likely to be installed in the outdoor sink as well.

The importance of choosing the right appliances for the project will never change. Quality is paramount, especially in the harsh out-door environment. It is also important to specify equipment that will be easy for the client to live with. Every aspect of the outdoor kitchen should be as easy to maintain and clean as possible. This helps clients get the most from their investment. The easier it is to live with, the more it will be used.

Finally, as we watch the trend toward more and more specialty ap-pliances, it is helpful to steer your choices toward the multi-taskers. A grill that is a competent smoker can broaden the client’s repertoire. A cooktop that can adjust from a low simmer to a truly high boil will get used more often. And a pizza oven that also excels at roasting meats and vegetables will deliver greater satisfaction than one that can only handle pizzas. DQ

Russ Faulk is vice president of product development at Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, the leader in outdoor kitchens with a dedication to product design quality and performance. He teaches outdoor kitchen design classes that are accredited by the NKBA, the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Association of Professional Land-scape Designers. Visit www.kalamazoogourmet.com.

outdoor kitchens feature greater functionalityBy russ Faulk

$28.35 (incl. GST) $27.30 (incl. GST)

57.75

28.35

27.30

105.00

46.20

44.10

$57.75 (incl. GST)

CA

NA

DA

$

50

.00

VOL. 24 NO. 8 • January/February 2010

Publ

icatio

n Ag

reem

ent #

4006

3056

C A N A D A ’ S P R E M I E R M A G A Z I N E F O R B U I L D I N G O W N E R S A N D M A N A G E R S

BUYERS’ GUIDE

2010

10054 CB DQ CPM subscribe.indd 1 06/04/10 3:34 PM

$61.50 (incl. HST)$30.24 (incl. HST) $29.12 (incl. HST)

$61.60 per year (incl. HST)






spring 2010 | design Quarterly 23

$28.35 (incl. GST) $27.30 (incl. GST)

57.75

28.35

27.30

105.00

46.20

44.10

$57.75 (incl. GST)

CA

NA

DA

$

50

.00

VOL. 24 NO. 8 • January/February 2010

Publ

icatio

n Ag

reem

ent #

4006

3056

C A N A D A ’ S P R E M I E R M A G A Z I N E F O R B U I L D I N G O W N E R S A N D M A N A G E R S

BUYERS’ GUIDE

2010

10054 CB DQ CPM subscribe.indd 1 06/04/10 3:34 PM

$61.50 (incl. HST)$30.24 (incl. HST) $29.12 (incl. HST)








::::::: :::::::flooring

When it comes to flooring, variety of choice can overwhelm today’s designers specializing in com-mercial spaces. Carpet, hardwood, resilient, ce-ramic and laminate all present performance and aesthetic benefits for the work place. Yet, it is

modular carpet tile that continues to dominate as the flooring ma-terial of choice in the modern office, and increasingly in hospitals, schools and government environments. So why has carpet tile taken so much share from broadloom and other flooring choices? Let’s ex-amine the popular modular trends for 2010 and beyond, and why designers continue to specify carpet tile at an increasing rate.

Functional installationModular delivers an increased amount of flexibility for both the designer and the end user. In a number of sectors that historically used broadloom carpet, modular carpet tile is the current product of choice. In a recent survey of commercial designers, 63 percent of re-spondents claim to be purchasing or specifying more carpet tile than in the past, a 9 percent increase from 2008.

Market segments are also seeing a shift in product usage. Education and healthcare settings, which are predominantly broadloom carpet markets, are embracing carpet tiles at a greater rate. From a mainte-nance perspective, end users are gravitating toward modular because individual tiles can be selectively replaced if necessary, without having to reinstall the entire floor and disrupt patient comfort or class schedules.

Flexible designDesigners are able to think freely with modular — the borders of creativity are broken down due to the product’s variety of installa-tion methods. A pattern can take on a completely different look if installed in a quarter-turn or brick fashion, for example. Randomly installed tiles can mix dye lots for added convenience. Traditionally available in squares of varying sizes, some manufacturers are now in-troducing rectangular plank tiles, adding an entirely new dimension of installation options, such as a herringbone or boxed-in pattern. The installation method of modular tile provides designers with an additional layer of design opportunity beyond color and pattern.

The design flexibility of modular carpet is being leveraged more than ever, as designers mix styles and colours together to create their own design on the floor. By mixing patterns and colours in different ways, custom areas can be created without the additional step of cre-ating a custom product. Collections are being designed to coordinate and compliment other lines within a manufacturer’s catalog as an added tool for designers. While neutral colour continues to dominate many settings, bold accent colours are being used to create energy in a space and align with corporate brand identity.

the evolving WorkplaceChanges within the corporate workplace are driving modular inno-vations. Companies are bringing down physical walls within an office to create more collaborative spaces and maximize real estate. Fur-niture and wall systems are being designed to be moveable, creat-ing a custom, multi-faceted space where use of modular tile is ideal to capture a space’s flexibility. As walls come down within the office, rectangular tiles, for example, capture and enhance the scale of these larger open spaces.

sustainable designRecyclability and recycled content remain the two most impor-tant environmental aspects of modular carpet. Manufacturers are finding new methods to increase the amount of recycled content available in their products, particularly to reduce raw material use and increase contribution toward LEED certifica-tion. Some companies are marketing recyclable, PVC-free tiles that can be remade into new carpet in a closed-loop cycle. Rec-lamation programs, where the manufacturer will collect used tiles at the end of their useful life, provide a hassle-free means to prevent carpet from being sent to the landfill. Third-party certifications, such as Cradle to Cradle, NSF-140, and CRI Green Label Plus, are valuable means to assess the environmen-tal attributes of the myriad products available today. Design-ers continue to demand performance and sustainable attributes without sacrificing aesthetics.

Modular carpet tiles deliver functionality for the modern office, flexibility for creative installation, and sustainability for green build-ing. As modular tiles continue to occupy spaces where broadloom and other flooring materials once dominated, designers will leverage the immense range of product options available to create new spaces for the changing commercial environment. DQ

Reesie Duncan is the creative director for Shaw Contract Group. www.shawcontractgroup.com.

design is shiftingBy reesie dunCan

Carpet tile is a hot commodity for the commercial environment

18X36, a rectangular tile from Shaw Contract Group, shifts the shape of tile,

taking advantage of the changing layout of today’s office space.

DESIGN + ART + ARCHITECTURE

OCTOBER 14-17 2010 NEW VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE, CANADA

IDSWEST.COM

INTERIOR DESIGN

SHOW WEST

Photo Detail: Corallo by Edra, Inform Interiors, Onsite at IDSwest 2010 Media Launch

JON BENJAMIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Featuring on The Para Design Stage:

SARAH RICHARDSONHost of Sarah's House on HGTV.

KARIM RASHIDPresented by FLOFORM Countertops.One of the most prolific designers of his generation.

REGISTER FREE FOR TRADE DAY NOW

AT IDSWEST.COM

IDSwest

IDSW_DESIGN QUARTERLY AUG 10.10:Layout 1 10/08/10 12:51 PM Page 1


::::::: :::::::flooring

resilient flooring is moving to the forefront of the com-mercial and residential design markets and manufac-turers are creating a variety of environmentally respon-sible, fashion-forward and highly durable collections.

Eco benefits such as recycled content and low VOC may support Green Globes, LEED and other environmental rating systems.

Strides in imaging technologies have produced a new genera-tion of resilient products that so closely resemble the real material that it is hard to tell the difference. But unlike the natural mate-rial, resilient floors last longer. Durable and time-tested, resilient flooring maintain their beauty under heavy traffic and extreme use. Because they are resistant to moisture and stains, spills can be eas-ily removed. They also reduce noise and provide underfoot comfort. The flooring requires extremely low maintenance over its long life cycle, providing an excellent investment when compared to alter-native floor coverings.

Look for these hot new looks from the Arteca and Spacia brands in the marketplace and at shows throughout Canada:

Beaten, rippled metalsChanneling the polished elegance of the ’80s, the Metals Collec-tion introduces six subtle metal shades and a rippled, beaten tex-ture. Gold Leaf, Shot, Coin, Fuse, Foil and Tin project understated opulence that’s gleam not glitz, bright but not brash. Inject a modern twist by confining the glamour within structured lines such as skinny planks, grids and key squares. Or harness the look in feature areas or rug looks that transform bland environments. This flooring looks great with anything from cream lacquer to black leather.

timeless geological look of travertineGeology meets architecture in the Travertine Collection, a resilient floor with the appearance of the actual stone. However, this mod-ern interpretation isn’t as porous or soft as natural travertine, which has to be filled to create a sufficiently level floor. Three selections

new looks in resilient flooringBy murray graham

— cloudy chalky Ivory, soft golden Honey, and a linear striated ef-fect called Romano — capture the essence of the natural material.

sparkling scattering of micaLuxuriate with Mica Mix, a collection of four resilient floors with a scattering of mica that adds sparkle to everyday durability. Clean but practical, these cream and earth tone selections bring warmth and sophistication to large scale, simple spaces. Choose from Eggshell’s subtle silver and gold glints, Clay’s warm taupes that evoke the image of clay on the potter’s wheel, Earth’s appealing tones of well-tilled soil, and Bisque’s peanut-butter tones.

encapsulated Woven FabricCapture the look of soft woven fabric in a luxury vinyl flooring called Fiber. The collection encapsulates real woven fabric within a smooth tile for a floor that looks soft but stays clean. The innovative and smart décor unites technology and fashion to create the appearance of a handcrafted textile with the durable finish of a resilient flooring. Four colorways bring together muted complex metallics in this play-ful contradiction of hard and soft materials. Installed with metallic feature stripping between each tile and tessellated in simple squares to showcase the way light dips in and out of the weave, Fiber brings a burnished gleam and a feeling of structured softness to any space. The finished result is inviting, with true depth and intriguing varia-tions in each of the four colorways

larger sizesThese collections are available in 12"x12", 12"x18", 18"x 18", and 12"x 24" tiles with bevelled edges and a urethane coating. In addition, some designs are available in new Xtra sizes including 18"x24", 18"x 36", 7.2"x 48" and 18"x 48". The dramatic larger scale adds impact, minimizes seams and speeds installation.

upscale access FlooringCreate the upscale look of hardwoods and stone on access flooring with Spacia Access. Installed using a modified loose lay system and new releasable adhesive, the resilient flooring can be used with any type of access flooring or laid over existing hard surfaces. This system speeds installation and allows tiles to be removed and replaced eas-ily for evolving floor plans. Spacia Access includes 12 stone designs including textile-inspired felt and linen effects that are bevelled and offered in 19.7 x 19.7 square tiles 5mm thick with a 20 mil wear layer. The collection’s nine wood patterns is bevelled and available in 19.7"x 19.7" square tiles or 48" x 7.2" wood strips that are 5mm thick with a 20 mil wear layer.

Resilient flooring continues to evolve at a rapid pace, introducing new fashions that are not possible in other flooring platforms. DQ

Murray Graham, Canadian sales manager for Amtico Internation-

al, has worked in the commercial flooring business for 30 years. His team works with designers, architects and specifiers to offer resilient flooring solutions for a range of commercial building projects, from of-fice space to healthcare and educational spaces. Amtico, manufacturers of Arteca, Spacia and Stratica, has provided innovative resilient floor-ing products around the world for over four decades. Contact him at [email protected] or call 1.866.880.9247.

arteca Fiber


:::::::::::::: flooring

different CharacteristicsWith all the new technologies that manufacturers have continued to develop, they now have the ability to manipulate woods to take on different characteristics other than that of the actual species.

Lauzon Distinctive Hardwood has produced a new technology in their new Line Art Collection. The collection is the sweet paradox be-tween the warm, natural touch of Lauzon Canadian Hard Maple and a decisively modern and urban look. Linear, monochromatic, sur-prising and moving. With the “Line Art Collection”, Lauzon launches a true evolution in wood flooring. The result of a unique finishing technique, Line Art provides incredibly rich, cutting-edge looks that give a mineral or stonelike aspect to the wood.

hardwood fashionBy shea giFFord

ColourNatural shades of brown and gray are going strong as the colour of choice for today’s interiors. The exhilarating pace of fashion has brought a revival of gray — taken from urban architecture to de-sign details of couture. Contours are soft and undulating with a toned-down but rich mix of somber colours and the stable “gray”. Urban architecture’s use of steel, glass and cement keeps the gray all around us.

This trending gray is smart when used with analogous deep colours and is sassy with brights. While gray can often be con-sidered some other hue, the deep and smoky depths are both complex and enticing.

the product available today in the wood world is endless. it has become more unique and diversified than it ever was. hardwood continues to be a popular choice for the home, featuring an extensive array of colours, stains and styles.

Lauzon Line art

Collection


::::::: :::::::flooring

With this, we are seeing varying tones of soft muted grays to deep rich charcoals in the world of wood, which offer the perfect founda-tion that one can create in a uniquely designed room.

Wider planksOver the past few years there has been a stronger drive towards wider plank woods for floors. Such products as Columbia’s Hatteras, brings to mind the weather beaten look of wood exposed to the elements, rich with beautiful graining and light chipping along the plank edges.

Columbia’s character woods make available popular surface treat-ments such as weathered, sculpted, timeworn, distressed, country rustic, and scraped designs as well as features including hammer dents, nail holes, natural knots, splits, and mineral streaks.

Anderson’s Virginia Vintage has a product, The Old Paint Collection. It is reminiscent of the timeless beauty of days gone by. To achieve this effect, each board has been painted, distressed and sanded by hand. The end result captures a grace and warmth of a floor touched by time and worn to perfection with a range of colours and textures that are sure to make a statement in any home.

Then from Mannington Floors comes Earthly Elements, a revolutionary hardwood that offers unparalleled artistic freedom us-ing two new shapes — squares and rectangles. This one-of-a-kind collection offers flexibility, simplicity, and artistry to help express your client’s unique personal style.

With wide plank wood flooring, come some unique challenges that are experienced in different regions.

In Alberta, we struggle with dryness in our winters, much like that of the Saudi Arabian deserts. Because wood is a living product, hu-midity levels are one of woods greatest enemies both for furniture and floors. This will have a negative impact on how the product will both

look and perform. So when considering a wide plank product, it is important to consider the options of products available best suited for the region. To provide the best possible solution for this type of look in a wood product in the Alberta market, you might want to consider an engineered product, not only for its performance in this region, but for the environmental impact it would have on preserving our forests.

exotic WoodExotics offer a global infusion of colour and design. Unique looks combine with the dramatic variation of these responsibly harvested exotic woods for a look that creates a tropical oasis in the home.

Muskoka Prefinished Hardwood Flooring has a new line-up called Architectural Collection Exotics, including Brazilian Cherry

and Doussier. Characterized by deep, rich tones and naturally dense, these species are extremely durable and wear-resistant. Archi-tectural Exotics are well suited for high-traffic areas. The warm colours and refined grain patterns of Muskoka’s Architectural Collec-tion Exotics make them a breathtaking choice for any room in the house.

Rustic, traditional, modern or contemporary — truly there aren’t enough words to describe the magic of wood floors available today. DQ

Shea Gifford is vice president of sales and marketing at Nu-Way Floor Fashions in Calgary, Alberta. Nu-Way Floor Fashions has been an integral part of the Calgary market place for over 40 years, offer-ing all aspects of floor coverings to the builder, designer, and renova-tion consumer. Learn more at www.nu-wayfloors.com.

Because wood is a living product, humidity levels are one of woods

greatest enemies both for furniture and floor...

Left: Mannington’s Earthly Elements.

Right: Columbia’s Hatteras.


:::::::::::::: multimedia

large. Heavy. Overbearing. The imagery of our original CD home audio systems is not a pleasant one. During a time when aesthetics were completely void of a stereo systems’ design, figuring out where to place them in our homes was often a daunting task. However, in the 21st century, the

advanced technology of our hi-fi home audio systems is not only re-inventing the way we listen to music, but also the way we approach interior design in homes.

In stark contrast to the heavy, boxy stereo systems of our parents’ generation, today’s compact audio home systems are more stream-lined, handcrafted and beautiful as a whole. They are no longer eyesores in living rooms; they brilliantly contribute to the gestalt of interior design in the modern home. Take the Geneva Sound System Model L, a furniture statement piece in itself. The ‘deceptively sim-ple,’ streamlined contour of its exterior masterfully encapsulates the advanced technology of its two full sized speakers, CD player, radio and amplifier into one clean component. Furthermore, its design not only marks Geneva’s appreciation for aesthetics, but also their dedi-cation to the often overlooked quality of a fully handcrafted piece of work. The wood cabinet for each Model L is hand-sanded with genuine American walnut veneer and glossed with eight layers of high-grade piano lacquer in a process that takes more than a week to complete. This level of attention to detail removes the modern home audio system from the shelf of bothersome equipment that we must arduously place and solidifies it as design pieces you can use to ac-cent the interior design of homes.

The underlying reason stereo systems of the past suffered from such poor aesthetics was the difficulty level of achieving realistic, high quality sound. Hi-fi was originally intended to replicate the sound quality of listening in a live concert hall. Previously, the equip-ment required to minimize the noise and distortion while eliciting an accurate frequency response involved several bulky stereos that needed to be precisely positioned around living rooms to synchro-nize with televisions. The Yamaha YSP4100 Digital Sound Projector has condensed all of the overbearing equipment into one compact, economical design effectively freeing up more of the living room to be thoughtfully designed. However, where space is reduced, sound is not compromised. The system boasts a DSP (Digital Sound Sig-

nal Processor), 40 beam drivers, two woofers and two tweeters. The thin 3½” depth of the device also matches it seamlessly with the flat screen of any plasma television.

Besides being a visual accessory in homes, audio systems also have the capability of contributing to something that even our fin-est hand-woven Italian silk curtains and precious China table sets could never achieve: ambiance. The Sonos S5 wireless music sys-tem takes the characteristic of music as an emotional amplifier to the next level. The reduced amount of space home audio systems used to take up with their heavy equipment subsequently allowed for synchronized listening in every room of the home. With no docking required, the S5 can be conveniently controlled by a free iphone application that has access to streaming radio stations as well as iTunes collections. The ease of accessibility to free Inter-net radio can make any dinner party feel classy and sophisticated, any lonely evening feel warm and inviting and any typical day feel more exciting. Ambiance is often a quality we search for at five-star restaurants or expensive nightclubs and lounges; now we have the luxury of looking no further than our living room for the sound quality that vibrates our soul.

The hi-fi technology of home audio sound systems will never again be overlooked in a far off corner of living rooms, but rather they will be admired and complemented as a truly beautiful design piece in homes. The Geneva Sound System Model L, Sonos ZonePlayer S5 and Yamaha YSP4100 Digital Sound Projector underscore the tran-sition of home audio systems have made from being a hindrance to creative interior design process to one that can improve the design quality of living space and everyday lives. DQ

Harry Saini is CEO and owner of Digital Smart Homes, a leading Van-couver electronic systems firm that offers the finest, up-to-minute tech-nology available in the marketplace. Harry is an electronic and technol-ogy industry expert with more than 20 years experience. Contact him at [email protected] or visit www.digitalsmarthomes.com.

hi-fi designhow home audio systems are reinventing the way we design homes in the 21st century.By harry saini

Left: Geneva system with an iphone docked.

above: a wireless music system with an iPhone sitting next to it. the iPhone

controls the Sonos systems volume and music.


::::::: :::::::multimedia

reduce Carbon emissions with video ConferencingVideo conferencing allows collaborative high definition video meetings around the globe, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A typical flight from Vancouver to Toronto produces 1,173 lbs CO2 (532 kg) CO2. Companies like LifeSize Technologies are producing HD Video confer-encing solutions that allow you to reduce travel; saving time, money, and carbon emissions instantly. Video conferencing users can often see a complete return on investment in as little as a single trip.

HD Video Conferencing can have quick environmental payback for local applications too. Many organizations are using HD Video Confer-encing to reduce intra-city travel between offices, or between suppliers and their customers. The time savings for both customer and supplier can be significant (you’ve taken a car off the road) and in many cases the customer experience is enhanced by bringing subject matter experts into meetings they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to join.

eliminate voC’s in projection screens Screen manufacturer, Da-Lite, has been producing projection screens for nearly 100 years. But that hasn’t stopped them from tak-ing a leading role in reducing harmful emissions including volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) from their screens. Like many fabric and materials, projection screens have traditionally been producers of VOC’s. Many screen materials now meet GreenGuard™ indoor air quality standards. The selection of the screen surface for a project can have a positive environmental impact on the project, and en-hance the air quality of the workplace environment. Da-Lite makes it easy to be low VOC friendly by making this the standard on many of their most popular projection screens.

lower power Consumption Power consumption on flat panels was significantly reduced when display technologies moved from Plasma to LCD, and has taken another large step forward with the advent of LED backlit LCD Displays. Reduced power consumption can significantly reduce an organization’s environmental impact while providing direct and measurable savings.

There are several factors that affect TV or display power usage, in-cluding: screen size, technology type, and picture brightness settings.

Screen Size — A 32” LCD display typically uses about half the pow-er as a 52” display.

Display Technologies: Average plasma: 301 wattsAverage LCD: 111 wattsAverage LED LCD: 101 wattsOne of the most effective ways to reduce display power consump-

tion is to turn the display off. Too often in a workplace environment, projectors, displays and other technologies are accidentally left on. This can waste power consumption and prematurely wear out your displays. Control technologies can automate this function and ensure displays are not left on unnecessarily. The most common way is to schedule auto-shutoffs at a pre-scheduled time, or to install an on-off timer that shuts the display off when no use is detected.

monitor ConsumptionTied closely to reduced power consumption is the ability to proac-tively monitor power consumption within an office space or a specific meeting room.

Crestron electronics, best known for audiovisual and lighting con-trol systems, now offers a product called the TPMC-4SM which is a network linked room scheduling solution. The scheduling function-ality alone is very impressive and allows users to quickly and easily view if rooms are available, as well as modify the room use schedule right on the touch panel — all completely integrated with the organi-zation’s MS Exchange server.

But in addition to the scheduling functionality, this unit can be configured to display energy usage in the room, making users more aware of the impact of power consumption and costs of their meetings. As with all Crestron products the graphical interface is almost infinitely modifiable to allow the most critical information to be displayed.

automate lighting and environmental ControlCrestron is regarded as the world’s leader in automation solutions for the workplace. Crestron is most commonly associated with audio visual systems control, but their wide range of commercial lighting and workplace automation solutions can make a significant positive impact on power consumption in the workplace.

Environmental automation in the workplace can coordinate lighting, HVAC, and window coverings to optimize environmental performance and reduce power consumption. Utilizing scheduled, or light/temperature triggered window coverings can reduce the demands on the air conditioning within a facility, as can lighting. Cost savings can be tracked and recorded for enhanced awareness of energy efficiency.

Cleaner manufacturing practicesImproved manufacturing practices such as those outlined in the ROHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) Directive are reducing hazardous materials in electronics equipment. The ROHS Directive was adopted in February 2003 by the European Union and took ef-fect on 1 July 2006. This directive restricts the use of six hazardous materials: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybro-minated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ether.

utilize electronics recyclingToo often, surplus electronic equipment fills landfills and can in-troduce hazardous contaminants. Your clients should develop in-ternal policy for the appropriate disposal of electronic equipment. For more information on electronic recycling, please visit Encorp Pacific who is a local provider of electronics recycling services at www.encorp.ca/electronics. DQ

Colby Harder is the president and owner of CONTI Electronics Ltd. CONTI’s mission is to enhance workplace productivity with inte-grated audio visual communication solutions. For more information visit www.conti.ca or call 604.734.0606.

audiovisual technologies to “green” the workplaceBy ColBy harder


::::::::::::::multimedia

there is no denying the impact technology has had on the layout and aesthetics of the workplace. For those who spend their days redesigning offices to create more open spaces and storage units for mobile and stow-away work stations that accommodate wireless, portable hardware,

it seems almost inconceivable that there was a time when the average monitor was no more than 19 inches and weighed about 50 pounds.

While technology has profoundly altered the office space and the way we work, it is having an equally dramatic effect on the design of today’s homes. Consider for a moment that today the average builder offers (for an extra fee) the opportunity to install a complete set of audio/video cabling into the drywall of a family room so that aesthet-ics aren’t ruined by a malaise of wires dangling from wall-mounted, flat-screen televisions. Now consider that these relatively recent ser-vice offerings will become obsolete in the not-so-distant future.

In fact, it won’t be long before the term “television” will become a mis-nomer. The old boob tube will cease to exist simply as a tool to broadcast cable or satellite signals, and evolve into a highly sophisticated device that channels multimedia content from in-home computer storage units, the web, mobile devices and, yes, the traditional coaxial cable.

Much like the MP3 player has allowed most homeowners to do away with the CD rack, small external hard drives with wireless ca-pability will soon serve as portable storage units where countless home movies and Hollywood hits can be stored and beamed up from any television screen. The end result is less storage space required for our growing DVD collections.

Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) enabled TVs now allow television users to wirelessly call up content to their big-screen TVs from their PCs. Suddenly home videos and photos from the latest family function or wild night out could be viewed on the television without connecting one cable.

In addition, the accompanying Internet@TV functionality allows users to link in with social and multimedia networks likes Facebook, Twitter and Picasa through their wireless connections. Meanwhile, Skype users can video conference with friends and family on the op-posite side of the city or the world simply by connecting a web cam to their televisions.

Today, photos residing on digital cameras and mobile phones can be transferred to television screens effortlessly. These innovations will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the way space is allo-cated in today’s homes. While the prominence of the big-screen TV in the family room is unlikely to change, the smaller monitors tradition-ally found in kitchens, bedrooms, home offices and basements are likely to be replaced with larger ones. With the cost of large screens deflating each year, consumers will instinctively follow the old ad-age of “bigger is better.” These monitors will wirelessly connect with external hard drives to call up information through internal home networks. As such, bedrooms will soon be designed with large walls opposite the most intuitive space for a headboard and basements will have to be designed to ensure accessibility to wireless signals.

Study rooms and offices will have to accommodate big screens in addition to computers. As advanced as television technology may be, it is unlikely to replace the computer monitor or laptop as the primary display for computer work. Viewing YouTube vid-eos on high-definition big screens might be fun, but spreadsheets much less so.

The wireless connectivity of the home will also have implications on the materials used to build houses, condominiums and apartment complexes. Certain materials, such as stucco, brick and cinder block have been known to interfere or overpower the strength of wireless routers. As wireless technology progresses, its signal strength is likely to grow stronger. In the interim, however, builders will want to be mindful to use wireless-friendly materials, or forewarn buyers with a love of stone fireplaces that they may have to forego some of the more advanced features of their new televisions.

With time, these considerations will grow as obsolete as the old CRT televisions with which most of us grew up. Overcoming obstacles is at the very heart of technological development and manufacturers will continue to find solutions to emerging chal-lenges. These solutions will make our lives more convenient and our space more functional. DQ

David Vitale is the product and marketing manager for Samsung Electronics’ LCD and LED televisions.

channelling multimediaBy david vitale


::::::: :::::::special supplement 2010 aibc awards of excellence

2010 aiBC awards of excellenceeight awards were handed out to B.C.’s architectural leaders, including two lieutenant-governor award in architecture medals, four lieutenant-governor award in architecture merit awards, an aiBC innovation award, and three aiBC special Jury awards. this year’s awards program attracted a record 72 submissions, ranging from small-but-smart residences and snazzy boutiques to multi-faceted educational facilities and community centres.

lieutenant-governor oF B.C. medal aWard Alhambra + Garage + Cordage + Grand + Terminus Acton Ostry Architects Inc.

Lead Design Architects: Mark Ostry MAIBC AAA FRAIC, Russell Acton

MAIBC AAA FRAIC and Alan Davies MAIBC

This project represents a modern take on a series of Vancouver heritage buildings. The design plan honours the significance of the site’s history while placing it into a contemporary framework. The result revitalizes the original buildings, offering a new vision of mixed-use spaces and a 100 per cent increase in density. It in-volved the integration of six- and seven-storey residential build-ings with two-storey commercial space and existing three-and four-storey frontages.

Bo

b M

ath

eso

n

lieutenant-governor oF B.C. medal aWard False Creek Energy Centre Walter Francl Architecture Inc. and Pechet and

Robb art and architecture ltd.

Lead Design Architects: Walter Francl MAIBC MRAIC P. Eng. LEED®AP and

Hazen Sise MAIBC MRAIC EED®AP (Building) and Stephanie Robb MAIBC (Stacks.

The False Creek Energy Centre serves the energy needs of Vancou-ver’s newest community. The centre encompasses two facilities: a sewage pump station for the greater neighbourhood and a sewage heat recovery and distribution system. The five towering stainless steel emissions stacks double as public art. Architectural materials carry an industrial aesthetic reflective of the Cambie Street bridge that spans overhead. Sustainability is featured in both the structure’s operations and design, and the building played a major role in the South East False Creek community’s recent LEED® Platinum rating.

Gru

ne

rt I

ma

gin

g

lieutenant-governor oF British ColumBia merit aWardHouse, Southern Gulf Islands Gates_Suter architects

Lead Design architects: Joanne Gates MaIBC and Peter Suter MaIBC

This 2,500 square foot private residence is a simple and elegant single family home. This project offers a new response to architec-tural design in remote areas. Designers created a series of terraced levels that respond seamlessly to the sloping landscape. Natural wood, large windows and concrete echo the beauty of the outdoor environment.

lieutenant-governor oF British ColumBia merit aWardWest Vancouver Community Centre Hughes Condon Marler Architects

Lead Design Architect: Darryl Condon MAIBC AAA FRAIC LEED®AP

The West Vancouver Community Centre exemplifies a fresh new ap-proach to community facility design. It brings cohesion, along with new life and vitality, to what had previously been a sprawling campus-like space. The project is expected to earn a LEED Gold certification.

emerging Firm aWard Matthew Soules Architecture Inc.

Principal: Matthew Soules MAIBC Reg. Arch. New York

Matthew Soules Architecture Inc. was launched in 2008. Since then, this two-person firm has offered up a diverse range of services across multiple areas of practice including commercial, residential, cultural and recreational. Principal Matthew Soules brings an analytical ap-proach to each project — carefully considering social, economic and environmental contexts to deliver performance-based solutions. N

ic L

eh

ou

x


:::::::::::::: special supplement 2010 aibc awards of excellence

lieutenant-governor oF British ColumBia merit aWardMountain View Cemetery

(Customer Service Centre, Celebration Hall and Operations Yard)

Birmingham & Wood — Architects and Planners

Lead Design Architect: Sandra Moore MAIBC MRAIC LEED®AP

Vancouver’s Mountain View Cemetery encompasses a new customer service centre, celebration hall and operations yard. Mountain View Cemetery is a project that honours the full range of human experi-ence through sensitive architecture and design. Spaces for contem-plation and gathering abound.

Nic

Le

ho

ux

innovation aWardXthum

WMW Public: Architecture + Communication Inc

Lead Design Architects: Brian Wakelin MAIBC MRAIC LEED®AP and

John Wall MAIBC OAA LEED®AP

Xthum, a shared vision of Kwantlen Polytechnic University and the First Nations of Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen and Katzie, offers an in-viting new multi-purpose space within an existing classroom building on the university’s Surrey campus. The imaginative design is defined by a basket-like weave pattern that pays homage to traditional methods.

speCial Jury aWardLynn Steven Boutique

mcfarlane green biggar ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN INC

Lead Design Architect: Michael Green MAIBC AIA MRAIC

The Lynn Steven Boutique, located in Vancouver’s historic Gastown neighbourhood, takes a fun and creative approach to retail design. Paperbacks scoured from Craig’s List were stacked to create a cylin-drical washroom and change room facility. In granting this award, the jury recognizes the innovative treatment of interior design with consideration to budgetary constraints.

speCial Jury aWardRennie Art Gallery and Offices

Walter Francl Architecture Inc. and mcfarlane green biggar ARCHITECTURE

+ DESIGN INC

Lead Design: Walter Francl MAIBC, Michelle Biggar BBE Int.Design and

Michael Green MAIBC AIA RAIC

The Rennie Art Gallery and Offices is a substantial Chinatown conserva-tion and restoration project that encompasses both an original six-storey laneway brick building and its adjacent three-story street-front structure. A seamless blending of old and new, it sets a new standard in adaptive re-use.

speCial Jury aWardThompson Rivers University Students’ Union

Stantec Architecture Ltd.

Design Architect: Ray Wolfe MAIBC

The Thompson Rivers University Students’ Union project reflects a tangible commitment to improving the quality of campus life for this Kamloops post-secondary institution. Each room offers a range of options in terms of use, acoustic separation and interaction. For truly elevating the end user experience, this project was deemed worthy of a special jury award.

lieutenant-governor oF British ColumBia merit aWard 135 Keefer Street

Gair Williamson Architect Inc.

Lead Design Architect: Chris Woodford MAIBC LEED®AP

135 Keefer Street is a restoration project that brings new life to Van-couver’s historic Chinatown. The design team salvaged a building that was likely otherwise headed for demolition. The reconstruc-tion project program included the insertion of three full-floor suites within the existing shell; an additional residential storey; roof deck; outdoor kitchen facilities and loggia, and a ground floor restaurant.

Nic

Le

ho

ux


::::::: :::::::idc

the interior design community in Canada now speaks with one voice. The recent restructuring of Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) ensures the association will have the resources to be the strong advocate it should for the interior design profession, nationally and in-

ternationally. It also will ensure that members across the country receive equal services.

The change is a positive, timely move for the industry. The ever increasing demands of globalization, changing demographics, en-hanced technology, and an uncertain economy are just a few of the factors that led to a reexamination of the existing model of IDC and the decision to see the organization move into a more effective and efficient model for serving its membership.

Prior to the restructuring, IDC’s membership consisted of seven provincial associations of interior designers (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia). The new IDC represents more than 3,000 indi-vidual interior designers in these provinces and in Quebec. Its mandate is to advocate for the profession and its ultimate goal is to develop, nurture and strengthen the interior design profession at a national level. All regulatory matters remain in the hands of the provincial associations, whose mandate will be to regulate the profession and serve and protect the public.

The restructuring promises increased understanding, promotion and protection of interior design, and strong accountability to all stakeholders. This new national association will have the necessary resources to offer high quality programs and services to members in a more equitable, effective and efficient manner. As a result, IDC will be a more productive association that is able to provide a stronger, more responsive and unified voice for the profession.

The creation of a new and stronger national association began more than two years ago.

There was consensus among the associations that the interior de-sign profession needed a strong voice that could advocate for the in-dustry in Canada and abroad. And all agreed it is important to have a common, consistent message. It was determined that by pooling the provincial resources to strengthen the national association, IDC could better meet its goal of raising the profile of interior design and promoting the profession.

So, after almost a year of planning and discussions, the then seven members of IDC agreed to proceed with the proposal to restructure and appointed a transition team to iron out the details of the plan. The transition team included representatives from each of the pro-vincial associations and IDC’s board. During the past year, the team has developed a new board structure and nominations procedure, and refined the financial model.

Each of the provincial governing boards held a vote in December 2009 and unanimously agreed to the restructuring proposal, condi-tional upon a financial and legal review. That review was undertaken in January, and the recommended changes have been implemented. The restructuring was officially approved and announced at the as-sociation’s Annual General Meeting in Halifax in April. It became effective July 1.

IDC’s new structure offers great benefit to its membership and the interior design profession as a whole. It provides sup-port for interior designers by bringing the community closer to-gether and continuing to build the credibility and profile of the industry in Canada.

In order to provide clients with the best possible service, interior designers must keep current with building codes and other regula-tions, as well as trends in the industry. For this reason, lifelong learn-ing is paramount within the profession. Under the new structure, interior designers, especially in smaller communities, will have im-proved access to continuing education programs and seminars that they need to keep their credentials current. As well, the new struc-ture will enhance the ability of members to compete in the global marketplace by providing access to significant programs that pro-mote Canadian designers abroad.

As president of IDC, I see my role as twofold. First, is to be an ambassador-at-large, promoting the new IDC and the profession, wherever and whenever possible. Second, is to use the experience I have gained through my varied volunteer activities and positions I have held with a number of associations related to interior design, to help guide IDC through this transition period. I’m looking forward to an exciting year ahead. DQ

David Hanson, RID (Fellow), IDC, FIIDA, is president of the Interior Designers of Canada and leads the interior design stu-dio at Gustavson Wylie Architects in Vancouver. Contact him at [email protected].

a new face for idCBy david hanson

TORONTO � GAINESVILLE � MELBOURNE � VANCOUVER � WINNIPEGwww.mediaedge.ca

• Editorial delivering the latest design trends.• Complete suppliers’ directory with cross referencing

product/services sections.• Display advertisements showcasing the latest in

products, trends, materials and services.

For Further information, please contact:Dan Gnocato 604.739.2115 ext. 223 [email protected]

Design QuarterlyResource Guide 2011

Distributed to Architects and Interior Designers in BC and Alberta

Now reserving ad space

Western Canada's most comprehensive resource tool for architects and interior designers

Featuring


DQ_Fall_09.indd 25 22/10/09 10:59 PM


::::::: :::::::aibc

getting into hospitality design was a happy accident for our young architectural firm.

Like so many previous nights, I was sitting at a bar downtown, quietly sipping a drink, waiting for my business partner to join me for a few more over some

aimless conversation. Uncharacteristically, he was a bit late, so I was sitting alone. As you would expect in a pub or bar, the person seated at my right struck up a conversation with me, and, as it turned out, became my first restaurant client — he was the general manager of the bar at which we were seated.

We were excited for the opportunity to work on restaurants and bars. Not just as genuine pub lovers, but also as architects who un-derstand the great urbanizing affect pubs have on cities. Anyone who has either read Jane Jacobs, or has visited London, New York, Chi-cago, or even Toronto for that matter, understands the pub’s great contribution as a wonderful social setting to a city’s urban vibrancy.

Which is why, for a city that strives for greater urban richness through planning policy, it is strange that rich pub culture has eluded Vancouver’s streets for so long.

Despite the worldwide perception of British Columbia as a laid-back, pleasure-seeking culture, we continue to live under some of the most strict, bureaucratic and arcane liquor laws in Canada or any other part of the western world. New liquor primary licenses, i.e., pub licenses, are extremely difficult to obtain for proprietors, if not impossible.

Oddly, and conversely, our government issues restaurant pri-mary licenses, i.e, liquor licenses for restaurants, rather liberally.

Restauranteurs, as the shrewd entrepreneurs that they are, have taken matters into their own hands in order to fulfill our growing de-mand for pub life in Vancouver. In their desire to operate pubs within the confines of strict regulations, they have cleverly given birth to a new, in-between animal: the almost-pub.

The almost-pub is actually a restaurant primary to the letter of the law. As far as licensing is concerned, it is, for all intents and purposes, a restaurant — all patrons generally eat, more food is sold (by gross receipts) than is liquor, and everyone is seated. They do, however, look and feel more like pubs through their planning and design.

A few almost-pubs around the city have passed through our office, all having been designed by interior designers (often with heavy in-fluence of the clients who run them) with our office acting as prime consultant for their development. A few examples are mentioned be-low that have emerged recently, that have been enriching Vancouver pub culture while cleverly working within the confines of a restau-rant primary license.

The Cascade Room on Main Street was designed, and is par-tially owned by, David Nicolay of Evoke International Design. The concept is simple — a pared-down, clean, modern version of a British pub. It is effectively a one-room concept, with a bar run-ning down one side of the room and raised booths down the other, split by high-top tables organized in a single, tightly-spaced row (to promote those great random conversations). The only low-ered seating, generally filled up later at night, is at the back of the room, so the restaurant seldom appears empty from the vantage of the front door. Typical British pub finishes are referenced but not replicated — wallpaper, chalkboards, and wood. The place subtly suggests that it’s a pub, and above all, has fantastic beer. No wonder it’s always packed.

Local, one of the many operations of the ever-growing Joey Res-taurants group, is another one-room concept put together by their own in-house interior design team. Its pub-ness comes from the cen-tral position and unique shape of its bar — drinks, not food, are the main attraction here. The bar is horseshoe-shaped, centrally posi-tioned on the wall at the ‘deepest’ point in the plan from the perspec-tive of the entering customer. The bar is similarly mirrored on the exterior forming a similar outdoor bar for the patio. All other seating is organized around it, giving drink service, rather than food service, the most prominent position in the room.

Finally, Cinema, the latest addition to the DHM pub empire, is ac-tually partially a pub by virtue of its license — a portion of the place is actually deemed to be a pub within the larger restaurant around it. As one would expect, licensing regulations dictate that the two ar-eas be visibly distinct. Box Interior Design, have taken the need for separated spaces even further and have steered away from the one-room concept and have created a number of more intimate pockets of space and seating around the place, each offering a slightly unique design experience within. It’s a rare example of where a government regulation has actually inspired a design that leads to a more rich and enlivening spatial experience. DQ

P.J. Mallen is a principal at Mallen Architecture, a medium-sized firm specializing in hospitality and retail development. He has com-piled with a number of interior designers and has worked on more than 40 restaurants and bars throughout the Lower Mainland, BC and Alberta. Contact him at [email protected].

designing the almost pubBy p.J. mallen

Ja

nic

e N

ico

lay

Cascade Room on

Main Street


::::::::::::::design headlines

IDSwest hosted a media preview party on Inform Interiors roof deck in July, offering a first look at some of this year’s features and exhibitors. They included: Responsible Design Inside the Box, Future Masters, Studio North, BC Designs, Corked Designs and Working Wood. Pictured here is Brent Comber Originals: Sphere. IDSwest will be held at the new Vancouver Convention Centre from October 14th to 17th.

IDSWESt 2010 LaUNCH

SEaRS RECoGNIZEDCathy Sears, a vice president and practice leader for landscape architecture with Stan-tec, has been elected to the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) College of Fellows, the highest honour bestowed by the national professional organization. Sears was recognized alongside six other new Fellows during a formal investiture ceremony held during the CLSA National Congress in Ed-monton on August 20.

Sears was recognized for her impact on the landscape architecture profession through in-volvement with the CSLA, as well as her pro-fessional design work. Sears, of Calgary, served as president of the CSLA from 2008-2009 and is a past president of the Alberta Association of Landscape Architects and has been actively involved with major initiatives and programs with the organization since 1991.

oMER HoNoUREDThe Canada Council for the Arts announced that Vancouver designer Omer Arbel is the winner of the $10,000 Ronald J. Thom Award for Early Design Achievement. This award rec-ognizes exceptional talent and achievement in the field of architectural design, and is given every two years to an emerging practitioner or a firm demonstrating both creative talent and exceptional potential in architectural design. The candidate must be sensitive to architec-ture’s allied arts, crafts and professions, includ-ing landscape, interior and furniture design as well as decorative and graphic arts. This prize was established in 1990, in collaboration with the Canada Council, by friends and colleagues of Thom, an eminent Canadian architect, as a tribute to his life and work.

Scheduled to open in the summer 2011, Surrey’s new $36 million public library marks the beginning of a major civic investment in the transformation of the city’s downtown.

Designed by Bing Thom Architects, the new 77,000 square foot library will include an expanded library collection, in-house coffee shop, study spaces, an electronic training classroom, large community meeting spaces and other library programs.

BING DESIGNS LIBRaRY


design headlines::::::: :::::::

advertising index

2nd Century rugs iBC

Bartle & gibson 4

Buildex 20 , 21

BC hydro 9

Coast Wholesale appliances 5

hari stones 19

ids West 25

kohler 7

odyssey Wall Coverings oBC

pebo stones 17

robinson lighting and Bath Centre iFC

vangogh 11

Windowworks insert

SUMMER StRUtThe IDIBC 2009 Awards of Excellence Gallery was hosted by Divine Hardwood Floor-ing held on August 12th at their showroom in Vancouver’s SOMA neighbourhood. More than 120 guests gathered to enjoy an evening of food and drink plus a chance to win the $1,000 in door prizes donated by Divine, including a fabulous stay for two at the Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver. A CEU session on Building Relationships In Business was also presented by Ronn Martin of New Image Studios.

aRCHItECtS SELECtEDHBBH+BH Associated Architects has been selected to design the new $103-million Student Union Building at the University of British Columbia.

Located at the entry to UBC, the new 255,000-square-foot Student Union Build-ing (SUB) is one of the most significant re-cent architectural commissions in Canada. It has an advanced sustainability agenda (LEED Platinum and includes elements from the Living Building Challenge) as well as a strong design and social agenda. The new Student Union Building is scheduled for completion in 2014.

DESIGN FIRMS SHoRtLIStEDFive design firms from Sweden, the Neth-erlands, UK, the United States and Canada will compete for the chance to deliver the winning plan to redevelop the Edmonton City Centre Airport’s 216-hectare site into a sustainable, transit-oriented community. The firms are: Sweco International AB of Stockholm, Sweden; Perkins + Will of Van-couver, Canada; KCAP Architects & Plan-ners of Rotterdam, Netherlands; BNIM of Kansas City, USA; and Foster & Partners of London, UK. The five finalists were chosen from 33 firms competing for the project. Fi-nal selection will be in 2011.

PRaIRIE DESIGN aWaRDS The winners of this year’s Prairie Design Awards were announced at the RAIC Festival held in Saskatoon in June 2010.

In the Recent Work category, two Awards of Excellence were given to Teeple Archi-tects in association with Kasian Architecture for the Montrose Cultural Centre in Grande Prairie, Alberta, and to Cibinel Architects Ltd. for H2Office in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Five Awards of Merit were given to the following: Cohos Evamy Integratedesign for the Calgary Zoo North Gate; Cibinel Archi-tects Ltd. for the Apotex Centre at the Uni-versity of Manitoba’s Faculty of Pharmacy in Winnipeg; LM Architectural Group for the University of Manitoba’s John A. Russell Building Exterior Envelope Replacement in Winnipeg; Cohlmeyer Architecture Ltd. and 5468796 Architecture Inc. for the Bohemier Residence in Winnipeg; and Cohos Evamy Integratedesign for the Royal Canadian Pa-cific Entry Pavilion in Calgary.

In the Interior Design category, an Award of Excellence was given to Dub Architects for the 2nd Avenue Lofts in Saskatoon, and an Award of Merit was given to Bernard Flaman for tiny + heritage + green = home in Regina, a small-scale residential heritage restoration and redesign project.

And finally, in the Small Projects cat-egory, two Awards of Excellence were given to spmb_projects for Table of Contents in Winnipeg, and to David Penner Architect for Corogami Hut, also in Winnipeg.

NEW RCMP HEaDQUaRtERSKasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning will design the new Royal Canadian Mounted Police, (RCMP), E Division Headquarters in Surrey. This integrated, purpose-built complex will provide consolidated office and support space for 2,700 police personnel, cur-rently housed in 25 separate locations throughout the Lower Mainland. Targeting LEED Gold, construction will begin in July. The estimated date of completion is December 2012.

Ch

rist

ine

Qu

irin

g P

ho

tog

rap

hy

fromLANDFILLtoLEEDcredits

RECORE Recycled Wall Technology. Exclusively from OMNOVA Solutions,the global leader for eco-friendly commercial wallcoverings. Diverts waste

from landfills while contributing to LEED credits. 30% recycled contentincluding a minimum of 20% post consumer recycled content.

Low VOC emitting – GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified®.Durable – Type II, 20 oz. Discriminating color and design.

Available in these leading OMNOVA brands:

1-800-663-6069 www.odysseywallcoverings.com

eco-friendly wallcovering

is a registered trademark of OMNOVA Solutions Inc.

is a registered trademark of OMNOVA Solutions Inc.

design quarterly summer 2010

Documents

r t e r

purpose of design quarterly

design resource communities

toronto office

m2n 6p4design quarterly

bath showroomsrobinson

m2n 6p4tel

yonge street