BRIXTON FLATS

Firm: Gair Williamson Architect
Project Architect: David Long
Type: Mixed-use Development with Rental Units
GFA Above Grade: 4,645 SQM (50,000 SF)
FSR: 4.5
Total Residential Units: 56
Building Height: 21 M (70 FT)
Standard: Built to Passive House construction standards

303 East Pender Street is a Rental 100 rezoning development in the downtown eastside at the boundary between Chinatown and Strathcona. The six level brick clad structure houses a mixture of three bedroom, two bedroom, one bedroom and studio units. Due to the prominent corner location facing Heritage buildings in Chinatown, the development team was able to negotiate a substantial upzoning from the existing RM-3 zoning.

The materiality of the building was developed through an open public process with input from the community. The result is a simple but striking white brick facade with deeply indented punched windows clad in gold trim.

303 E P Window Detail 1

The recessed fenestration serves a passive-solar function, ameliorating the south and west exposure to solar radiation in the summer months while maximizing day-lighting in the winter.