Kerrisdale development offers cohesive design ethos for more livability

As a developer committed to unlocking the value from good design, Kenstone Properties’ Carven, a new multi-family building in Kerrisdale, is an example of the company’s philosophy of cohesive design that presents the exterior and interior spaces as a continuous concept.

“We approach design not as something frivolous or superfluous, but as integral to function and livability,” says Edwin Liang, a director of Kenstone Properties, a boutique multi-family residential developer active in Vancouver since 1991.

“None of our buildings are the same. There’s no cookie-cutter formula. Everything is tailor-made for the site. And sometimes that results in very bold design architectural gestures,” he says.

With architecture and interior design by MacFarlane Biggar Architects, Carven will be located at 2098 West 44th and East Boulevard Avenue on a 200-by-140-foot site across from the Arbutus Greenway. For Liang, the Kerrisdale location is especially significant.

“I have the fondest childhood memories growing up there: learning how to swim at the community centre, biking, ice skating at the rink on the weekends with my friends, buying my first Doc Martens at Hills and after-school visits to the McDonald’s drive-thru. They are all establishments that continue to serve this community. So everything I love about Kerrisdale is still there. And that’s a testament to the enduring magic of this neighbourhood,” he says.

The planned revitalization of the nine-kilometre Arbutus Greenway is an exciting prospect for Carven homebuyers, says Liang. The development is adjacent to the section of the Greenway from 37th to 49th Avenue, known as Kerrydale Pass, that is slated for improvements such as coffee kiosks, art installations and a public plaza for gatherings and performances.

Citing the New York City High Line — an elevated linear park — as an example where, after the infrastructure was completed, property values increased in the area, Liang anticipates a similar “greenway effect” will apply to properties near the Arbutus Greenway.

Carven comprises one-bedroom lofts, two-bedroom suites and three-bedroom homes (including sky townhouses and penthouses).

This unit mix reflects target market preferences.

“We are designing for the urban professionals who want more space, both indoors and outdoors, away from highly densified areas. We’re also designing for the growing families and downsizers that want to stay, or enter, this iconic neighbourhood,” says Liang.

He adds that although the project was planned just before the pandemic, Kenstone recognized the increased value homeowners place on outdoor spaces.

As examples, Liang says the two-bedroom homes on the second floor have roof terraces of around 270 square feet, and the penthouses have roof decks that average 900 sq. ft.

Amenities at Carven include a coworking space with a 12-foot oak table with travertine-wrapped legs from Vancouver-based furniture designer and manufacturer Lock and Mortice and eight Pierre Jeanneret chairs; a fireside lounge, a media room with theatre-style audiovisual equipment and a communal rooftop patio with an outdoor kitchen and dining space. Bespoke Italian cabinetry by Stosa Cucine, high-end appliances, artisan-made ceramic tiles and natural stone counters reflect the penchant for sophisticated design. Homebuyers can choose from two colour schemes, the soft, warm grey Grigio or Verde, inspired by the green surroundings in Kerrisdale.

The natural stone quartzite countertops reference the concrete in the building, says Liang.

“But we added some drama by purposely selecting a natural stone with a lot of marbling and veining because it adds depth and warmth.”

One of the other features that echoes the principles of cohesive design are the ceramic tiles from Japan that mimic the look of the brick-clad exterior of the building. The tiles, with an unusual glaze that breaks over the edge, define the backsplashes in the kitchens and wall surrounds in the bathrooms. 

In the kitchens, integrated German appliances include a Liebherr refrigerator/freezer and AEG five-burner gas cooktop, steam oven, speed oven and range hood. Solid brass fixtures in the kitchen are by Graff.

As Liang recalls the design process and the painstaking attention to detail, he says he is excited that Carven takes Kenstone’s cohesive design ethos one step further.

“Before, we would focus more on the suite interiors and, of course, the experience of the exterior of the building. But (for Carven), we really paid attention to the sensual experience from the moment you approach the residential lobby from outside the building. You (will) approach custom, oversized oak doors with lofted wood soffits that come from the outside and into a tunnel that completely envelopes you,” he says, adding this leads to the elevator lobby, where the exterior brick returns and arcs up to form a vaulted ceiling.

“It’s this direct interplay of the forms and materials we use on the outside of the building but are now (also) into the inside and how that calms and stills the senses to create a sanctuary,” he says.

The building has two levels of underground parking, two rooms for bike storage and optional storage lockers and additional parking stalls for purchase. 

Automated lockers in the mailing area are designed to expedite parcel delivery, and the building’s security system includes key fob access, entry phones, cameras at key entrances and elevators with restricted floor access.

Construction of Carven will be by Axiom Builders and is scheduled to be completed in 2025.

Project: Carven

Project address: 2098 W 44th Avenue, Vancouver

Developer: Kenstone Properties

Architect: McFarlane Biggar Architects

Interior designer: McFarlane Biggar Architects

Project size: 46 homes

Number of bedrooms: Loft, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedrooms

Price: Starting from $1.65 million

Presentation Centre: 2094 West 41st Ave

Centre hours: By appointment

Phone: 778-653-2928

Website: kerrisdalebykenstone.com

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