NEWS
GO NORTH, YOUNG ARCHITECTS!
'Sovereignty' is not a word frequently used by architects. But Canada is a country defined by The North and our sovereignty depends on its occupation and stewardship. Architecture is central to that operation, and so we were thrilled and honoured to be selected together with Stantec Architecture Ltd. to work with the City of Iqaluit on their new community aquatic centre. Expect the updates to come fast and furious!
EVERY DAY WE'RE CYCLING
HUB's Spring 2013 Bike to Work Week has come to a close, and for the ninth time in a row, we came out on top!
Congratulations to all the other winners and riders. We're proud to be a part of cycling revolution in Vancouver.
CARSCADDEN THRIFT BOOK LAUNCH
Our recently completed monograph Carscadden Thrift is now available! Published by BlueImprint, you can order online at Indigo/Chapters or, better yet, visit our friend Anne at vancouver special or Boyd at The Wilder Snail to pick up a copy.
And, for those of you who came to the Book Launch on May 2, thanks for stopping in to say hi! Thanks especially to Brian Wakelin, Bill Pechet, and Dean Goodman for their kind words about our work - and an extra special thank-you to Jim Nichols for penning the essay that begins the book.
Top right photo credit: Ash Tanasiychuk
BCA'S NEWEST PARTNER - IAN ROSS MCDONALD
We're delighted to announce Ian's new position as Partner at Bruce Carscadden Architect. Ian came to work with us following several years with Hughes Condon Marler : Architects and graduate studies at the University of British Columbia where he distinguished himself by earning the Alpha Ro Chi bronze medal in Architecture. Prior to studying architecture, Ian studied mathematics and economics at the University of Toronto and worked as a Data Analysis for Angus Reid and Ipsos-Reid.
Ian's work with BCA includes the Lieutenant Governor medal winning Swalwell Park Pavilion, as well as the Winfield Arena. Recent and current work has included feasibility research for the Town of Aldergrove and City of Kamloops, the City of Surrey's new Youth/Skate Park and the top-prize winning Bridge Housing competition entry for the Vancouver's reTHINK Housing competition. Ian was also instrumental in the publication of our forthcoming monograph, Carscadden Thrift, due this spring.
So welcome, Ian. We're looking forward to our continued shared success!
Bruce Carscadden Architect is a design studio in Vancouver, British Columbia.
In a discipline characterized by attention to detail, we pride ourselves in being unusually obsessive without ever losing track of the things that matter: people, place, and play.
WRECK BEACH WASHROOMS OPEN
The new Wreck Beach Washrooms are open! Don't let the changing season keep you from visiting Canada's most famous nude beach and enjoying the washrooms as intended: au naturel.
AWARDS FOR MICROLOFTS AT BURNS BLOCK
Canada's smallest apartments will now need to set aside a little space for some hardware.
REAL ESTATE BOARD OF GREATER VANCOUVER COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARD FOR RENTAL / AFFORDABLE HOUSING
HERITAGE BC HERITAGE CONSERVATION AWARD OF HONOUR
URBAN DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AWARD FOR BEST AFFORDABLE HOUSING
VANCOUVER REGIONAL CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR HERITAGE RESTORATION
TREEHUGGER.COM BEST OF GREEN DESIGN READER'S CHOICE AWARD
Photo credit: Richard Lam // Tenant in photos: Andrea Wong.
A POOL HAS HOW MANY TILES?!?
Selecting tiles for an aquatic centre is no small task. While considering slip resistance, cleanability, health regulations, shapes, sizes and fun colours; a modern aquatic centre can easily require fifty or more different types of tiles to complete the facility. A sample of some of the various tile assemblies were constructed for the upcoming YMCA in Brandon Manitoba to help the team and client choose which fifty of the hundreds of available tiles suited the project best.
Can you find the finger grip pool edge tile which is specifically created to help people get out of the deep end of a pool?
UPCOMING PARTY 4 ARCHITECTS TO FEATURE IAN ROSS MCDONALD
Hey, Vancouver! Come finish the summer in style at Party 4 Architects on August 30th! vancouver special is one of our favourite stores and we were flattered when Ian was asked to speak about our recent work.
If you don't already know about it, P4A is fast becoming the city's best design industry event in the city. Gair Williamson, Clinton Cuddington, Bryn Davidson, Alec Smith, Omer Arbel, and D'Arcy Jones have managed the right balance of serious conversation and engaging play. We're looking forward to the same - don't miss it!
BRIDGE HOUSING RADIO INTERVIEW
Looking for a bit more on Ian's re:THINK Housing Competition entry? Well look no further.
Ian was one of the lead interviews on Simi Sara's show Tuesday afternoon and he had a chance to elaborate on his proposal. You can download the whole show here or just listen to Ian's interview with the player above while contemplating the submission panels a little further down. Enjoy!
IAN ROSS MCDONALD WINS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR BRIDGE HOUSING
We're proud to announce that Ian Ross McDonald from our office was awarded the "Grand Prize" for Vancouver's re:THINK Housing Competition. Ian's submission is below, and you can download a high-res copy here. You can also check out the other winning entries here, and the Vancouver Sun has a nice article. Like all good urbanites, we love spacing magazine, and we're looking forward to their article in the fall.
Congratulations to everyone who entered!
UBC CHEMISTRY BIKE SHELTERS
We're super-stoked to report that UBC Transportation Planning's Bike Shelters at UBC are done and once the racks are installed, will be ready for use. It's a project that makes more sense through movement, so check out the video below.
MICROLOFTS IN NEW YORK
The Microlofts at 18 West Hastings respond to a need for small, affordable housing units in pricey Vancouver. New York City is famously expensive as well, and now a project like the Microlofts is being planned for New York City. Mayor Bloomberg released yesterday a Request for Proposals for the adAPT NYC Pilot Program. It's nice to see New York following Vancouver's lead.
WRECK BEACH WASHROOMS TAKING SHAPE
The Wreck Beach Washrooms for Metro Vancouver are under construction right now. They're actually being built off-site and delivered to the beach by barge, which is pretty cool. You won't have to hold it in for much longer - these toilets will be open for business by the end of July.
2012 MASONRY DESIGN AWARD WINNER
On May 17, we were surprised and delighted to learn that Ambleside Fieldhouse was a recipient of a 2012 Masonry Design Award from the Masonry Institute of BC. This project was selected due to the commitment to the renovation and revitalization of the original concrete block building including the addition of finely crafted and beautiful granite wall that now faces the fields.
BCA WINS VACC BIKE TO WORK WEEK
Our commitment to continuously improve our impact on the world can be seen, in part, in how we commute. With a dedicated vehicle at the office for distant meetings, we are all able to take advantage of biking to work and meetings in the downtown core. We are excited to win our sixth consecutive VACC Bike to Work Week award for small companies.
RECREATION SPECULATION
What is it that architects do in the end, but offer speculations about the use of space?
Presently, we are working with a municipal client to clarify their ambitions for a significant regional park. The site's geography is defined by a network of abandoned ponds, small lakes, and brooks. Highly valued in its present state by the local community, the project's scope is to frame debate for the park's future use and clarify the demanding environmental concerns.
Central to the park's future is its relationship to the Abbotsford-Summas Aquifer. The drawings below imagine a scenario where the built recreation facilities have a biomimetic relationship to the aquifer - supplying, cleaning, and restoring it over time - while simultaneously providing for the established cultural and recreational activities desired by the surrounding communities.
MICROLOFTS AT BURNS BLOCK CONTINUE TO PIQUE INTEREST
Since December 19, 2011; when the Micro-lofts at 18 West Hastings St were officially presented to the media, a lively and interesting debate was generated at Grist , Tiny House Blog , Mother Nature Network , The National Post , CBC
In the wake of the debate, two articles have been written which more deeply investigate the architectural and contextual issues surrounding this project. See what Adele Weder writing for the Globe and Mail and Sean Ruthen writing for Spacing Vancouver have to say.
REGULATORY RESEARCH
Here at Carscadden Labs, where the future is being made today, our architectural work continues to be framed by research that aspires to understand our position within the broad sweep of legislative change and our collective cultural ambitions. This diagram illustrates a model framework that includes key issues and forces that framed recent speculative work. Significantly, it identifies the dynamic relationships between legislation, technology, and scale along a spectrum of sustainability.
PRIVATE RESIDENCE
This is a modest renovation to an existing eighty year-old house in East Vancouver. The clients are a young couple with high aspirations and a limited budget. The most significant architectural operation has been to lift the second floor several feet and raise the first floor slab to grade, yielding an on-grade entry and rear deck as well a first floor interior that is transformed from a mean-spirited six feet to nine feet in height.
The space is sculpted to follow the contours of the landscape outside and cleared of interior partitions to make a large living space that works for a young modern couple, mixing living with eating and cooking. Large expanses of glass both front and rear will drive light and air deeper into the house than previously, improving not only the livability of the house, but also it’s relationship to the street and park to the rear.
BCA COMPLETES climatesmart 2011 AND EYES IMPROVEMENTS FOR 2012
We recently completed our training sessions and inventory through a generous scholarship from Metro Vancouver and the local Strathcona Business Improvement Association. Through the informative and engaging process we measured our office production at 20.62 tonnes of GHG in 2010.
We are currently working on our reduction strategies, and hope to reduce our emissions by half by 2013.
IMPROVEMENTS FOR 2012
Road Transportation - 25% of Emissions
With the recent implementation of a dedicated office vehicle, our commitment to encourage bicycle and transit commuting has resulted in 100% office participation. Your office can find support with Bike to Work Week and the ICBC Commuter Challenge.
Air Transportation - 40% of Emissions
Obviously, substituting travel with web conferencing such as GoToMeeting can produce dramatic results. In some cases, less carbon intensive ground transportation can be substituted for air transportation (especially when projects are near BC Interior ski locations!) Otherwise, we intend to purchase Carbon Offset Credits on all business related flights.
Paper Consumption - 25% of Emissions
Who knew that 25% of our carbon production comes from paper use? What can we do?
We can use 100% recycled paper (25% fewer emissions than 40% recycled paper), utilize greener options at printers such as TR Trades, and utilize digital file transfer such as Dropbox and services offered by Digital Plan Rooms.
BITTER TASTING ROOM OPENS AT 16 WEST HASTINGS
Sean Heather and Scott Hawthorn's BItter Tasting Room has opened at 16 West Hastings - the retail storefront below the recently completed Microlofts at 18 West Hastings St . According to their website, "At Bitter, we want you to join us on a journey to a time when Vancouver had a bustling beer culture."
PENTICTON AQUATIC CENTRE WINS SILVER
The Penticton Aquatic Centre was recently announced a VRCA 2011 Award of Excellence Silver Winner. The Journal of Commerce and Penticton Western News explain some of the reasons why.
STEVESTON CAPTURES THE SUN
The Steveston Community Park has completed upgrades to take advantage of a new rooftop Solar Evacuated Tubes to contribute to the heating of the outdoor water spray park. This practical, small project points to Richmond's continued commitment to improving the energy performance of their community assets.
WHY GLASS LOCKERS?
Renfrew Community Pool features the first glass and aluminum lockers in Canada - but why glass? These European style lockers feature glass fronts and aluminum uni-body interiors which significantly reduce the opportunities for corrosion - a maintenance albatross for aquatic staff at every pool. The glass front offer better security over their steel counterparts as steel can be quietly bent to allow access whereas the glass will only shatter - a noisy and dramatic deterrent. And the colour options are endless!
BRANDON YMCA GROUNDBREAKING
Construction has recently begun on the $15 million Dood Cristall Family YMCA project in Brandon Manitoba. Bruce Carscadden Architect is excited to be the aquatics consultant in partnership with Winnipeg's MCM Architects Inc.
POLSON PARK PAVILION
There are two kinds of moments in a project's life that architects like. The project-under-construction is kind of romantic in a ruin kind of way. It's the evidence that we can affect the world, however violently. That's one kind of satisfaction. The other moment is the project-just-finished, so weren't we delighted when to receive this photograph this morning. Looks like they just have to patch and repair the pitch, but it's not a shabby way to start a Friday...
BICYCLE WRAPS
We're into bikes and cool things (We're hipsters at heart.) Plain metal bike lockers aren't really a cool thing, so we're enjoying making utilitarian bike lockers cool for UBC Transportation Planning. Here's a peek at our thought process:
'Sovereignty' is not a word frequently used by architects. But Canada is a country defined by The North and our sovereignty depends on its occupation and stewardship. Architecture is central to that operation, and so we were thrilled and honoured to be selected together with Stantec Architecture Ltd. to work with the City of Iqaluit on their new community aquatic centre. Expect the updates to come fast and furious!
EVERY DAY WE'RE CYCLING
HUB's Spring 2013 Bike to Work Week has come to a close, and for the ninth time in a row, we came out on top!
Congratulations to all the other winners and riders. We're proud to be a part of cycling revolution in Vancouver.
CARSCADDEN THRIFT BOOK LAUNCH
Our recently completed monograph Carscadden Thrift is now available! Published by BlueImprint, you can order online at Indigo/Chapters or, better yet, visit our friend Anne at vancouver special or Boyd at The Wilder Snail to pick up a copy.
And, for those of you who came to the Book Launch on May 2, thanks for stopping in to say hi! Thanks especially to Brian Wakelin, Bill Pechet, and Dean Goodman for their kind words about our work - and an extra special thank-you to Jim Nichols for penning the essay that begins the book.
Top right photo credit: Ash TanasiychukBCA'S NEWEST PARTNER - IAN ROSS MCDONALD
We're delighted to announce Ian's new position as Partner at Bruce Carscadden Architect. Ian came to work with us following several years with Hughes Condon Marler : Architects and graduate studies at the University of British Columbia where he distinguished himself by earning the Alpha Ro Chi bronze medal in Architecture. Prior to studying architecture, Ian studied mathematics and economics at the University of Toronto and worked as a Data Analysis for Angus Reid and Ipsos-Reid.
Ian's work with BCA includes the Lieutenant Governor medal winning Swalwell Park Pavilion, as well as the Winfield Arena. Recent and current work has included feasibility research for the Town of Aldergrove and City of Kamloops, the City of Surrey's new Youth/Skate Park and the top-prize winning Bridge Housing competition entry for the Vancouver's reTHINK Housing competition. Ian was also instrumental in the publication of our forthcoming monograph, Carscadden Thrift, due this spring.
So welcome, Ian. We're looking forward to our continued shared success!
Bruce Carscadden Architect is a design studio in Vancouver, British Columbia.
In a discipline characterized by attention to detail, we pride ourselves in being unusually obsessive without ever losing track of the things that matter: people, place, and play.
WRECK BEACH WASHROOMS OPEN
The new Wreck Beach Washrooms are open! Don't let the changing season keep you from visiting Canada's most famous nude beach and enjoying the washrooms as intended: au naturel.
AWARDS FOR MICROLOFTS AT BURNS BLOCK
Canada's smallest apartments will now need to set aside a little space for some hardware.
REAL ESTATE BOARD OF GREATER VANCOUVER COMMERCIAL BUILDING AWARD FOR RENTAL / AFFORDABLE HOUSING
HERITAGE BC HERITAGE CONSERVATION AWARD OF HONOUR
URBAN DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AWARD FOR BEST AFFORDABLE HOUSING
VANCOUVER REGIONAL CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR HERITAGE RESTORATION
TREEHUGGER.COM BEST OF GREEN DESIGN READER'S CHOICE AWARD
Photo credit: Richard Lam // Tenant in photos: Andrea Wong.A POOL HAS HOW MANY TILES?!?
Selecting tiles for an aquatic centre is no small task. While considering slip resistance, cleanability, health regulations, shapes, sizes and fun colours; a modern aquatic centre can easily require fifty or more different types of tiles to complete the facility. A sample of some of the various tile assemblies were constructed for the upcoming YMCA in Brandon Manitoba to help the team and client choose which fifty of the hundreds of available tiles suited the project best.
Can you find the finger grip pool edge tile which is specifically created to help people get out of the deep end of a pool?
UPCOMING PARTY 4 ARCHITECTS TO FEATURE IAN ROSS MCDONALD
Hey, Vancouver! Come finish the summer in style at Party 4 Architects on August 30th! vancouver special is one of our favourite stores and we were flattered when Ian was asked to speak about our recent work.
If you don't already know about it, P4A is fast becoming the city's best design industry event in the city. Gair Williamson, Clinton Cuddington, Bryn Davidson, Alec Smith, Omer Arbel, and D'Arcy Jones have managed the right balance of serious conversation and engaging play. We're looking forward to the same - don't miss it!
BRIDGE HOUSING RADIO INTERVIEW
Looking for a bit more on Ian's re:THINK Housing Competition entry? Well look no further.
Ian was one of the lead interviews on Simi Sara's show Tuesday afternoon and he had a chance to elaborate on his proposal. You can download the whole show here or just listen to Ian's interview with the player above while contemplating the submission panels a little further down. Enjoy!
IAN ROSS MCDONALD WINS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR BRIDGE HOUSING
We're proud to announce that Ian Ross McDonald from our office was awarded the "Grand Prize" for Vancouver's re:THINK Housing Competition. Ian's submission is below, and you can download a high-res copy here. You can also check out the other winning entries here, and the Vancouver Sun has a nice article. Like all good urbanites, we love spacing magazine, and we're looking forward to their article in the fall.
Congratulations to everyone who entered!
UBC CHEMISTRY BIKE SHELTERS
We're super-stoked to report that UBC Transportation Planning's Bike Shelters at UBC are done and once the racks are installed, will be ready for use. It's a project that makes more sense through movement, so check out the video below.
MICROLOFTS IN NEW YORK
The Microlofts at 18 West Hastings respond to a need for small, affordable housing units in pricey Vancouver. New York City is famously expensive as well, and now a project like the Microlofts is being planned for New York City. Mayor Bloomberg released yesterday a Request for Proposals for the adAPT NYC Pilot Program. It's nice to see New York following Vancouver's lead.
WRECK BEACH WASHROOMS TAKING SHAPE
The Wreck Beach Washrooms for Metro Vancouver are under construction right now. They're actually being built off-site and delivered to the beach by barge, which is pretty cool. You won't have to hold it in for much longer - these toilets will be open for business by the end of July.
2012 MASONRY DESIGN AWARD WINNER
On May 17, we were surprised and delighted to learn that Ambleside Fieldhouse was a recipient of a 2012 Masonry Design Award from the Masonry Institute of BC. This project was selected due to the commitment to the renovation and revitalization of the original concrete block building including the addition of finely crafted and beautiful granite wall that now faces the fields.
BCA WINS VACC BIKE TO WORK WEEK
Our commitment to continuously improve our impact on the world can be seen, in part, in how we commute. With a dedicated vehicle at the office for distant meetings, we are all able to take advantage of biking to work and meetings in the downtown core. We are excited to win our sixth consecutive VACC Bike to Work Week award for small companies.
RECREATION SPECULATION
What is it that architects do in the end, but offer speculations about the use of space?
Presently, we are working with a municipal client to clarify their ambitions for a significant regional park. The site's geography is defined by a network of abandoned ponds, small lakes, and brooks. Highly valued in its present state by the local community, the project's scope is to frame debate for the park's future use and clarify the demanding environmental concerns.
Central to the park's future is its relationship to the Abbotsford-Summas Aquifer. The drawings below imagine a scenario where the built recreation facilities have a biomimetic relationship to the aquifer - supplying, cleaning, and restoring it over time - while simultaneously providing for the established cultural and recreational activities desired by the surrounding communities.
MICROLOFTS AT BURNS BLOCK CONTINUE TO PIQUE INTEREST
Since December 19, 2011; when the Micro-lofts at 18 West Hastings St were officially presented to the media, a lively and interesting debate was generated at Grist , Tiny House Blog , Mother Nature Network , The National Post , CBC
In the wake of the debate, two articles have been written which more deeply investigate the architectural and contextual issues surrounding this project. See what Adele Weder writing for the Globe and Mail and Sean Ruthen writing for Spacing Vancouver have to say.
REGULATORY RESEARCH
Here at Carscadden Labs, where the future is being made today, our architectural work continues to be framed by research that aspires to understand our position within the broad sweep of legislative change and our collective cultural ambitions. This diagram illustrates a model framework that includes key issues and forces that framed recent speculative work. Significantly, it identifies the dynamic relationships between legislation, technology, and scale along a spectrum of sustainability.
PRIVATE RESIDENCE
This is a modest renovation to an existing eighty year-old house in East Vancouver. The clients are a young couple with high aspirations and a limited budget. The most significant architectural operation has been to lift the second floor several feet and raise the first floor slab to grade, yielding an on-grade entry and rear deck as well a first floor interior that is transformed from a mean-spirited six feet to nine feet in height.
The space is sculpted to follow the contours of the landscape outside and cleared of interior partitions to make a large living space that works for a young modern couple, mixing living with eating and cooking. Large expanses of glass both front and rear will drive light and air deeper into the house than previously, improving not only the livability of the house, but also it’s relationship to the street and park to the rear.
BCA COMPLETES climatesmart 2011 AND EYES IMPROVEMENTS FOR 2012
We recently completed our training sessions and inventory through a generous scholarship from Metro Vancouver and the local Strathcona Business Improvement Association. Through the informative and engaging process we measured our office production at 20.62 tonnes of GHG in 2010.
We are currently working on our reduction strategies, and hope to reduce our emissions by half by 2013.
IMPROVEMENTS FOR 2012
Road Transportation - 25% of Emissions
With the recent implementation of a dedicated office vehicle, our commitment to encourage bicycle and transit commuting has resulted in 100% office participation. Your office can find support with Bike to Work Week and the ICBC Commuter Challenge.
Air Transportation - 40% of Emissions
Obviously, substituting travel with web conferencing such as GoToMeeting can produce dramatic results. In some cases, less carbon intensive ground transportation can be substituted for air transportation (especially when projects are near BC Interior ski locations!) Otherwise, we intend to purchase Carbon Offset Credits on all business related flights.
Paper Consumption - 25% of Emissions
Who knew that 25% of our carbon production comes from paper use? What can we do?
We can use 100% recycled paper (25% fewer emissions than 40% recycled paper), utilize greener options at printers such as TR Trades, and utilize digital file transfer such as Dropbox and services offered by Digital Plan Rooms.
BITTER TASTING ROOM OPENS AT 16 WEST HASTINGS
Sean Heather and Scott Hawthorn's BItter Tasting Room has opened at 16 West Hastings - the retail storefront below the recently completed Microlofts at 18 West Hastings St . According to their website, "At Bitter, we want you to join us on a journey to a time when Vancouver had a bustling beer culture."
PENTICTON AQUATIC CENTRE WINS SILVER
The Penticton Aquatic Centre was recently announced a VRCA 2011 Award of Excellence Silver Winner. The Journal of Commerce and Penticton Western News explain some of the reasons why.
STEVESTON CAPTURES THE SUN
The Steveston Community Park has completed upgrades to take advantage of a new rooftop Solar Evacuated Tubes to contribute to the heating of the outdoor water spray park. This practical, small project points to Richmond's continued commitment to improving the energy performance of their community assets.
WHY GLASS LOCKERS?
Renfrew Community Pool features the first glass and aluminum lockers in Canada - but why glass? These European style lockers feature glass fronts and aluminum uni-body interiors which significantly reduce the opportunities for corrosion - a maintenance albatross for aquatic staff at every pool. The glass front offer better security over their steel counterparts as steel can be quietly bent to allow access whereas the glass will only shatter - a noisy and dramatic deterrent. And the colour options are endless!
BRANDON YMCA GROUNDBREAKING
Construction has recently begun on the $15 million Dood Cristall Family YMCA project in Brandon Manitoba. Bruce Carscadden Architect is excited to be the aquatics consultant in partnership with Winnipeg's MCM Architects Inc.
POLSON PARK PAVILION
There are two kinds of moments in a project's life that architects like. The project-under-construction is kind of romantic in a ruin kind of way. It's the evidence that we can affect the world, however violently. That's one kind of satisfaction. The other moment is the project-just-finished, so weren't we delighted when to receive this photograph this morning. Looks like they just have to patch and repair the pitch, but it's not a shabby way to start a Friday...
BICYCLE WRAPS
We're into bikes and cool things (We're hipsters at heart.) Plain metal bike lockers aren't really a cool thing, so we're enjoying making utilitarian bike lockers cool for UBC Transportation Planning. Here's a peek at our thought process:
