SIGNATURE STYLE
Homes are outfitted with high-tech options, state-of-the-art systems and luxe amenities at Pennyfarthing's latest Cambie Corridor project
When it comes to high-tech residency, it could be said that the latest addition to Pennyfarthing Homes' Cambie Collection is something of a signature project.
Fitting, then, that it's called Autograph.
The 64-unit residential development is the fifth instalment in Pennyfarthing 's Cambie Corridor series and the first to be outfitted with the state-of-the-art 1VALET software system, designed by a company headquartered in the Ottawa area.
Among other things, the program allows for facial recognition entry, contactless mobile phone entry, parcel scanning entry access and delivery notification, and a platform that permits homeowners to book amenity space.
“Our people became aware of it, and we thought, this is a great system,” says Anthony Hepworth, president and CEO of Pennyfarthing, which has built some 4,000 homes in the last 40 years, about 85 per cent of them in Greater Vancouver.
It's all about security and convenience, notes Hepworth, adding that the program will also be in place in the two additional Cambie Corridor projects the Vancouver-based Pennyfarthing has in the works.
“I believe that we're the first in Western Canada to adopt the system,” he says. “But I think you're going to see 1VALET adopted more and more.”
Furthering the tech-enhanced scene at Autograph, which will have one-to-three-bedroom homes ranging up to 1,400 square feet and close to 30 different floor plans, is Pennyfarthing's optional Work From Home package. Here, suites will be fitted with wall-mounted ipads that manage such things as heating and lighting, as well as built-in ergonomic desks and Leviton lighting systems.
Pennyfarthing expects buyers at Autograph to be tech-savvy individuals who reside primarily in the west side of the city, says Hepworth, noting that the company's earlier experience in the area demonstrates that it has more than a passing familiarity with what its buyers are looking for.
“We know the market, and we know what people want,” he says. “So we designed projects that work well for the buyers who like the area. It's convenient. The transit is great. It's walking distance to Oakridge and very close to the park.”
The park, of course, is Queen Elizabeth, a 130-acre beauty with gardens, trails, tennis courts and a pitch and putt golf course. The Vancouver jewel, also home to the Bloedel Conservatory and Seasons in the Park restaurant, is but a stroll away from where Autograph will rise on Ash Street.
The fact that Autograph will take an Ash address is also a consideration that Hepworth is high on.
“Ash brings all the convenience of Cambie, but it's a lovely treelined street, which is something quite different for the Cambie Corridor,” he says.
Homes in Autograph, which showcase off-white brickwork and black-framed windows, will be split between two four-storey buildings facing a courtyard with a children's play area and tables and benches where residents can mingle. Homes are also fitted with private patios, terraces and balconies, where residents can further enjoy the fresh air.
Karin Bohn and her team from the award-winning House of Bohn managed the interior design of the spaces at Autograph.
“We designed two schemes for this project, and both are very much inspired by nature,” says the House of Bohn's creative director. “One scheme is a softer palette with light oak and white millwork, while the other is a richer and darker scheme with a combination of walnut tones and deep greys.”
Ceilings will rise to a rare nine and a half feet, windows will be fitted with roller shades and floors will be topped with engineered hardwood.
Should they wish, buyers may opt to have the bedrooms carpeted at no extra cost.
Kitchens will feature Bosch stainless-steel appliance packages, champagne bronze hardware and pullout waste bins to help with the organization of recycling and trash. Some homes will also have Marvel under-counter wine fridges.
Bathrooms, meantime, will have Nuheat in-floor heating, porcelain tile mosaics on shower floors, and 12-by-24-inch tiles on ensuite
We designed projects that work well for the buyers who like the area. It's convenient. The transit is great. It's very close to the park.
walls and floors. Ensuites will also have open shelving and three-inch quartz countertops.
Overall, Bohn says, the design goal was to create “an elevated condo offering.”
“During our concept design phase, we imagined that these homes were completely bespoke and handcrafted, so you see unique details in the design, such as interesting cabinet hardware, champagne bronze fixtures, integrated appliances and extra opportunities for storage.”
Indoor amenities at Autograph include spaces with work pods — they're fitted with task lighting and high-speed internet — as well a communal harvest table, perhaps suitable for family get-togethers, meetings or book club gatherings.
“With so many people working from home today,” Bohn says, “it was important to ensure that there is a space in the building that can accommodate this kind of environment.
“This space can be used as a refuge from a homeowner's condo, should one need a little space, or a quiet corner to work.”
Autograph, Hepworth says, will be ready to welcome residents in about two and a half years.