It’s no secret that the Oak Townhomes boast stunning architecture. Their construction and design is the work of principal architect, Greg Borowski of Merrick Architecture. We caught up with Greg to get an inside scoop on his design philosophy and the vision behind the Oak Townhomes.

What is Merrick Architecture’s design philosophy?
Merrick Architecture values timelessness and sophistication in design. We choose solutions that will date well, and emphasize comfort, usefulness and a touch of magic.

What was your vision behind the Oak Townhomes?
The Oak rowhouses respond to the modest but substantial legacy of modernist architecture in the immediate neighbourhood, including the Unitarian Church at 49th Avenue. Like those buildings, the Oak townhouses tell a story on the outside about the style of living inside and emphasize substance over decor.

What are the distinguishing features of the Oak Townhomes?
The large chimney elements celebrate the significance of the fireplace hearth. The large wrapping bay windows demonstrate the light and openness of the rooms. The canopies, trellises and wood and glass doors show an attention to human scale and warm materiality. And the brick landscape walls anchor the building strongly and permanently to the land.

What did you love most about working on the Oak project?
We loved the opportunity to design a modern way of living while also embodying timeless components of dwelling.

What do you think the impact of the Oak’s design is on the surrounding neighbourhood?
The design is striking in its three-dimensionality when seen in the context of the surrounding buildings. The large brick chimney elements establish a cadence along Oak Street that is original and distinctive.

What was some of the key building technology used to build the Oak Townhomes?
The brick has a manganese iron content which gives a distinctive sheen and patina. In addition, the project engineers JBP used Simpson Strong-Wall shear panels to facilitate the large brick chimney elements and also permit a higher ratio of window to wall. This provides a greater openness inside to outside. Similarly JBP suspended the bay windows from the structure above to permit a return in the glazing for open corner views.

What kind of influence do you think architecture has on a city?
Places are embedded in our memory or all of life’s experiences.  Architecture is the environment in which these memories are anchored.  It is among the key ways in which we identify who and where we are, and how we celebrate our identity.

What is your favourite building in Vancouver and why?
The Museum of Anthropology at UBC by Arthur Erickson.  It is modernist yet mysterious and timeless.