Location
Type
A boutique community of 41 stacked homes in six three-storey wood-frame buildings beside the Capilano River in North Vancouver, with garden patios and private rooftop decks
The brief
Conceived as a natural sequel and structural evolution following the success of Ebb & Flow, Emerald serves as a sophisticated architectural anchor within North Vancouver’s emerging Lions Gate Village. Situated directly alongside the Capilano River Park trail networks, the development is intentionally scaled and crafted to foster an intimate, boutique community feel while celebrating its rare riverside geography.
The project’s architectural composition consists of 41 stacked homes broken down into six distinct three-storey woodframe buildings. Moving away from a monolithic block structure, the master layout introduces deep overhangs, exposed traditional brick elements, structural concrete accents, and sharp metal detailing. This creates an elegant, highly textured envelope that marries modern residential aesthetics with the organic massing of the North Shore’s old-growth backdrop.
A central priority of the design is the programmatic layering of private spaces to maximize natural environmental connections. The lower garden suites open directly onto lushly landscaped patio spaces, while the multi-storey townhomes feature sweeping private rooftop decks engineered to frame views of the adjacent river canopy and distant mountain silhouettes. Large-format windows and high ceilings ensure that light penetrates deep into the floor plans, pulling the external forest environment into the modern interior landscape.
Emerald represents a thoughtful continuation of contextual urban planning—delivering pedestrian-friendly density that respects, references, and elevates its natural, creekside setting.
