Both the immediate context of single family houses and the larger context of townhouse schemes along Oak point to a range and diversity of architectural styles. Oak and Park references the traditional architectural character of a number of other projects along Oak while proposing a unique and distinctive style.
The Oak and Park Townhouse project is traditional in massing and character containing of 40 homes ranging from 1361
to 1615 square feet. The architectural style and color scheme is influenced by a traditional Manor house while keeping a Westcoast feel. This style is characterized by the light colored walls, divided light windows, steeply sloping roof with a vari- ety of repetitive gable elements and paneled bays.Select bays also have a characteristic curved metal mansard roof. A mix of materials is proposed to enliven the subtly contrasting colour scheme; varied brick colours facing Oak Street and Park Drive, shingles on the courtyard facing sides and stucco on the 2nd and partial 3rd levels.The use of a large roof form with gables and inset balconies unifies the buildings and reduces visibility of the partial third level.
The buildings read primarily as 2 and 2 1⁄2 stories in height as required by the zoning. The gables and inset walls of the decks set into the roof form are a darker charcoal colour which will allow them to recede into the black roof plane and reduce their visual impact.
Roof decks have been situated on the courtyard sides of both buildings to allow a more uninterrupted roof form to address the street and the lane and to reduce overlook to neighbouring yards across the lane.
The site has excellent access to transit, with bus stops in both directions along Oak at the intersection of Oak and Park. Canada Line stops along Cambie Street at 57th and at SW Marine are also within about a 15 minute walking distance of the site. At the opposite corner of Oak and Park is an entry to Oak Park. Oak and Park in addition to providing outdoor recre- ation and sport facilities is the site of the Marpole Community Centre. A number of schools are located within easy proximity to the site. The area provides good bike connections to various parts of Vancouver with dedicated bike routes along 59th Avenue (east/west) and Heather Street (north/south).
