Six Superior Quality Townhomes on a Challenging Triangular Lot
Pearl Block
Pearl Block is a collection of six thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom townhomes that introduce soft density to the established Oaklands neighbourhood.
Situated on a challenging triangular lot that had been vacant for close to 65 years, Pearl Block is the epitome of creative infill development. Designed by D'Arcy Jones Architects, the building's layout is informed by the unique constraints of the lot. The result is attainable architecture—townhomes that challenge the notion of the single family home.
Award-Winning Design
2024 RADA Award
Multifamily Housing
By Architect Magazine at 2024 Residential Architect Design Awards for the unique, modern approach to rowhousing
2024 Americas Prize
Outstanding Project
Selected by the IIT College of Architecture at 2024 Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize for excellence in the 21st-century
2021 Design Excellence Award
Multi Residential and Mixed Use Category
Recognized at 2021 AFBC Architectural Awards of Excellence
Project Stats
Floor Area
8,129 SF
Built Time
13 Months
Number of Homes
6 Townhomes
Background
Victoria offers very little mid-market housing for those who admire modern architecture—and particularly little high quality housing for those who do not have the means to commission a custom home.
That's why we developed Pearl Block; a series of townhomes that sold for less than the average single family home in the neighbourhood, designed with young families in mind. Functional floorplans suit a range of lifestyles, offering ample privacy while adding density to a previously overlooked lot.
Design
The project’s intentionally modest material palette with monochromatic finishes and simple detailing means the residents—and their personal belongings—take centre stage.
Plywood stair stringers are oversized to become wood-grained guardrails that conceal small handprints.
Each home has its own roof deck surrounded by 5ft tall parapets allowing families to maintain their privacy while enjoying summer BBQs or playing with children in the fresh air.
The home's deeply stucco exterior replicates the style of Victoria’s finest turn-of-the-century houses. The side walls also function as the horse blinders, providing unobstructed street views from each house while maintaining privacy for the residents.
Inside, the floorplans turn the main living spaces away from the view of nearby neighbours. Instead, each living area faces the main street, putting more eyes on the public realm.
Functional spaces provide a blank canvas for a variety of hobbies and lifestyles.
Neighbourhood
Located in the amenity-rich Oaklands neighbourhood, Pearl Block is set among leafy trees and vibrant community activities.
Steps to Hillside Centre, neighbourhood farmers markets, schools and parks and well-serviced transit routes, we picked Oaklands for Pearl Block because we believe a functional and conducive life should be located in a well-connected community.
Browse some of our projects to see our city-building work in action.
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