The Wedge, a sustainable new residential tower, in Victoria, B.C. has started construction and is anticipated to complete early 2023.
The 15-storey tower was designed by San Diego and Vancouver-based AVRP Skyport and is being built by Blackrete Builders Inc.
Located at 952 Johnson St. and 1400 Vancouver St. in downtown Victoria, the project by Cox Developments features 93 residences. It is designed to achieve LEED Platinum certification, with numerous eco-friendly elements like water conservation, active on-site power generation, sustainable materials, natural ventilation, daylighting, and strategic sun control.
The Wedge was designed to capture views to The Strait of Juan De Fuca while preserving a historic chapel on the same city block. It also features a unique angled eastern façade that will allow the historic mid-century modern chapel to remain surrounded by a garden.
“Many times, the best architecture emerges when there are unique design challenges. These obstacles force designers to think creatively and find solutions for that specific development. Certainly, that was the case with The Wedge. Finding a way to preserve the historic chapel and maximize views of Victoria’s natural beauty sparked the idea for the distinctive wedge-shaped design,” says AVRP Skyport founder and CEO Douglas Austin.
The development recently won a Gold Nugget Grand Award as the Best On-The-Boards Multifamily Community. The Gold Nugget Awards is considered one of the most competitive and prestigious design competitions, which recognizes outstanding architectural design and planning achievements in more than 50 building categories.
“We approach every new project with the goal of creating the best building that can be built on that site. Design is of paramount importance to us. The Gold Nugget Award win is truly an honor because it recognizes our bold vision and validates that we have accomplished what we set out to achieve. The Wedge really is the best project for this site, and among the best designs in North America,” says Dan Cox, president with Cox Developments.
