Project Overview
The Hammond Bay Road project is a residential development proposal in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. The master-planned site comprises three components: a multi-family residential building, a retail development, and a townhouse community. As part of the rezoning process, the owner requested a concept design and feasibility study for the multi-family portion of the project.
Arbel Design prepared a comprehensive feasibility study evaluating multiple development scenarios, floor plan arrangements, and massing alternatives. The objective was to maximize the site’s potential while creating a distinctive building form that responds to the natural landscape and surrounding neighborhood.
Project Information
The proposed multifamily building includes approximately 38 residential units, with five units on the ground-floor rear and the remainder distributed across the upper three stories.
Community amenities are located along the front of the ground level to activate the public realm and strengthen the connection between residents and the surrounding landscape. Approximately 50 parking spaces are available in an underground parking structure.
Site and Design Challenges
One of the site’s most significant characteristics is its unusual linear shape, measuring approximately 860 feet long and 98 feet wide. The property also features a continuous slope, with nearly 15 feet of elevation change between its highest and lowest points.
Another challenge was the presence of mature trees along both corner streets. Although the dense vegetation reduces the site’s usable width, it creates an attractive natural setting and contributes to the neighborhood’s character.
The feasibility study required careful analysis of grading conditions, parking layouts, unit organization, and building mass to balance development goals with environmental and site constraints.
Design Solution
The building footprint was strategically positioned to minimize excavation, reduce the need for retaining structures, and optimize construction costs. The placement also preserves the existing trees and landscape along the street frontages by introducing proportional setbacks.
The residential units and common spaces were arranged to take advantage of views toward the landscaped streets and surrounding greenery. Ground-floor amenities were placed at the front of the building, while residential units occupy the quieter rear portion of the site.
Large glass openings create a strong visual connection between the indoor amenity spaces and the exterior environment, activating the ground floor and enhancing residents’ experience.
Through the feasibility study, multiple floor plans and massing alternatives were explored to create a dynamic architectural composition. Variations in building form, balconies, and façade treatments contribute to an active and visually engaging residential development.
Services Provided
Arbel Design provided feasibility studies, site and zoning analyses, concept development, multi-family residential design, floor plan alternatives, mass studies, parking analyses, exterior elevations, 3D visualizations, and preliminary planning support for the rezoning process.
Planning a Multi-Family Development Project?
A successful multi-family project should balance density, site constraints, parking, grading, open space, and neighborhood character while creating attractive, functional living environments.
Contact Arbel Design to discuss your apartment, townhouse, mixed-use, or multi-family development project.
