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We all know that buildings don't always turn out like the renderings. Last-minute changes and real-life materials can all cause discrepancies between the vision and reality of a project. In our Flash Forward Friday feature, we take a look at how different projects stack up.
With the breakneck speed of construction constantly altering the appearance of the East Village, it's easy to get lost in the excitement. Every great neighbourhood has a genesis and FRAM+Slokker's 18-storey FIRST development was one of the pioneering developments that kickstarted the wave of residential buildings that are continually coming online.
The 18-storey tower by RAW Design includes podium condominiums and live-work spaces wrapping two sides of the tower, enclosing a raised landscaped courtyard. The red-brown brick exterior takes cues from the handsome stock of historic brick buildings in the East Village, while a colour palette of natural browns, light greys, and blues reflect the changing tones of the sky, riverbank, and water of the Bow and Elbow rivers. A rooftop lounge comes with a games room, private dining room, and kitchen that opens up onto the outdoor patio.
FIRST achieved occupancy status in August 2015 after construction started in 2013. The completed development closely matched the design represented in the renderings, with some minor differences lying mostly in the lower levels on the eastern side.
The articulation of the east elevation seems to have deviated somewhat from the original illustrations, which had depicted wraparound balconies on the north side. The window placement against the brick — which appeared lighter in the renderings — also diverged from the renderings. As opposed to a black-painted mechanical penthouse, reality would dictate a more metallic silver cladding.
Despite some minor revisions, the general spirit of the design was maintained throughout the evolution of the development. Referencing the past while forging a new future, FIRST forms an instrumental presence in the burgeoning East Village.
We will return in the near future with another comparison!
| Related Companies: | RAW Design |
