Trusted Architects in Duncan, BC

This project responds significantly to the City of Victoria OCP guidelines for the Burnside/Gorge community. These guidelines strongly encourage ground oriented dwelling units suitable for households with children. The Manchester development proposes two buildings connected by a suspended central courtyard. The first building, facing Manchester Rd, has five 3-level townhomes above single enclosed garages. The second building, facing the rear lane has a combination of two and three level townhomes above open air parking spaces. The suspended courtyard covers the drive aisle below connecting the garages and open air stalls. This arrangement was the chosen option which allows each unit to have not only a front yard, but give them access to the central courtyard with its garden plots, informal gathering spaces and places for kids to play. This results in a project with a greatly enhanced ground-oriented feel. The floor space ratio for the Manchester project comes in at slightly below the desired FSR of 1.2:1.