Six X Lofts – FLUID Architecture

About this design

  • Type: Sixplex   
  • # of units: 6
  • Square footage: 9,500 sq. ft. 
  • Lot size: Large lot (at least 60 ft. x 120 ft. or 7,200 sq. ft.) 
  • Estimated cost of construction: Starting at $3,800,000 (2024 estimates, subject to change)
  • Design ID: DL001 

Six X Lofts is a versatile urban infill solution that merges sustainable design with social connection. This six-unit townhouse concept presents an opportunity for developers seeking an adaptable model that can fit a variety of urban contexts. With a mix of loft-style and ground-oriented townhouse units suits diverse urban living needs. Prioritizing sustainability, Six X Lofts incorporates eco-friendly construction practices, focusing on indoor air quality and the use of locally sourced, resource-efficient materials. The potential for Six X Lofts extends beyond its original configuration. Its adaptable layout can be tailored to different lot sizes, making it an ideal candidate for infill development. For example, reducing parking requirements can free up additional living space. The original (built) version of Six X Lofts involved adaptive reuse of the existing body shop on site. FLUID Architecture recognizes that new build projects in Burnaby will not have that option.

However, they believe that the variety of massing and streetscape is an urban design win and provides unit variety. FLUID Architecture would not seek in new builds to recommend fake heritage, but would seek to keep that streetscape and unit type variety that is a quality of the original design with a modern expression. Six X Lofts was originally built in Vancouver’s Strathcona neighbourhood in 2001 and may be viewed upon specific request.

How to use this design 

If you're interested in adapting or customizing the Six X Lofts design to suit your development needs, FLUID Architecture is happy to offer additional design services and consultation. Reach out to Bruce Haden, ([email protected]) to explore how they can help tailor this innovative concept to your project.

Price to license plan: $30,000 

Hourly rate for additional services: 

  • FLUID Architecture Principal: $300/hour
  • FLUID Architecture Intermediate Staff: $175/hour
  • FLUID Architecture Junior Staff: $110/hour

  • Minimum lot size: 60’ x 120’ 
  • Lot characteristics suitable for design: 
    • Six X Lofts is designed for a corner lot with at least 120 feet of frontage on the primary street with a lane at one end. It can be reconfigured to accommodate lightly sloping sites without any issues, and it can also be adapted for wider sites 

Preview site and floor plans

Additional information

Energy considerations

The primary way that Six X Lofts would meet energy and Zero Carbon Step Code requirements is with a high-performance building envelope and incorporating high- quality triple-glazed windows.

Privacy 

FLUID Architecture believes that privacy has been overemphasized in an era where social isolation is a critical issue. They advocate for a design approach that allows internal control of privacy through features like blinds, enabling residents to open up their spaces as desired to discourage or support connections with neighbors. For example, in the existing development, the backyards of five units are shared.

Adaptability 

As a townhouse-oriented project with internal and external stairs, Six X Lofts is not well-suited for adaptable units.

Green building and passive homes 

The original Six X Lofts was built with non-toxic and recycled materials, and as mentioned earlier, provisions were made for the inclusion of solar panels on units 4, 5 and 6. Two units have installed solar hot water panels, and one has photovoltaic panels. The area of these panels could be easily increased in Burnaby future builds.

Design customizability 

The primary aspect of design customizability for Six X Lofts is the optional inclusion of parking spaces in units 4, 5 and 6 in particular. These could easily be converted into multiple other uses, such as a spare bedroom, home office, or even a small granny suite.

Bicycle parking 

Bicycle parking would be in the garage spaces, except for unit 3, where it would be in the rear yard. existing garage spaces. On larger sites, it would be easy to incorporate either shared or individual unit bicycle parking to meet Burnaby’s requirements.

Parking 

Six X Lofts allows for the parking spaces of the three townhouses to be converted into living spaces if required. This flexibility is advantageous for residents without vehicles, allowing them to easily incorporate the surplus space into their unit.