Southlands District Flats reimagines apartment living through a contemporary interpretation of agricultural village forms. This 34-unit mixed-use development in Tsawwassen creates community through careful massing, shared spaces, and a ground-floor retail hub that anchors the broader Southlands market district.
We drew inspiration from the farmsteads and agricultural structures that define British Columbia's rural heritage. Repetitive peaked roof forms reduce the perceived scale of the development while creating a distinctive rhythm that relates to both existing and future buildings in the area.
Ground-floor units with living areas and patios facing streets and lanes provide community security while encouraging civic interaction. Openness and privacy are balanced through strategic landscaping; hedges and low fences create buffers between public and private spaces while maintaining visual connections.
The landscaped area encourages interaction among residents with a children's play area, communal dining table, cooking surface, and fixed seating. Exterior walkways overlook the courtyard, creating natural surveillance and a sense of shared ownership.
