Did you know that there are over 2,300 buildings and structures in Vancouver that are recognized by the City for their heritage value? Known as the Vancouver Heritage Register (VHR), this list acts as a guide to help Council make well-informed decisions when it comes to planning and development.
So when we were set to work on an heritage renovation project for an office, we were ready to tackle this opportunity with confidence. As construction management experts in Vancouver, this wasn’t our first time working on a project of this scope. But when it comes to heritage buildings, no two projects are ever quite the same.
Here are three lessons that we learned from this particular project:
Lesson 1: Balancing old and new is an art form
Balancing old and new sounds straightforward on paper, but balance in a design + build project doesn’t always mean an even 50/50 split.
It’s important to respect each individual building’s unique story, which are significant to the design from both an aesthetic and historical perspective. But while it may seem ideal to maintain all these original elements, we also have to keep in mind our clients’ practical needs such as technology and functionality.
The VHR also includes a number of policies, bylaws, and standards of maintenance that must be adhered to. Applying for a development permit on a heritage building site requires more action than the average site, such as the requirement to include a Statement of Significance and Conservation Plan, with the content of this plan being cross-referenced throughout the permit. For this particular project, the exposed brick wall served as a natural focal point for the meeting room. We also retained as much of the original materials, such as wood, as possible into the current design.
Lesson 2: The importance of working together
At Collab, we really stand behind our company’s name: finishing a project as nuanced as a heritage renovation requires a collaborative effort.
We worked alongside a reputable design firm to successfully execute this project, through an integrated design + build delivery model. What does that mean?
Our team acts like a quarterback for the project. And the earlier we’re involved in the process, the better the result. Alignment on all components – such as budget, scope, and schedule – is best laid out at the beginning stages of any project to avoid miscommunication and increase efficiency.
Other consultant partners that any construction management company in Vancouver should have strong relationships with include architects, electricians, and engineers. In some cases, a qualified heritage professional (such a member of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP)), might be needed.
Lesson 3: Plan ahead
While planning ahead is key for any construction, when it comes to heritage renovations, the need for a forward-thinking approach is even more apparent.
With the City of Vancouver Heritage Bylaw, an experienced construction management team would be aware that not any design will be permitted in this space. The Bylaw requires us to consider factors that might determine “whether work detracts from heritage character or value”.
Would intricate interior millwork, for instance, enhance, or detract, from the original building’s story? Additional time required should be accounted for as well to anticipate any unforeseen or unanticipated discoveries during the renovation process.
Do you have an upcoming heritage renovation project and aren’t sure where to start? Contact us today and let us deliver your success story.