Artesia Metrotown springs forth a well of calm

Qualex-Landmark breathes an air of wellness into its ‘distinctive’ 31-storey development inspired by earth, water and sky.

The word “artesia” describes a spring of free-flowing water under natural pressure. The building Artesia will draw on that essence and blend it fluidly into one of the three natural elements the structure is inspired by: earth, water and sky.

Located on Grange Street, in an area that the developers, Qualex-Landmark, call “the greener side of Metrotown,” Artesia will sit on the border between higher-density highrises and lower-density lowrises.
“Its stand-alone nature on this quiet side of Metrotown makes it distinctive,” says Jordan Beach, Qualex’s vice-president of sales and marketing.

Beach says the water aspect of the building, estimated to begin construction this spring with completion in summer 2025, also derives from its position atop an “aquatic base,” which runs along the lobby side of the building. The water below gives the feeling of floating on water.

The sky aspect, he says, is inspired by the endless views, including the North Shore mountains, from three-quarters of the building’s exposure, even at the fourth-floor level, as envisioned by the architects, RWA Group. Each unit of the building will have a balcony from which to take in those views.

The earth element pertains to the warm, neutral colour tones inside and out and its natural surroundings. “Artesia is in a neighbourhood of tree-lined streets and three nearby parks,” says Beach, including the 86-hectare Central Park. “It’s calm and quiet living, while everything you need is within walking distance, whether that’s Metrotown Mall or Patterson SkyTrain Station.”

The 17,000 square feet of amenity space will allow residents room to roam throughout the building.

“At a time when people are much more concerned about health, it offers that ability to go outside your suite, whether it’s for the indoor amenities or outdoor amenities,” says Beach.

Outdoor amenities, set within a large, landscaped courtyard, will feature a games area, including foosball and ping pong table, as well as a hot tub, barbecue, fireplace and kitchen area.

Contemporary art studio Random International has been commissioned to erect a group of rotating monoliths just outside the entrance with coloured panels that can be turned to catch the light.

The indoor amenities will start with the concierge desk in the three-storey lobby, accentuated by sculptured columns, rammed-earth wall, and porcelain tiles that resemble stones. Curves, textures and ripple effects, and twinkling lights, further evoke the water theme.

Residents at Artesia will be able to amuse themselves with a variety of options, including a soundproof music/party room with a baby grand piano. “People can use that or bring their own instruments and make all the noise they want,” says Beach. There’s also a children’s playroom, gym/yoga studio, sauna and steam room.

A business lounge on the 27th floor will feature work tables, a kitchenette and an outdoor deck with a telescope.

In the suites, Angela Bridge of BYU Design, says, “We looked to the materials and fixtures to help resonate luxury and to tell a story of what the home can look like in a busy urban setting. That it can be calming and safe. Our concept was ‘urban oasis,’ a little island surrounded by water. That’s how we came up with the two colour schemes, earth and water.”

The darker, warm grey scheme evokes the earth motif, while a lighter wood tone reflects the water concept.

In the kitchens, imported European cabinetry from Cellini by Benson on Vancouver Island will feature either a light oak with white laminate inlay for the water theme or a charcoal laminate for the earth theme. “The overall effect is soft and nurturing, [contributing to] that sense of wellness,” says Bridge.

Appliances packages will be Fisher & Paykel, with integrated refrigerator and dishwasher.

All units will have ensuite with large-format porcelain tiles on the walls and floors that pick up the palette from the two colour schemes, as well as heated towel bars, a relative rarity these days, says Bridge.

“They warm the room, making it cosy.”

Cosy and calm are the overarching themes the designers are aiming for at Artesia. “We are creating a space that embodies an oasis,” says Bridge, “a sanctuary within the city that is a reprieve from the hustle of life, and that fosters wellness at home.”

Project name: Artesia Metrotown
Project address: 4275 Grange Street, Burnaby
Developers: Qualex-Landmark
Construction: Axiom Builders
Architect: RWA Architecture Group
Interior design: BYU Design

Project size: 247 one-, two- and three-bedroom homes in one 31-storey tower, and one 5-storey below market rental next door in partnership with YWCA.

Residence size: 500 to 950 sq. ft.

Price: start at upper $500,000s to mid $900,000s

Sales centre: 101-4378 Beresford Street, Burnaby
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Telephone: 604-239-8811

Website: qualex.ca/artesia