Joie – 1269 West 8th Avenue

Most of Fairview has been extensively redeveloped since it was first built out in the early part of the 20th century, but this part of West 8th still had three old-timer houses. Studio One designed a 23 unit project, with six replacement rental studios and 17 strata units in a mix of new-build and moved and restored heritage buildings. The upper parts of the three 1908 houses were jacked up onto a platform on piled columns, suspended over the site while excavation for underground parking was constructed.

The steep scarp slope here meant the buildings presented an alarming view while excavation continued.

They were lowered onto new lower floors built over concrete footings, and a new 3-storey block runs parallel on the lane, with a single building in a similar contemporary style on the corner of Birch Street. Named Joie, the project sold out before completion.