
Vision
Located minutes from Shelbourne Street, 3834 Ophir will provide 14 new homes for families in the growing Shelbourne Valley. A considerate site design sees the establishment of four 4-bedroom units and 10 3-bedroom units. Developed in response to the District of Saanich’s Official Community (OCP) and Shelbourne Valley Action Plan (SVAP), 3834 is designed to meet the growing needs for family-oriented housing in the region.
Design Concept
The design strives to offer smaller scale, medium-density residential housing forms by breaking down the massing of the three-storey townhomes into clusters. Three blocks of townhouses are three storeys each, while the block on the west side of the site is nestled into the slope, presenting a two-storey height along the west property line. On the northeast side of the site, a large green space which will serve as a future community garden separates the townhomes from the adjacent single-family dwellings.
The exterior materials of the buildings complement the character of neighbouring single-family homes with the use of wood and stucco cladding and pitched gable roofs. Charcoal stucco cladding on the lower floor is accented by horizontal and vertical clear stained cedar siding on the upper floors, offering a warm residential feeling; a directional change in wood visually reduces the verticality of the townhomes. Carefully selected, exterior materials relate well to the emerging sense of place and character of the Shelbourne Valley.



Site + Landscape
The sloping site topography was utilized in the planning and layout of the townhomes by creating an internal shared access driveway, where the elevations are stepped on all three townhome blocks to work with the natural topography of the site, providing front entrances for Block A, and patios and yards for Blocks B and C. Block B is nestled into the slope and the lower level has a reduced footprint to preserve the existing tree root zones along the west property line, also reducing the townhouse height to two storeys to the west. Block C is set back from the north property line and creates a large green space buffer in the northeast corner.
Additional trees along the north property line will provide further visual separation and privacy between the proposed development and the properties to the north.
A considerate site design includes 21 residential parking stalls for the 14 homes, with an additional three on-site parking stalls for use by visitors. All of the parking spaces are for the townhouses are accessed through a central parking area that is well-screened from the street, with access located off Louise Place.
Community Amenity Contribution
In conjunction with the development application, and in addition to included sidewalk improvments, the proposal for 3834 Ophir contributes towards the goals and objectives of creating a sustainable Saanich by making a broader positive impact on the community outside of the more direct benefits resulting from this proposed development.
The proposal includes the donation of a 339.8 m2 (3,657 sq. ft.) portion of land at the corner of Ophir Street and Louise Place for the District of Saanich for a possible future park or greenspace.



Goals
Bring more family-oriented housing to the Shelbourne Valley
The Shelbourne Valley offers many amenities and services attractive to families with parks, schools and essentials close by, except most of the new housing does not meet the needs of families. Situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, our the proposal provides 12 3-bedroom and four 4-bedroom homes, all with outdoor patio and yard space.
Functional floor plans are designed with families in mind. Lower floors of the homes offer flexible space to accommodate a den, playroom, or office, with a spare bathroom. Main floors provide open main living areas with kitchen, dining, and living room and a powder rooms, while upper floors will provide all of the bedrooms with two full bathrooms and laundry. Offering flexibility for changing needs, plans are well-suited to growing families.
Enhance the pedestrian experience in the neighbourhood
The overall urban design approach will help foster social interaction and build a stronger community. Front doors, patios, and yards facing the street will help residents maintain connection to the outdoors while encouraging informal interactions with neighbours.
Louise Place does not currently have a sidewalk, meaning pedestrians and vehicles must share the road. We will be constructing a new boulevard with a sidewalk, new trees, and landscaping, contributing to a more pedestrian-friendly, mobile and connected community and supporting the District of Saanich in achieving their goals for Vision Zero.
Create a modern design that responds to the emerging neighbourhood character
Even as the neighbourhood continues to grow and redevelop, incorporating a ground-oriented design approach will help maintain the residential character of the neighbourhood, while still providing important new density to support a growing population.
Gabled rooflines presents an approachable and relatable residential scale. Coupled with the fenestration pattern, natural siding materials, and layered landscape design, these townhouses fit well into the existing and growing fabric of the Shelbourne Valley.
3834 Ophir Street
By the Numbers

14
New homes for families in Saanich

3&4
Bedroom plans to suit a range of needs

24
On-site parking spaces for residents & visitors

3
Stories, responding to the neighbourhood context

15
Minute or less walk to parks, schools & amenities
