Renovation: Natural elements and upscale fixtures elevate East Van main floor—Vancouver Sun, May 19, 2023

This article was written by Lise Boullard and originally published in The Vancouver Sun on May 19, 2023

Leonardo Da Vinci is famous for saying, “simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication.” This design esthetic, and respect for quality materials, clean lines and classic minimalism guided architect and interior designer Shora Parvaresh as she drew up the plans for her first development project.

Since establishing Noble Architecture + Interiors in 2018, Parvaresh has specialized in residential and commercial renovations and custom builds, mainly in the Vancouver area. But in March 2019, she decided to pursue a passion project, putting her own funds on the line to create two side-by-side duplexes that she, and hopefully the future buyers, would love to live in.

Acting as the owner, designer, architect and developer, with consultation from her husband, a structural engineer, Parvaresh set out to find out what it would take to build a higher-quality “missing middle” home—that place between an apartment building and a single-family structure.

Situated in East Vancouver on Garden Dr., east of Nanaimo St., and boasting a Gable-style roof, black metal exterior and scalloped cedar shingles, the structure appears at first glance to be a single-family home. But look more closely, and you’ll notice the two side-by-side entrance doors—one painted green and another mustard yellow—each leading to an identical 1,400 square foot, two-story plus third-level loft, two-bedroom and two-bath units.

In terms of the initial inspiration for the project, Parvaresh envisioned homes that were bright, charming and delightful. “I wanted to build something I would live in,” she recalls. Working within a budget, the developer focused on modest, simple design and high-quality materials, such as a metal roof, and energy-efficient appliances and windows, that would be sustainable because they wouldn’t need to be replaced anytime soon.

Parvaresh wanted the structures to have lots of natural light and to maximize square footage, unlike the traditional front-and-back duplex configuration, which tends to be dark and tight for space. “The challenge was, how do you make these narrower units feel spacious and bright?” she says. The developer’s solution was a double-height vaulted ceiling area, and big operable skylights, creating a feeling of openness and volume and allowing fresh air to flow through in warmer months.

Uncluttered finishes like quartz countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, as well as neutral-toned cabinets and oak flooring, create visual continuity. “I really wanted to focus on quality and on longevity of materials, [and have the space be] low-maintenance,” Parvaresh shares. A modular light fixture suspended from the double-height vaulted ceiling makes for an impressive focal point in the otherwise-streamlined space.

Although the interiors are classic and minimalist, the exterior is unique in its use of cedar scalloped shingles covering portions of the front and the back of the home. “They’re usually used in more of an accent way,” Parvaresh points out. The side-by-side layout of the units means both have use of the front and backyards, not usually the case for front-back duplexes.

When it came time to execute her design, Parvaresh put the project into the trusted hands of artist/builder Reese Terris of Terris & Company. “Designing a building or a house is one thing, but executing it is completely different, and Reese was so hands-on,” gushes the architect, who says it’s a special skill to build a minimalist structure where every detail matters and you can’t hide behind trims and patterns. “He’s also an artist, so it’s interesting how he brings his creativity from the arts into his [building construction],” she continues.

Among Parvaresh’s favourite areas of the home is the transition from the kitchen out onto the quiet patio, which overlooks a small yard. She also appreciates the third-level loft, made ultra-bright with two skylights. This area is ideal for relaxing, meditating or working from home and can be converted into a small guest room with the addition of a wall.

In terms of her ideal buyer, Parvaresh envisioned the homes being occupied by “a couple or a family with a couple of kids.” Because they were listed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the units sat on the market for a few months but eventually were snapped up by two professional families immersed in the architecture, design and build industry.

Parvaresh says her first foray into residential development was an exciting, challenging and fulfilling experience. Having carte blanche design control over a project without a specific buyer in mind was both exciting and nerve-wracking, says the architect. “When you’re working as a developer, a lot of your time and money are involved, so it’s emotionally consuming, and there’s always a fear: What if it doesn’t work out? What if nobody wants to buy?” she shares.

Despite the ups and downs, Parvaresh is happy with the result. “I think [the project] turned out really well with all of the limits and constraints, including time, schedule and budget,” she says. “I wanted to have something delightful and charming, and I think the interior and exterior reflect each other in that vision.”