Coal Harbour Residences, Vancouver

This 6,000-square-foot marketing centre for Vancouver’s Coal Harbour Residences showcases the dramatic, unobstructed low-level views of Coal Harbour and Stanley Park. A large, one-bedroom unit demonstrates a master ensuite, kitchen and living area. The sales area has a reception and waiting area, a building model, finishes samples, closing rooms and wine-storage lockers.

The poor condition of the existing concrete floor slab prompted the use of a seamless poured-epoxy floor rather than large-scale tiles.

The open, light-filled space and the neutral setting of white, transparent and backlit building materials becomes a backdrop to conveying the owner’s personal taste.

Chalmers: It’s so minimalist. And all those pristine white objects: It’s not a very "Vancouver" aesthetic.

Sorensen: There is a movement in Vancouver away from that familiar woody look.