Vancouver Triplex New Build
Having studied building science and construction management at BCIT, Babak Nikraftar entered the field as a technician on the remediation of “leaky condos”. But design and creativity called to him. Teaming up with some of Vancouver’s top development firms, he worked on a diverse portfolio of projects, from concrete towers to wood-frame townhomes.
Then in 2014, melding their passion and experience in design and construction, Babak and architect partner Nick Bray founded Project Mint. By integrating design and construction management they wanted Project Mint to offer clients efficient and dependable service that considers budget from the very start. This consider-every-detail approach serves their overall goal of delivering exciting and innovative buildings that exceed expectations.
The pair decided to specialize in sustainable design and construction solutions that are in tune with local context and environment. Using passive-house techniques they create low-energy buildings that harness natural light, air flow, and warmth, and that are also built to last. Another important feature, particularly in the Lower Mainland context, is that their plans are space-efficient to maximise municipal bylaw allowances.
In the footsteps of their Pender development, which was a finalist/winner of several industry association awards, Project Mint was yet again driven to innovate. They wanted to use the best technologies available for energy efficiency and construct ‘a first’ in a neighbourhood still filled with older homes.
The Anzio Drive triplex and its laneway home were constructed from pre-fabricated Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), which mean the house will use dramatically less energy than a “stick built” home (constructed with wood entirely or largely on-site). WireChief Electric was excited and grateful to work on this project, as SIPs are a cutting-edge material in the construction field and the experience was fascinating and invaluable.
With a strikingly modern yet down-to-earth design and exceptionally practical and efficient layout, the home is also seismically-upgraded. Another homerun, we believe, for Babak and Nick!
