A waterfront development in Richmond is hoping to make residents feel at home with Hong Kong-style amenities.
Completed in June 2023, the Hollybridge at Pearson Way is a 12-story, three-tower residential complex by Aspac Developments that boasts luxury amenities akin to boutique hotels.
The development is designed by CHIL, which has a portfolio that includes Richmond's Versante Hotel and Vancouver's Shangri-La and Hotel Belmont MGallery.
“We designed an amenities package that truly caters to the lifestyles of Richmond residents. Spaces like the karaoke room and a mahjong table are unique and culturally relevant,” explained Diana Ellis, senior interior designer at CHIL.
According to the 2021 census, 60.3 per cent of Richmondites identified as immigrants. Of recent immigrants from 2016 to 2021, 52 per cent were from China and six per cent were from Hong Kong.
Data from the City of Richmond shows the city centre area, which includes the Hollybridge development, is by far the most popular destination for recent immigrants including those from China and Hong Kong, followed by the Broadmoor and Blundell neighbourhoods.
Ellis told the Richmond News the designs cater to the needs of the target audience, residents identifying as Chinese, and she also drew inspiration from her experiences living in Macau and Hong Kong.
"I also lived in multifamily places with amenities, and the karaoke room was always a hit," she explained, adding that extra effort was put into making the room comfortable for users such as by adding 3D soundproof paneling and colour-changing LED lights.
Ellis' experience in Asia also inspired her to incorporate the timeless beauty of traditional English interiors.
In one of the multipurpose rooms, residents can find automatic mahjong tables that they can enjoy while using other features such as a dining table and a kitchen.
Since residents moved in, their enthusiasm for the mahjong tables has been "surprising," Ellis told the News.
"I've been told by a resident who lives there (the multipurpose room) is always booked out," she said.
Apart from shared amenities, some units also include a wok kitchenette separated from the open kitchen area to ensure user comfort.
"We know that wok kitchenettes are very popular in Asia, and it's also a need," Ellis explained.
The goal is to provide amenities that relate to the residents' home countries and allow them to have the same experience in Vancouver, she explained, adding there is a growing demand for such amenities.
"(We) definitely see a trend moving there and we're happy that the client (and) the residents have reported back their liking," said Ellis.
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