OPAL Residence

Element Lifestyle Retirement aspired to create one of the first Continuum of Care facilities in Vancouver, BC. Don Ho, President of Element, is known as the pioneer of the “Aging in Place” retirement living concept. This type of living allows couples with different needs to stay together, improving their overall wellbeing and mental health. NORR designed this retirement community with 45 condominiums and 56 rental units, along with 31 care suites in a dedicated wing, accommodating lifestyles from active, independent living to complex care.

Given the stringent form-based design guidelines of the Cambie Corridor Plan, along with the project complexity, it was more challenging than a typical residential developer-based design. NORR’s team navigated the design and planning process through both rezoning and the Development Permit process, by engaging in continuous communication with City staff. Through these processes, the project met with support from both the City, the community and Element.

Previously, this Vancouver community did not have any age in place facilities, so OPAL has been well received and welcomed. Element wanted the residence to feel like a boutique hotel with refined amenities and services designed with the highest standards in mind. NORR designed the property with an abundance of amenity areas such as a piano room, hydro pool, Himalayan salt room, rooftop garden and theatre room. In addition, the resident suites are equipped with the highest refinements with detailed consideration to features such as tub and shower access, automated sensors and advanced security. This allows residents to live in an amenity-rich environment, promoting mental and physical wellbeing, companionship, vitality and independence for as long as possible.