06/29/2026
Designed by DAE Design Architecture Everyday, a Vancouver-based architecture firm, Willa is located in Marpole, a mature Vancouver neighbourhood characterized by predominantly single-family homes. The project responds to a growing demographic seeking an urban lifestyle - residents who desire more space and individuality than a conventional condominium can offer, yet find single-family homes increasingly unattainable.
The development reimagines urban living through a sensitive and compact design strategy, introducing five thoughtfully crafted three-bedroom “city homes” within the existing fabric of a single-family neighbourhood. The project reflects DAE’s innovative approach to gentle density: intimate, livable, and light-filled homes that demonstrate how increased housing can coexist harmoniously with established communities.
A key design objective was to provide residents with the experience of living in a standalone house despite a denser urban setting. Each unit is carefully planned to maximize space, natural light, and livability, while extensive outdoor areas extend the living experience beyond the interior and encourage gathering, relaxation, and connection to nature.
At the heart of the development is a communal courtyard that functions as both a spatial buffer and a quiet meeting place. It softens the boundaries between homes, fosters neighbourly interaction, and creates a subtle yet meaningful sense of community.
Willa demonstrates how thoughtful design can deliver much-needed housing diversity while preserving the character and scale of established neighbourhoods. Through its balance of privacy, identity, and shared space, the project offers a contemporary model for urban living that feels both connected and distinctly residential.
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Video: Francis Lai
