Lumon, a global leader in balcony glazing systems, is bringing its innovative products to ATARA, a two-tower condominium development coming soon to Maple Ridge, British Columbia.
Lumon is a family-owned company founded in Finland over 35 years ago. A household name across Europe, the company has expanded into the North American market, opening its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Vaughan, Ontario, along with satellite offices in Stoney Creek, Ontario and Langley, British Columbia.
Envisioned by Vansoho Development Corp., each of ATARA’s 510 units will incorporate frameless retractable balcony glass, creating outdoor living spaces for residents to enjoy year-round.
ATARA will be among the first high-rise communities in North America to feature Lumon’s state-of-the-art balcony glazing system throughout. The partnership between Lumon and Vansoho came as a result of recent changes to the city’s zoning bylaws.
The Maple Ridge council voted in favour of omitting the enclosures from floor space ratio (FSR) calculations, which dictate buildable square footage in relation to lot size.
“Designers, architects and buyers clearly understand how important it is to make the most use of every square foot of living space,” said Ivan Sun of Vansoho Development Corp. “The Lumon balcony glazing system is the perfect innovative solution for all new construction projects and specifically for this high-rise application.”
The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the proliferation of remote work, has emphasized the need for usable outdoor spaces. Come rain or shine, the extra space provided by a Lumon balcony system could function as a home office, reading nook, greenhouse, yoga studio or dining area, just to name a few.
“In Maple Ridge, that means enjoying the stunning panoramic views year-round instead of only a few months per year,” noted Sun.
Residents can also choose to add blinds and sunshades to ensure privacy or regulate the temperature of their enclosed balconies. Condominium communities that integrate Lumon’s retractable balcony glass systems provide exceptional value for prospective buyers and stand out from the field of new construction developments.
“We expect to use the Lumon system in all of our future projects and look forward to the new and dynamic innovations that are sure to come in the years ahead,” said Sun.
Past residential projects that have integrated Lumon products include The Condominiums of Cornell by Mattamy Homes in Markham, Ontario and Promenade Miller by CH Clément Construction in Cornwall, Ontario. British Columbia-based developer Quadra Homes has adopted Lumon systems in several of its projects throughout the past decade, including Yorkson Park in Langley, La Galleria in Abbotsford and Cedar Downs in Pitt Meadows.
The City of Vancouver is currently weighing bylaw amendments that would allow for entire-building balcony glazing systems with no implications to the FSR/FAR calculations. Additionally, planning officials with the City of Burnaby are actively encouraging developers to include Lumon in their submissions, noting that “the concept contributes to a sense of community.”
Meantime, residential developers such as Keltic Development and Tria Homes have found ways to incorporate Lumon products in their upcoming projects. Fifty percent of the units at Coco Oakridge, for example, feature balcony glass enclosures. The West Side condominium is well under construction and was designed by the renowned GLB Architects. Select homes at 8888 Osler in Vancouver’s Marpole neighbourhood, opening Summer 2021, will also boast operable balcony windows for maximum livability and comfort.
Since entering Canada in 2011, Lumon has worked diligently to educate developers and city planners about its line of products and advocate for zoning bylaw amendments, providing urban dwellers with flexible outdoor spaces that enhance their lifestyles — no matter the weather.
For more information about Lumon Canada, visit lumon.com, call 1 877 707 7427 or email info.canada@lumon.com.
