The COVID-19 pandemic changed the world in many ways, with one of the most pivotal being where we work.
Today, many of our workplaces have become inextricably connected to where we live. In light of this, developers are being called to emphasize homes that are built not just for life and play but also for remote work.
This is where Vansoho Development has made a name for itself. In fact, the mission is actually in the developer's name. No, 'Vansoho' is not an amalgamation of Vancouver and SoHo, the trending neighbourhood in Manhattan; instead, it blends 'Vancouver' with 'SOHO,' the abbreviation for "small office/home office." True to its name, Vansoho incorporates shared workplaces, boardrooms, and video conferencing facilities into many of its developments, enabling a seamless transition from home to work just steps from your front door.
"This fusion embodies our vision of crafting homes where residents can seamlessly live and work, reflecting changing attitudes towards working from home and showcasing how modern homes can serve multiple purposes beyond traditional expectations," says Chace Chai, Director, Vansoho Development.
Vansoho is redefining what it means to combine luxury and affordability, proving you can have a home that exceeds expectations without breaking the bank. Their designs prioritize modern living, offering thoughtful touches like creative interior nooks perfect for work-from-home setups. With top-tier features such as Fulgor appliances, anthracite sinks, and satin-black faucets, they deliver premium amenities at competitive prices—ensuring every corner of your home is both functional and stylish.
If you're wondering how Vansoho is able to pull this off, the answer is captured in the saying: it's all about the right location.
In Maple Ridge, for example, Vansoho recently introduced Atara and Atara II. A thoughtfully designed two-phase mixed-use high-rise, this development blends modern living with unparalleled convenience. Featuring residential units complemented by retail and commercial spaces, offering a seamless integration of lifestyle and functionality. Residents will also enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities in the surrounding area.
"This shift enables us to build homes in areas with a strong sense of community, where residents can enjoy not only beautiful and functional living spaces but also benefit from thriving local amenities, parks, and schools that support family-oriented lifestyles," says Chace Chai, Director, Vansoho Development.
All of this can be seen in Mulgrave Villa, a recent Vansoho community consisting of 21 single-family homes in West Vancouver. The development is located near a top private school, offers sweeping ocean views from downtown Vancouver to the Georgia Strait, and is built with locally-sourced materials that complement West Vancouver's natural environment, all in one accessible and competitively priced package.
Mara, a recently completed project by Vansoho Development, brings modern living to the heart of Pandosy Village, Kelowna. With sleek and functional studio designs, Mara seamlessly fuses affordability with contemporary style. Residents can enjoy the vibrant charm of Pandosy Village, surrounded by trendy cafés, boutiques, parks, and the scenic waterfront. Featuring thoughtful amenities like EV and e-bike chargers, a serene rooftop patio, and smart home technology, Mara embodies Vansoho Development’s dedication to quality, innovation, and creating lasting value in thriving communities.
Other equally anticipated communities include Richmond's Garden City, bringing residential and commercial units to the expanding Alexandra neighbourhood, and University District in Victoria, which brings a five-storey wood-frame residential build to the lush and peaceful community surrounding UVic.
And now, Vansoho is doing it again with their latest development, Ksana, a new six-storey build set for 3101 St. Johns Street and 3112 St. George Street in Port Moody. The community will bring 187 suites that seamlessly integrate modern architecture, nature, and small-town charm.
The development, which is expected to complete construction in 2027, is named after the Sanskrit word for 'instant' or 'moment'; an allusion to Vansoho's goal of providing residents with homes that cater to every moment of life, work, play, and every stop in between. Embracing the SOHO concept, Ksana is designed as the perfect place to work from home, offering amenities like co-working spaces equipped with boardrooms and video conferencing facilities, ensuring seamless productivity blended with modern living.
Ksana at 3101 St. Johns Street and 3112 St. George Street/Vansoho Development
Port Moody is set to undergo a major transformation in the years to come, with numerous developers staking their claim on the area's immense potential.
Much of that new development is set for the area immediately around Moody Centre Station, but Ksana boasts the advantage of being located a roughly five-minute walk towards the east — away from the upcoming high-density towers, while remaining close to the station and its convenient access to the rest of Metro Vancouver. Additionally, Ksana is situated near two local hot spots — Brewer's Row and Rocky Point Park — and all the essentials a resident could ask for.
It's a gem of a project and, unsurprisingly, people are responding in kind. Case in point, Ksana has sold out its first release of suites already. The next release is expected in early 2025, and that could be your prime opportunity to call the community home.
To learn more, register online or stop by the sales gallery at 2316 St Johns Street.
This article was produced in partnership with STOREYS Custom Studio.
