Ethos

Ethos is a residential development located at the eastern edge of Burnaby’s Metrotown neighbourhood. The project comprises 306 units, distributed between a 39-storey concrete tower and a 4-storey wood-frame low-rise building. The tower includes a mix of strata condominiums, market rental apartments, and non-market rental suites, while the adjacent low-rise is dedicated entirely to non-market rental housing.

The architectural expression is guided by a minimalist design ethos, leveraging material texture and a restrained colour palette to define visual massing zones. The tower’s form is animated by bold balconies that deepen progressively toward the upper levels. These balconies are arranged around a pinwheel floor plan, optimizing corner unit privacy and enhancing access to natural light and expansive views.

Sited on a narrow lot, the building’s placement is the result of close collaboration between the client and the City of Burnaby. This process carefully balanced resident privacy and amenity access with a commitment to preserving and enhancing the public realm.

Amenity programming plays a central role in the project. Residents benefit from nearly 11,000 square feet of indoor amenity space across three distinct areas, complemented by over 16,000 square feet of functional outdoor space. At the southeast corner of the site, the tower is set back from the main intersection to create a publicly accessible pocket park. This space features a reflecting pool and a public art installation by local artists Tsēmā and Johnathan Igharas, enriching the neighbourhood experience.