CREDIT: Wayne Leidenfrost, The Province Reflections has a traditional look but a very modern sustainable-development philosophy that makes it the “greenest” housing project at UBC so far. The wide open living and dining space (above) allows a clean view through the apartment.

At Reflections, they’ve been listening to what people want and what they choose, says Adera sales manager Tony Flynn. So it stands to reason that things out at Adera’s huge Hawthorne Place development at UBC should be getting better all the time.

Reflections is the latest offering at this big “univer-city” which is eating up tract after tract of land on campus. And detail, especially in the top end, is what makes the difference here. There’s also an innovative sustainable-development philosophy that makes it the “greenest” project at UBC so far. Features include everything from creating ecologically sound landscaping which reduces water needed for irrigation to improving indoor air quality by using low-emitting floor coverings, sealants and adhesives to encouraging alternative transportation by providing spaces for car-sharing vehicles. Very virtuous — and the list goes on.

But back to the sexy part — space-age hood fans, five-element gas ranges, brilliant hardwood flooring, sophisticated bathroom vessel sinks and more.

One of the selling points of Reflections’ companion structure, Journey, which is now almost sold out, was that there were so many upgrades and options that buyers could virtually custom-make their homes, with no two the same, says Flynn.

Reflections, which has a more traditional look than the west coast-style Journey, follows the same idea but one-ups it for people who buy the penthouses — there, top-of-the-line upgrades are all standard, as befits the kings of the castle. Stainless is standard (GM Monogram no less), as are beautiful granite counters, tile flooring and glass-inset maple cabinetry in the kitchen, frameless oversize shower in the powder room and double vessel sinks and soaker tub/shower in the ensuite.

It’s predictable and yet amazing what piling on the options can do — the display suite looks spectacular, while a mirror-image suite with no upgrades just looked ordinary when we saw one some months ago at Journey. Although this suite opted for opulent 42-ounce cut-pile carpet in the living area, another Reflections display demonstrated hardwood flooring that was not only gorgeous but elegantly traditional by having a “framed” edge detail we haven’t seen for years, but that looks wonderful.

And really, why make an investment like this if you’re not in the mood to make it super-special? Not all the options on display for the penthouse are available for the lower levels but certainly stainless appliances, the hardwood, crown mouldings and more will allow owners to do as much customizing as they did in Journey before.

The display floor plan is a generous, convenient open-plan with two bedrooms separated for privacy, and the master suite once more a self-contained little haven with walk-through closet to the ensuite.

Occupancy for Reflections is from September thru December 2005.

QUICK FACTS

WHAT: Reflections is 77 apartment homes at UBC

WHERE: 6328 Larkin Drive, Vancouver

DEVELOPED BY: Adera Realty Corp.

SIZES: One-, two- and three-bedrooms homes, 695 sq.ft. — 1,655 sq. ft.

PRICES: $299,900 — $599,900

OPEN: Noon to five p.m. daily except Friday, 6328 Larkin Drive off West Mall and Marine Drive, 604-221-8878

© The Vancouver Province 2004