Fab 40: Keefer Hotel
There’s a buzz on Keefer Street, in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown. And it’s not the usual chemically induced suspect that has plagued the culturally rich yet down at the heels area for so long.
The whiff of neighbourhood renewal is heady at the new Keefer hotel, a 1908 heritage building that has morphed from derelict former gas company service headquarters through to delightfully seedy booze can to sleek new Gair Williamson/Wendy Williams-Watt designed boutique hotel.
The vibe at the four storey Keefer – with each floor a 2400 square foot two bedroom loft – is decidedly film noir chic. A ground floor bar designed by David Battersby, reveals existing old growth fir beams – ebonized for effect – and set off by blood red lightbox/drink trays and vaguely sci-fi industrial style chandeliers.
Art work by Douglas Coupland, a roof deck with a gorgeous city view and a voyeuristic swimming pool that dips into the top floor loft add to the charms of this authentically Chinatown yet luxurious abode- already the pied a terre of choice for Vancouver’s new cine-class.
The Bombardier Learjet
Interior of the Learjet
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The Staircase House by Cindy Rendely, Toronto
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Coast restaurant, Vancouver
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Supernova by Douglas Coupland
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Talking sticks by Douglas Coupland
Penguin Pretty Vacant by Douglas Coupland
Coyote by Douglas Coupland
Patricide by Douglas Coupland
Penguin Cumshot by Douglas Coupland
Matricide Silver Skate by Douglas Coupland
Matricide Beer by Douglas Coupland
Drip Maple Syrup
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Form & Forest by D'Arcy Jones Design
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The Keefer Hotel, Vancouver
Read the article: Keefer Hotel
Laneway House, Toronto, by Kohn Shnier architects
Read the article: Kohn Shnier, Toronto
Richmond Olympic Oval by Cannon Design
Read the article: Vancouver Winter Olympic architecture
Territory table and chairs by Samare Design, Montreal
Read the article: Samare design, Montreal
Still House by Level Design, Vancouver
Read the article: Level Design, Vancouver
Sunset Cabin by Taylor_Smyth Architects, Toronto
Read the article: Taylor_Smyth Architects, Toronto
40R_Laneway House by Süperkul, Toronto
Read the article: Süperkul, Toronto
SHIFT Cottage by Süperkul
The Trans Canada Trail
Read the article: Trans Canada trail
Nylon Haneda by WANT luggage
Newberry White by WANT luggage
Carl Phare's wooden rollercoaster, designed in 1958, Vancouver
Read the article: Wooden rollercoaster
Fashion by Ying Gao
Read the article: Ying Gao, Montreal
Melina Keays is the entertaining director of Wallpaper*. She has been part of the brand since the magazine’s launch in 1996, and is responsible for entertaining content across the print and digital platforms, and for Wallpaper’s creative agency Bespoke. A native Londoner, Melina takes inspiration from the whole spectrum of art and design – including film, literature, and fashion. Her work for the brand involves curating content, writing, and creative direction – conceiving luxury interior landscapes with a focus on food, drinks, and entertaining in all its forms
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