The Elva

The Elva—Scandinavian sensibilities, modern design

Location: Calgary, Alberta
Completed: 2021
Partners: Zeidler Architecture

When designing this residential rental building in the heart of downtown Calgary, we paired classic Scandinavian elements with forward-thinking trends. Minimalist palettes, natural textures, and warm wood elements each contribute to an overall sense of Hygge—a Danish word that evokes feelings of coziness and contentment—creating a haven for residents to wait out the notoriously chilly Albertan winters.

This multi-family rental development lives in the heart of the lively community of Mission in downtown Calgary. Holland Design’s scope of work involved working within the architectural envelope to create a cohesive experience as residents travel through the lobby into their individual suites. Drawing inspiration from the brand package, the design focuses on Nordic inspired materiality with an emphasis on ritual and minimalism. Warm whites and light woods with thoughtfully selected accents result in a palette that is sophisticated, timeless and perfectly curated. Carefully positioned reveals, elevated shaker panel detailing and subtle changes in texture add high impact details while remaining true to the underlying conceptual values.