In the master-planned Southlands Tsawwassen community — a beach community rooted in farming and food — District Flats stands out as a refined example of Scandinavian design.
With its clean lines and purposeful simplicity, the project required finishes that could bridge a modern architectural aesthetic with the warmth and authenticity of a rural setting.
What is Scandinavian design?
Scandinavian design prioritizes simplicity, functionality, and a strong connection to nature. The aesthetic is minimalist yet inviting, defined by the use of natural materials, clean lines, and a neutral color palette accented with subtle pops of colour. Abundant natural light and thoughtful spatial planning create interiors and exteriors that feel both calm and purposeful.
In architecture and exterior design, Scandinavian style often features low-pitched or gabled roofs, wood cladding, and a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living.
The architects & designers selected Artisan WoodGrain™ to achieve this Nordic inspired aesthetic in the recessed balconies and entrances of each townhome.
To achieve the clean, natural aesthetic, Artisan WoodGrain™ in Scandinavian Oak was the ideal choice. Its refined woodgrain texture and pale, neutral tone reflect the simplicity and warmth of traditional Scandinavian materials, while offering the durability and consistency of a high-performance finish.
Artisan WoodGrain™ utilizes Hardie® Artisan™ Siding as it’s substrate, providing a versatile, durable substrate for its realistic wood-look finish. This combination allows the material to transition effortlessly from siding to soffit, delivering a cohesive, high-end look across both surfaces.
The shared garden courtyard at District Flats features a lounge space and an inviting outdoor dining area illuminated by ambient catenary lighting. Scandinavian Oak Artisan WoodGrain™ is used as an accent on surrounding walls and balcony soffits, adding warmth, texture, and a sense of cohesion to the communal space.
The District Flats development played a key role in inspiring the name of this popular program colour. Originally labeled simply “Oak,” our colour specialists felt it deserved something more distinctive — something that captured the refined, modern-rural aesthetic it helped bring to life. The result? Scandinavian Oak — a name that reflects both the material’s natural warmth and its alignment with the Nordic-inspired design seen throughout District Flats.
The Fisher team loved this development and its unique application of Artisan WoodGrain™ so much that we featured it on the cover of our sample folder.
Awards:
- Georgie Awards 2025 Finalist: Best Multi-Family Low Rise Development (up to 6 Stories)
Artisan WoodGrain™ combines the natural appeal of professionally pre-finished premium wood siding with the modern design and functional benefits of the Hardie® Artisan Siding. The rich, smooth face, natural look will add unique style to a wide range of building projects.
