“Multiplexes are an opportunity very similar to what we had with the old Vancouver Special back in 1965 and 1985, where they were trying to solve multi-generational living needs and a housing crisis at that time,” says Nguyen. “So very similarly right now, we are also experiencing that and we have a shortage in multi-generational family options.”
Founded in 2020 as a subsidiary of THT Properties, which was founded in 2015, Costar is a family business. Louis and his brother Tuan Nguyen have worked together since its earliest days. And although Costar itself may be relatively young, it has already left its mark in neighbourhoods across Greater Vancouver.
Being part of the change.
Building multiplex homes.
As a reminder, a multiplex is a form of housing built on a former single-family detached home lot that combines multiple units into one area. These could be duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes or more. This arrangement presents a unique opportunity to house multiple generations of one family together in the same place. Offering the chance for a more connected, cooperative lifestyle, these homes are something that Costar Construction thinks could be part of the solution to the Lower Mainland’s notoriously out-of-reach housing market.
“It's nice to be a part of the change in the city and bring something that hasn't been there before,” says Summer, Projects Coordinator at Costar Construction. “There's some value and some pride. It’s easy to put in the work when you know you're building something that people haven't had the option to use before.”
This commitment to being part of the change and doing it the right way doesn’t happen by accident, either. “Even within Costar, we have a lot of different cultures represented, languages, traditions,” says Summer. “So a lot of that comes into thinking about how the space can be used and how it can work through different generations and different stages.”
Relying on the real, on-the-ground experience of living in a home has allowed Costar to approach its multiplex design process in more holistic ways. Whether that’s taking the time to consider including a bedroom on the main floor so that elderly grandparents can live with the rest of the family without climbing stairs or ensuring that loud appliances like washing machines don’t rest against common walls, thoughtful design is their signature touch in every project. In fact, a Costar multiplex, called It Takes Two, won a 2024 Georgie Award for Best Multiplex Home.
“I am very excited to be building multiplexes. I feel it's a bit of a challenging space in construction,” Summer says. “You're trying to navigate the city's requirements, code compliance, while also balancing a livable home and a nice layout and features.”
Keeping the Homeseeker in mind.
An example of a multiplex.
But awards aren’t the only measure of success for Costar. Rather, they value the stories of their satisfied clients: the Homeseekers who move into their homes and love them. Pride in their work is also part of the reason why Costar feels comfortable showing Homeseekers projects while they are under construction. “I've had the pleasure of seeing a lot of the units from Costar,” says Hajeir Mazinani, who is set to move into Costar’s WEKillarney multiplex. “And I had the chance to be invited to see the showing and the work they were doing. And I was very impressed. I thought the finishing touches were well thought out. There's a lot of patience and thought that went into the design.”
The multi-generational living aspect stood out to Mazinani, too.
“With a newborn, I need a lot of extra help, especially from family. And this met all those marks,” says Mazinani. “It was the perfect kind of unit. It's two floors, not a lot of stairs and a separate unit, so we all have our own space. And easy access for my mother-in-law, who's getting to a point that stairs are going to be a bit of a nuisance for her. So this was basically perfect from all angles.”
As for the future, Costar sees itself responding to the ever-shifting regulations around multiplexes in BC. After Burnaby tightened its rules around this housing type and Vancouver started scrutinizing multiplex applications more strictly, Costar is redoubling its commitment to doing it the right way.
“I think people who should be paying attention to multiplexes are people who are looking for a home that they can stay in for a longer period of time,” says Summer. That philosophy and focus on the long-term is something Costar strives to imbue in every project they build.
Nguyen boils down Costar’s philosophy on multiplex living into one thought: “That's our passion, and we want as many people to know about it as possible.”
