The building features a total of 15 units, with five units per floor over three storeys. Buyers of the apartment-style condos have a choice of one or two bedrooms, with a variety of floor plans to select from. Single-bedroom-and-den units with one-and-a-half bathrooms range in size from 740 to 772 square-feet, depending on the floor plan.

Meanwhile, a larger 880-square-foot, two-bedroom suite features two full bathrooms, one of which is an ensuite.

The condos come in a choice of colour schemes, either the darker palette “charcoal” or the lighter “neutral.” These themes extend to all the rooms, and are incorporated in the hardwood floors, cabinetry, countertops and fireplaces. The accommodation is stylishly put together, simple and classic, with a chic, classy finish. The kitchen, with granite countertops, maple cabinetry and stainless steel appliances functions as the focal point of the unit. It runs open-plan into the living area, giving a spacious feel, which is further accentuated by large windows and lots of light.

The living area comes with a gas fireplace, which incorporates the relevant colour scheme into its slate or mosaic. The main living space is covered in hardwood floors, and all areas of the house feature in-floor heating. “Wherever your feet touch the ground, it will be warm,” says Ha. The living area opens onto a small balcony that is equipped with a gas outlet for a barbecue. Residents of road-facing units are doubly fortunate as they are treated to sights of a quiet tree-lined neighbourhood.

Bedrooms are expansive, ranging from around ten-foot-one by nearly 12 feet in the single-bedroom units, to 13-foot-seven by ten-foot-six in the bedroom with an ensuite in two-bedroom units, while all are carpeted in a patterned Berber underfoot. The single-bedroom units also feature a convenient walk-in closet en route to the ensuite.

Single-bedroom units also feature a rare find—a handy extra room which would be optimal as a small office area or, as Ha suggests, for extra in-suite storage.

A washer and dryer, included in the price, are conveniently tucked away.

Prized rides are also kept safe and secure, a each unit has its own secure underground heated parking stall, and designated visitors slots are featured at the back of the building.

Another key attraction of The Orchid Ha mentions is the attention to sound proofing, as ambient noise from neighbouring suites is often a concern for condo shoppers. “We’ve taken every step to ensure it’s a quiet building,” he says. Precautions to this end include insulating the joist between floors, sound bars in the ceilings and lightweight concrete to minimize the sound between floors. What’s more, the building has been wrapped in an inch of acrylic full system foam, which also helps with insulation.

Orchid suites are going fast, notes Ha. Single-bedroom-and-den units with one-and-a-half-bathrooms range from 740 to 772 square-feet, with first-floor units priced at $319,900 and second-floor suites, from $329,900. Only one first-floor unit and two second-floor units are available at this time. Meanwhile, those looking for a larger suite have an 800-square-foot, two-bedroom featuring two full bathrooms, one of which is an ensuite, to consider. There is only one unit left on the second floor, going for $354,900.

Inner Living Developments, who is behind the project, is a new division of H & M Ta Investment Ltd. The company has been in the construction business for more than 16 years and is currently focusing on building custom single-family homes, condominiums, and multi-family/commercial projects in the inner city. Naming their projects after flowers is a trend they intend to continue. The latest project, a 14-unit condo complex located in Crescent Heights, Calla, is slated for completion in the fall of 2008.  CL