TROWBRIDGE MEWS RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT

TROWBRIDGE MEWS RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT

From time to time a building site can prove to be a mixed blessing: breathtakingly beautiful on one hand and potentially hazardous on the other. Bounded on two sides by the Bighead River (south and east), as it flows out towards Meaford’s inner harbour next to its downtown core, this property perfectly suits the mixed-use nature of this multi-residential building. A deeper understanding of this riverside site reveals a flooding hazard, especially when combined with big weather events at specific times of the year (spring).

In responding to the dual nature of this site, we have created a “platform” much like an oceanfront pier, only substantially wider. Condominiums are strategically placed well above the 100-year flood line (hazardous zone) so daily life can safely take place. Programs such as car parking, watertight loading docks and waterproof mechanical and electrical rooms are located below the platform. Car parking is screened from view with naturally vented black metal louvers designed to break away during a flood. Further, as a flood starts and water begins to rise, cars would be re-located off-site, allowing flood water to flow unimpeded beneath the platform, removing any negative water flow effects to neighbouring buildings.

To the platform’s topside, condominiums are arranged in a classic “U” formation. With three-storey townhomes defining the parallel sides of the “U”, Trowbridge Street (north) and the Bighead River (south), become lined with building facades. In both cases, terraces and stacked balconies face outwards towards the river and street, extending seasonal use and animating the adjacent public realm.

Between these rows of townhomes, an internalized pedestrian “street” has been created, complete with landscaping, promoting social interaction between neighbours and providing all with a point of address (front doors). Completing the “U”shaped composition of buildings just west of the townhomes is the taller apartment building. Rising from four storeys at Trowbridge Street (north) to over eight storeys at the river (south), this building anchors the entire complex, with its tall commanding presence.

Between the “street” and the apartment building lobby and surrounded by a shallow reflecting pool, is the car turnaround/drop-off, with access to both the apartment’s lobby and internal street. This watery element continues south to the platform’s edge, cascading 13 feet down in a dramatic man-made waterfall, next to the Bighead River.

To the periphery of the project is a two-tiered riverside walk, complete with landscaping and public benches. Here, leisurely strolls are promoted to their fullest, allowing the young, the old, as well as the physically challenged, an opportunity to enjoy the Bighead River, while mixing with fishing enthusiasts along the way. Accessible by day and night, this waterfront promenade extends from Sykes Street (west), all the way to the inner harbour (northeast).

Architecturally speaking, this project can be understood as a series of repeated concrete “frames”, which not only provide rhythm and interest to the facades, but define one’s “private property”, much like fences do. These concrete frames – a nod to the ribs on a canoe’s hull – are a well-suited metaphor for this riverside location. Overall, this multi-residential project has merged with its site, developing a language of architecture that is inspired by the river itself. Not only does it promote social interaction at every turn, it ultimately creates a picturesque waterfront promenade, all while addressing the difficult issues of flooding.

LOCATION: Meaford, Ontario

ARCHITECT: LINEVISION Architects

DESIGN LEADERSHIP: Michael Poitras,
Principal-in-Charge

CLIENT: Withheld

STATISTICS:

  • No. of storeys (apartments): 8
  • No. of storeys (townhouses): 3
  • Total floor area:
    138,955 ft2 (12, 910 m2)
  • 1 bedroom units: 45
  • 2 bedroom units: 15
  • Surface parking: 8 stalls
    (including 1 barrier-free)
  • Screened surface parking: 92 stalls
    (including 3 barrier-free)

MATERIALS:

  • Poured in-place concrete
  • Wiarton stone cladding
  • Armour stone boulder walls
  • Spanish cedar wood windows & doors
  • Silver curtain wall windows & doors
  • Silver window wall
  • Black pre-finished metal louvers
  • Spanish cedar wood screens
  • Outdoor landscaping

GENERAL PROGRAM:

  • Condominiums (with large terraces)
  • Restaurant (2,020 ft2 / 187 m2 with exterior dining at waterfall)
  • Public pedestrian street
  • Waterfall + outdoor public terrace
  • River walk
  • Performing arts stage
  • Loading docks: 3

LEED: Gold

COST: Withheld

COMPLETION: Project