SETON RIDGE

SETON RIDGE

Located in Rockingham, Nova Scotia, on a parcel of land known as The Sisters of Charity Motherhouse Grounds, is a sloping picturesque property overlooking the shores of Bedford Basin (south). Just 1.2 miles (2 km) north of Halifax, the development is perfectly situated for a commuter lifestyle. Accessed off the Bedford Highway, Seton Road brings one past Saint Vincent University, rising in a gentle arch, peaking at Motherhouse, a former convent. This main commercial road has been re-configured to accommodate 15 apartments and condominium buildings, all of which offer commercial/retail space at the street. Another four condominiums are located just off Seton Road, adding more urban density to the project site. Organized like the spokes of a bicycle tire, the apartments and condominiums maintain a steady radiating rhythm of buildings with gaps in-between, that constantly re-direct one’s gaze to the picturesque view of Bedford Basin in the distance. These same gaps between the buildings organize secondary roads, underground parking entrances, walking paths, parks and public spaces.

Near the center of Seton Road, just south of Motherhouse, is a 15-storey condominium tower – the tallest building in the project – set well back from the road. Due to its height, the tower becomes the project’s focal point. When viewed from a distance, this tall structure clearly demarcates it as the “center of town”. Opposite the tower and across the street, the main public outdoor terrace can be found, offering breathtaking views of the landscape beyond. The community centre, tucked neatly below this terrace, is the social center of the development, sited directly adjacent to the main park (Park ‘A’).

Strategically located south and west of Seton Road’s arching Commercial Street are two residential subdivisions made from a variety of housing types. Here, two-storey houses come in a variety of sizes, with the larger homes typically sited on the biggest lots. Townhouses have also found their way into these subdivisions, where their three and four-storey heights are strategically placed to have the least amount of impact on adjacent homes. Critical to the success of both subdivisions is an integration of pedestrian walking paths, complete with low level bollard lights, giving residents quick walking access to all parts of this project.

Lastly, four parks (Parks A, B, C & D) have been inserted into this development, complementing this naturally picturesque environment. Here, the natural and man-made landscapes are fully integrated, creating numerous points of interest and many areas of repose. All four parks are linked together with a network of walking paths, expanding their use throughout each season and allowing all residents to enjoy their beauty.

LOCATION: Rockingham, Nova Scotia

ARCHITECT: IBI Group Architects

DESIGN LEADERSHIP: Michael Poitras,
Consultant-in-Charge (IBI)

CLIENT: Southwest Properties Ltd.

STATISTICS:

  • 163 single detached homes
  • 22 townhouses
  • 8 apartment buildings (842 dwelling units)
  • 6 mixed-use commercial/residential buildings
    (830 dwelling units + 55,983 ft2 (5,201 m2) commercial space)
  • 9 condominiums (949 dwelling units)
  • 20 retail spaces totalling 55,972 ft2 (5,200 m2)