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 elbows past, flowing out towards the inner harbour and located next to Meaford’s downtown core, this property perfectly suits this multi-residential program. However, a deeper understanding of this riverside site reveals a flooding potential, especially when combined with big weather events at specific times of the year, especially spring.

In responding to the dual nature of this site, we have created a “platform” much like an oceanfront pier, only substantially wider, upon which to place the buildings. Positioned well above the 100-year flood line, condominiums are strategically placed above the hazardous zone so life can safely take place. Programs such as car parking, watertight loading docks and waterproof mechanical and electrical rooms are located below the platform. Further, car parking will be screened from view with naturally vented black metal louvers designed to break away during a flood. During the early warnings of a flood as water begins to rise, cars would be re-located off-site, allowing water to flow unimpeded beneath the platform, so as not to create any additional effects on neighbouring buildings.

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

Between these rows of townhomes, an internalized pedestrian street has been developed, 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 as an angled form from four storeys at Trowbridge Street to over eight storeys at the river, this building anchors the entire complex with its tall, commanding presence.

To the periphery of the project is a two-tiered riverside walk, complete with landscaping and numerous points of interest, studded with benches. Here, leisurely strolls are promoted to their fullest, allowing people of all ages and abilities 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 to the west, all the way northeast to the inner harbour.

Overall, this project has successfully merged with its site, developing a master plan that was inspired by the river. With careful study of the site and its context, and complementing the existing town planning, key dense urban living strategies were implemented to promote social interaction at every turn, ultimately creating a picturesque waterfront promenade that addresses the difficult yearly issues of flooding.

Note: For Trowbridge Mews Riverfront Development building write-up, statistics, materials and general program, see Mixed-Use Portfolio – Trowbridge Mews Riverfront Development.

LOCATION: Meaford, Ontario

ARCHITECT: LINEVISION Architects

DESIGN LEADERSHIP: Michael Poitras,
Principal-in-Charge

CLIENT: Withheld