MECHANICSVILLE SEMI

The site for the Mechanicsville Semi is a unique urban property that abuts a variety of “movement systems” including the Light Rail Transit (LRT), the Scott Street Arterial, bicycle, and pedestrian pathways. As a result, the built fabric is seen and visually “digested” at various speeds.

Conceptually, the design is seen as a collage of wood, metal and glass planes which appear to slide, shift, and reveal themselves in concert with the “movement speed” of the observer.

The dwelling units are compact (1500 sf each) and designed for urban living. The interiors are clean and open with a minimalist pallet of white and black. The units are filled with natural light and the large windows frame dramatic views to the urban context.

From an architectural point of view, the 2 bisecting forms are composed and fragmented to reflect the proportions of the surrounding smaller scale housing. The easterly unit is animated by a raised front porch and transitions the home from public to private realm. The westerly unit’s main entrance is an innocuous side door with a minimalist canopy that connects to and addresses the pathway.

AWARDS:

2022 Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) Housing Design Award for Custom Urban Home: Semi-Detached & Multi-Unit