We kicked ourselves last year for not entering the MASI Design Awards, so this year we submitted 2 projects. We are very excited to share that both submissions placed!
It was a GOLD win for our submission in the Residential Renovation over $300/sq ft.
This was a stunning renovation to a Mid-Century Modern beauty. The objectives of the renovation were to refresh and brighten the home which had become drab and worn over time; increase the functionality and aesthetics of the kitchen, family room, office and Master Suite and; updating the design while being sensitive to the classic Mid-Century Modern style. The new design elements were kept simple with only a small number of materials used throughout including walnut, marble, brick, and white walls, leaving the home neutral for the Owner’s art collection and furniture pieces. LED lighting was incorporated throughout the home.
The starting off point was the selection of a large-scale porcelain Statuario marble tile, installed throughout the home with in-floor heating to maintain a consistent bright aesthetic while seamlessly blending into the existing brick and refurbished walnut panelled walls. The dining room ceiling was raised with clerestory windows to brighten and enlarge the space, giving an opportunity to feature a dramatic large-scale light fixture.
Custom built-ins were designed throughout the home including the foyer, living room, dining room, ensuite, master bedroom, family room and office to minimize the need for excess furniture. The living room open walnut shelving separates the living area from the foyer while concealing guest closets on its sides. The family room features book-matched porcelain marble slabs with LED backlit walnut shelving that give the appearance that the shelves are floating. The original kitchen was gutted and sensitively re-imagined with new minimal walnut cabinets and a dramatic matte blue lacquer island to add a sense of whimsy while the small penny-round backsplash adds an intimate touch to the space. The cylinder hood fan and panel ready appliances were chosen to provide minimal impact and distraction. And finally, a simple custom walnut buffet with burled walnut doors dramatically floats on the dining room brick wall.
The Master Suite was reconfigured to incorprate a large walnut walk-in-closet tucked behind a custom walnut bed niche lined with platinum-coloured flocked wallcovering. Oversized ‘molten’ glass pendants eliminate the need for bedside lamps, adding sparkle and drama. The dark and dingy ensuite was enlarged to include a sultry risqué glass corner steam shower open to the bedroom allowing natural light to enter the otherwise windowless room. Porcelain marble slabs line the ensuite walls offset by a gorgeous semi-precious amethyst stone vanity top.
Our sumbission of Shapes Pembina won Bronze in the special projects category. Check out the blog post Motivation to work out or the below link for further info and photos.
Our client approached us to redesign and reconfigure their existing fitness facility. Located within a large strip mall, their gym consisted of two adjacent facilities – Women’s and Co-Ed. The landlord decided to appropriate the existing Co-Ed square footage for another tenant and provide our client with space on the opposite side of the existing Women’s facility. This resulted in the planning a new Co-Ed facility and re configuring a large portion of the existing Women’s facility. A new entry, cycle room and members lounge had to be developed. The new 35,000 square foot gym was to be a more upscale, intimate facility to attract new members and compete with the newer gyms nearby. This was accomplished using colour, pattern texture and dramatic lighting.
The important first impression of the facility is the new reception area which features a dramatic, sculptural reception desk made of solid-core plastic laminate in stark contrast to the ‘graffiti-style’ digital wallcovering wall blocks behind.
Repetition of key design elements is used throughout for unity but reinvented to give the two facilities their own distinct character. One repeated element are the solid wood timbers used in three locations as divider screens introducing a natural, textural vibe to the interior. The second unifying element are the dramatic sculptural wall blocks - yellow in the Co-Ed facility and green in the Women’s facility. They run along the longest walls, are spaced from narrow to wide and are set against a black back wall for maximum drama, tying the two gyms together but still with their own identity. The central core of the gym is highlighted by wrapping it in a deep blue/black patterned wallcovering against a dramatic gold gym floor. Special attention was paid to the change rooms where wood lockers, rich porcelain tile, patterned wallcovering and unique lighting was used to give a very upscale look and feel to a space often forgotten or downplayed.
Lighting was of upmost importance. We used many forms of LED lighting including circular rings in the Women’s facility, ‘crossed sticks’ in the Co-Ed facility and vertical strip wall lights throughout. The lighting creates visual interest and adds to the distinct personality of each gym.
Construction was a daunting task as the client wanted the gym to remain open during the construction process.