The Wedge
An imaginative 11-storey tower for Edmonton’s downtown designed to maximize residential and commercial use within a slender inter-building footprint.
The Wedge is an 11-storey tower proposed along Jasper Avenue in the Heritage Warehouse District of downtown Edmonton. The slender mass is contained on a site which is narrower than most skinny lots, yet accommodates 31 residences as well as commercial uses on the ground floor.
In response to this unique site constraint, the project is inspired by the idea of a wedge squeezing its way between the existing buildings on either side. This concept of tension is articulated in both the materiality and the tectonics of how the materials interact. The project balances a modern interpretation of these techniques with the unique requirements of the Heritage area to create a striking landmark for downtown Edmonton.
The project site is located on the north side of Jasper Avenue, just east of 104 Street. To maximizes the available floor area within, the building’s footprint covers nearly the entire 7.4-metre width of the project site. Opening on to Jasper Avenue provides opportunities for the main floor businesses to leverage amenity areas along this busy street.
The massing of the project is premised on the idea of a wedge being forced between the existing buildings on either side. The design’s defining wedge element is a wood form serving as the guardrail for the balconies on upper floors, and to frame the living spaces on the lower floors. This wedge element contrasts from the rest of the building, which uses traditional brick applications reflexive of the Heritage Area character.
Also in response to the Heritage Area character, the design applies repetitive punched windows to the facade. However, this approach is juxtaposed at the point where the wedge engages the building, where the design shifts to a more randomized use of window widths.
At 11 storeys tall, the project would become an iconic landmark on Jasper Avenue home to dozens of new residents.
The loft-style interiors highlight their large, open spaces through a modest use of interior finishing materials. The concrete structure is left exposed and simple concrete floors are used throughout.
The residential suites are designed as open, studio-style apartments where private living spaces converge with public entertaining areas. In lieu of permanent frame and drywalled storage rooms, integrated storage is incorporated throughout each residence.
holo-blok Team
