Waterworks

Reinventing a heritage-designated 1930s building – a former food market turned water filtration plant – this 13-storey mixed-use Toronto project houses 299 condominium units alongside a food hall and new YMCA. The Art Deco exterior, juxtaposed with the raw industrial interior of the former filtration plant, creates a variation of aesthetics that provide inspiration for the interior design of the condominium common spaces and amenity areas.

The client asked the design team to respect the history and highlight the heritage aspects of the building in the interior common areas, which include a lobby, fireplace lounge, private dining rooms, kitchen and fitness facilities. They also wanted to reflect a hospitality design, where residents and visitors alike could feel like they were in the heart of the action. Taking that as their cue, the designers built out a vision that blurred the line between past and present and flowed seamlessly throughout the 367m² of interior common spaces. Completed in 2018, the final amenity design incorporates weathered wood and exposed brick, paired with sleek black metal accents and large-format photography that highlights the history of the space. The combination of raw and natural textures and finishes, alongside a muted sepia palette, is used throughout the common areas, creating a seamless transition from one space to the next. Most of the materials – from barn wood to raw steel – have been refurbished and reimagined by local artisans, adding a sustainability element to the design while creating a unique aesthetic all its own.