The addition of the L-shaped, two-wing building offers students a study in contrasts between these two modern construction methods, as well as between 19th-century-style timber construction and 21st-century CLT construction. Levitt said CLT was a natural choice considering the importance of timber and wood resources to northern Ontario, although there was little precedent for its institutional application in Canada at the time, much less on this scale.
Source: New architecture school brings lessons to life – REMI Network
“We are proud of this project and the role that is has played in the ongoing urban revitalization of downtown Roanoke,” said Burt Pinnock, AIA, principal. “When considered as a whole, the success of West Station makes a strong argument for how long-term engagement and quality design can bring new life to our historic neighborhoods.”
The Lofts were part of a grander revitalization effort spearheaded by developer Bill Chapman of Bill Chapman Enterprises to reclaim and rebrand the neighborhood of West Station. Adjacent to a large rail yard, the area had fallen into disrepair, but both Chapman and Baskervill saw potential.
“We took a two-step approach,” Chapman said. “First, we created a downtown district with a new name to convey the idea of change, and then we built high quality, design-centric space that clearly showed that change was happening. We designed and installed street banners then built The Lofts at West Station. We were 100 percent occupied in 90 days and have stayed that way ever since. The project has been a resounding success and a catalyst for further investment in the neighborhood.”
via BASKERVILL ADAPTIVE REUSE PROJECT WINS RICHMOND URBAN LAND INSTITUTE 2013 VISION AWARD | Baskervill | Archinect.
Reclamation Administration: News and Research on Building Material Waste Prevention