KW Masterplan

This $300M mixed-use development was going back to the drawing board. Breakhouse was called upon to help re-imagine an experience with a neighbourhood feel by knitting together thoughtful public spaces interspersed with active commercial and residential zones.

The masterplan needed more of a community feel and more connections to the historic fabric of the adjacent downtown grid. As the redesign progressed, 3 distinct districts began to emerge; the Urban, Marina and Residential districts. Each district had its own qualities and pedestrian experiences defined by their parks, existing natural landscape as well as architecture, commercial and retail offerings.

The Urban District, more vehicular in nature and characterized by larger building forms is comprised of towers, townhouses, hotels, office space, and retail spaces for both large and small scale offerings.

The Marina District could be described as the village core, with all buildings once again designed to accommodate both residential and commercial uses. The roads here are narrower and pedestrian oriented, leading to outdoor spaces such as the Waterside Boardwalk, Cove Beach and the Ferry Park Trail. Businesses along the waterside terrace, boat rentals, water taxi and visiting mariners will help activate this area.

The Residential District is mainly comprised of 3–4 storey townhouses featuring small private yards and rooftop terraces. In European fashion, the buildings will look over either the street, canal or marina. This area aims to be primarily residential with a focus on families who want more peaceful surroundings, clustering around large gathering spaces and community gardens.