As an exercise in modernism, this design purposefully avoids suburban stereotypes. Rather, design conceptually abstracts the Victorian style home to its essence, inside and out. Familiar materials are used in a modern manner, with unique elements such as flexible programming, vertically interwoven living spaces, and intermittently lighter spaces as one ascends the home - culminating in a roof top terrace. This home weaves itself into the existing street fabric, while still maintaining a level of sophistication that is unparalleled.
As an exercise in the economy of space and subtle decadence, the careful extrusion of the horizontal surfaces is used to suggest and define the space plan. Distinct geometries of varying heights and articulation organize the single space into multifunctional zones, each uniquely contributing to the overall impression. The open nature of the design and the focus on the horizontal planes fosters a simplified solution for lighting and mechanical systems, creating a more efficient, cost effective and sustainable space. Hard, manmade, durable surfaces and finishes are selected to mitigate the impact of heavy traffic and lengthen the salon's operational life.
Designed under a high-rise residential zoning, on a land-locked 30'x75' inner city parcel, each of the project's three residential units are superimposed and unified under an elevational composition. Organized into three stacked compartments, landscaping and other amenities are incorporated vertically into self-contained terraces at each level.
While respecting the scale and materiality of the neighboring environment, a contemporary urban housing language is utilized for the community that responds to present-day Calgary. As evident in the subtle abstraction and re-interpretation of historic urban housing, this design takes its cues from projects such the brick row houses of New York and the walk-up stone townhouses of Montreal.
Expert landscaping and reflective design coalesce in this remarkable private residence. Inspired by contextual and site variables, the design and resulting architecture uses warm and inviting materials throughout. Interior and exterior spaces are intertwined together to take full advantage of the project's large inner city site. The center of this experience is a courtyard carved out of the site's core, around which interior and exterior elements purposefully revolve. Although the original site was flat and indistinct, a much more dynamic landscape was manufactured to embody characteristics similar to the home which is designed upon it. The result is a residence with lofted, suspended and private spaces designed throughout.
The interior space of Royal Lepage North Office allowed Davignon Martin to authentically delve into what makes a space a home, and which elements are responsible for changing an environment from commercial to personal.
High-end residential finishes such as granite, custom walnut millwork and contemporary ceramic tile were used throughout and organized around a central space used for entertaining and corporate events much like the gathering space of a home. Clients instantly feel comfortable in the space, resulting in more fluid communication with tangible results.
Ingenuity meets elegance with this architecturally challenging yet refined project. Located in an industrial area on the outskirts of the downtown core, the refurbishment of these two existing structures was designed to increase current office space by adding roof structures on to the building itself. Given that the footprint of the building could not increase, two penthouse structures were conceived to meet the client's criteria. Vessel-like longitudinal structures were placed atop the existing building and then cladded systematically to maximize the open ended forms of their design. The final architectural composition reduces the construction to a basic structure that captures the true additive nature of the project.
Located on a secluded narrow street and perched at the periphery of an inner-city community, this home is defined by two sloping hills which provide spectacular views from this wonderfully elevated home – the main floor is level with the 20th floor of neighboring downtown skyscrapers.
Using clean lines and simple yet elegant architectural elements, the design takes full advantage of easterly urban views from the main floor and westerly mountain and river vistas from the second floor. These stacked horizontal volumes encapsulate living spaces which are vertically connected through a sculptural arabesque glass staircase, free floating within the floor plan.
The Balkan Restaurant is a true amalgamation of inspiration and materials. The interior design of this Banff restaurant is focused on the re-conceptualization of the hospitality experience and creating an updated aesthetic - drawing from the warm festive family atmosphere typical of Mediterranean mountain towns. The interplay of solid materials, doorways and crafted apertures, is used to organize the restaurant into very distinct scales of spaces. Existing conditions allow for space composition around a monolith backdrop with references to Greek mythology present throughout. Simple vestigial elements are permitted to give the space a foundation for a great dining experience.
Classic elements and minimalist design meet in this sophisticated townhome solution within a restrictive inner city lot. The project was designed to assimilate into the varying fabrics of apartment buildings and single family infills within the community, while retaining its intended individual qualities. Operating as a series of four vertical units, each of the three stories include terraces with panoramic city views, double-storey entrances, and large expansive windows. Solid massing components are made hollow so that functional spaces can be transparent wherever possible. The resulting large expansive volumes are placed precisely behind a series of defined elevations allowing each space to expand its vistas either with a view or through an adjacent terrace on the southern portion of the building.
Bold colors meet with new lighting techniques, creating an atmosphere of excitement and entertainment. The design of the Medicine Hat Casino, along with its guest rooms and lounge area, provided an opportunity to explore the actualization of intangible intrigue and promise. Although the project was located outside of Calgary and required a high level of coordination between the interior design, architectural and multiple client stakeholder groups, the project succeeded in its overall integration of all hospitality requirements. The design brought a level of sophistication and style by using the character of the predominant river valley setting as spatial and modulating motif.
Establishing a balance between form and function was the main objective when it came to designing a showcase space for Rational Kitchens & Accessories. Sharp accents of stainless steel mirror the end users expectations of quality products, and liner panels of hardwood provide a play on the traditional and familiar household atmosphere.
The vast room is capable of accommodating large display units, and creates a unique environment for kitchens, sinks, closets, and finishing products. The design of the custom built reception desk, as well as the placement of furniture, finishing pieces, and lighting fixtures, provide a modern twist to this space.
Industrial space and functional modernity meet in this refurbished south Calgary warehouse. Purchased by The Mazel Group, the original building required reinterpretation and several upgrades to meet the user's vision including an appointed boardroom, management offices, in-house training facility, and a technologically advanced manufacturing workshop. In order to solidify the advancements and bestow the space with a feeling of cohesiveness, our interior designers introduced new elements of visual stimulation through artwork and furniture. The resulting warehouse is a mixture of both functionality and form – a completely useable and aesthetically charmed space.
Influenced by the school Beaux-Arts architectural principals, these private residences are a fresh abstraction of a classical typology. Each residence is a new interpretation of a conventional plan or technique of construction, a truly unique perspective on modern living. Familiar orchestrations of a parlour entry, rear kitchen and upstairs bedrooms weave through each residence, with vast expanses of glass and a number of vertical design elements. Sunken courtyards help maximize the total usable area of each residence, allowing for a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor. Each residence is designed to represent an opportunity for re-interpretation and originality. Hence, classic materials, vertical compositions and old character find new life and are expressed through skillful design.
This cottage had two clear objectives from the onset of design – maximize the expansive views and the experience of the interior space, as well as build a footprint through the careful consideration of a walk-out level and controlled apertures. Further, allow the residence to blend into the surrounding wild prairie landscape, in essence, camouflaging the architecture through muted grey and brown tones as well as a skin texture similar to that of the surrounding foliage. The architecture itself acts to either highlight or downplay views of the surrounding landscape. Each elevation is treated with equal design objectives, but is articulated differently in response to site conditions.
At Davignon Martin, we are continuously sketching, mapping, and imagining what our next immersive project will look like, and how the space will be experienced. Several commercial spaces are in the final phases of formation, and we are eagerly awaiting their development.
Located in an established yet transitioning Calgary neighborhood; these homes are mindful of the traditional fabric in which they exist while demonstrating the impact a piece of modern architecture can have on a community. As a minimalist interpretation of the traditional 'Victorian' style vertical house, the homes explore the formal reduction of the iconographic 'home', using materials, massing and type to create a sense of familiarity, while still pushing the boundaries of the traditional single-family home. With no possible compromise between the laneway and street elevation, the design nestles a void space to create a private walk-out exterior courtyard space at the main and second floor elevation of each home.
The new office of Davignon Martin Architecture, located adjacent to Calgary's 17th Avenue, allowed us to truly explore our expression of architecture and design. Light meets dark, clear meets concrete, and the duality of our industry is expressed in response to the limited availability of natural light.
The space is visually open from front to back with a full height glass wall bisecting the space lengthwise. The glass acts as a device that alters the perception of the space allowing a subtle degree of visual obscurity, transparency or reflectivity. This gesture is also a canvas for the application of colored film; the only color applied to this otherwise "armaniesque" environment.
Designed to re-interpret the basic construction vocabulary of light industrial construction, the minimalist two storey office building includes 24 foot high ceilings, double roof terraces and flexible programming options for future tenancies. The architecture is a minimalist masonry cube from which sections are subtracted to create apertures that flood the interiors with light.
Like a minimalist abstract painting, the façade is a single color with flat, smooth masonry brick and block textures. With a double frontage, a functional corridor or 'spine' is designed for occupants to move between the front and back tenancies without infringement on one another. The spine includes shared washrooms, elevators and staircase amenities, and can be easily separated to accommodate separate front and rear tenancies.
Designed as a natural evolution of predecessor hedkandi salons, the result is a far more minimal yet sophisticated manifestation. Divided into two hemispheres - lower and upper – the spaces are opposing yet complementary, playing off each other using material and color. The design of the upper hemisphere envelopes the space and shelters its occupants in a minimal white volume. The lower hemisphere is contrastingly darker and makes use of hard, durable materials with wear and functionality in mind, providing individuals passing by the salon with just a glimpse of life within the space. The resulting meeting place of the two spheres further organizes lighting, desks, mirrors and stations.
At Davignon Martin, we are continuously sketching, mapping, and imagining what our next immersive project will look like, and how the space will be experienced. Several private residences are in the final phases of formation, and we are eagerly awaiting their development.
