The intent of this development is to build a 21 storey hotel. The hotel will be comprised of 240 suites, 14 commercial units, as well as various hotel amenity and service spaces. Serving as a contextual intersection and central landmark gives rise to a dynamic architectural form with bold gestures that respond to the historic and civic significance of the site.
The unique physical characteristics of the site were utilized as basis for developing the design concept of the hotel. While the site itself is relatively flat, it abuts the rocky cliff side of Piper Park to the east and is formed into the shape of an irregular triangle by Gordon Street and Museum Way to the west. The form and massing of the site are a direct response to the irregular shape of the site and its historic context as the former commercial inlet of Nanaimo. Prior to being gradually filled in with coal slag, the site was once part of the harbour.
The base of the building, containing commercial and hotel amenity uses, has been articulated to represent the hull of a ship. The tower portion breaks away from the base with a canted edge that tapers up to a point at the roof. Oriented towards the harbour, this edge creates a prominent form that is reminiscent of a sail, visible from the waterfront and throughout the City. The bridge connection at level three wraps around the base and cuts under the tower above, suggesting the ship is docked; anchoring the ‘Civic Precinct’ while tied to the Convention Centre and park.
The tower is a combination of curtain wall glazing and composite metal panel. The two main faces of curtain wall are cut by a diagonal mullion. The spandrel panels at this diagonal are offset, further articulating this cut. This facet-like appearance of this surface reinforces the modern, crystalline interpretation of the sail form. The curtain wall surfaces with the most solar exposure are clad in a vertically striated aluminum screen, while the core of the tower is clad in a ‘Spectra’ finished metal panel. These panels shimmer from silver, to salmon, to a sea green, providing a subtle warmth to the colour palette of the building.
