WATERFRONT OF THE RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX


Waterfront is located a couple of steps fr om a modern residential complex that has additional value thanks to being close to water. However, the status of a conservation area places some restrictions and requires us being more careful during work. We decided to turn these difficulties into an advantage and to create the space wh ere pristine nature is preserved just a few feet away from the urban environment with rich infrastructure. When working on the concept, we chose a green approach based on the interaction with nature through sensory perception.

Another characteristic we encountered when working on the project was steep topography that we couldn’t change. The limitations brought about the idea of route difficulty: transit routes and walking trails of the higher level, boardwalks and paths along the waterfront, and downhill runs down the slope that connect everything together.

Walking trails are covered with chopped-face granite pavers – this solution not only creates the feeling of an untouched forest, but also makes the routes more eco-friendly. The main material we used for structures and street furniture was brushed wood of natural gray. The structures of boardwalks, piers and balconies were placed on the existing topography without changing its elevation. The materials rough finish gives them a particular texture that stresses the nature of the elements. However, we used austere shapes to echo the minimalistic architecture of the residential complex. At the very intersection of nature and the residential complex style the park style was born.

In the concept, a lot of attention was given to boardwalks over water, raised where there were trees that needed to be saved. For visitors’ comfort, we worked out a signage system helping to easily find the oldest trees, to learn some interesting facts about the territory (which you’ll find on the handrails) and to evaluate the slope gradient (thanks to information plates on the stairs).

We followed similar principles when working on the lighting – trying to reduce the territory light pollution, we provided for a minimum prescribed level of illumination, which on the one hand will ensure the visitors’ safety, and on the other hand will not disrupt the existing ecosystem. Having tested different lights, we selected the equipment and installation type that would allow a light source to remain unnoticed. We also tried to get rid of overhead lighting as much as we could. By doing so, we softly illuminate the site ensuring functionality.