Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/785220
FEBRUA RY 2017 | 81 Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market PHOTOGRAPHY [2,3,6] BY ALEX ST. JEAN/COURTESY NEUF ARCHITECT(E)S LOCATION 325 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa, Ontario OWNER/DEVELOPER Claridge Homes, in partnership with Hyatt Hotels Corporation ARCHITECT NEUF architect(e)s GENERAL CONTRACTOR Claridge Homes STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Goodeve Structural Inc. MECHANICAL/ ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT Smith + Andersen LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT James B Lennox & Associates Inc. INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTANT Mason Studio TOTAL SIZE 12,824 square metres TOTAL COST $60 million Mason Studio created a low-key but inviting lounge environment with custom-designed low sectional seating, augmented by a lighting installation made of mixed Canadian- wood species from Toronto-based furniture makers hollis+morris. Patterned rugs and copper metal accents would provide pops of colour and texture against the understated lobby, clad in natural, local materials such as oak panelling and grey stone floors. In addition to six meeting spaces, Mason also created two distinct dining venues. The hotel's signature ground- level restaurant, feast + revel, flows openly from the barista bar in the entrance through to dining booths, a long communal table and kitchen- front counter seats. Copper Spirits & Sights, the hotel's 16th-floor rooftop bar and lounge, would become a showcase destination, with heavy emphasis on long horizontal lines to define the space and correspond with the panoramic views of the city. Matt Graham, general manager of the Andaz Ottawa, notes, "Mason's extensive use of copper and coloured metals added warmth to what was intentionally a simple interior design – which is more difficult than one might think to achieve." Contributing to the ambiance are materials such as stone and oak, as well as layered textures; the guest rooms are minimalist, bathed in whites and pale neutrals (a special Presidential Suite has its own terrace, as well as a private service entrance for catering). Not surprisingly, the unique interiors were a challenge to create on time and on budget. "The customization of every suite and high-end finishes meant that timely materials procurement was a priority, and the Mason team visited the site every few weeks to consult, which not only benefited us but also ensured that everything stayed within the parameters of our budget," says Murfitt. He adds, "the designers may have been going for a minimalist look, but it required a lot of work to achieve, including an enormous amount of built-in millwork. Even the beds were built in." As with so many hotel projects, Andaz Ottawa was subject to design changes during the latter stages of construction. "Every change had to be approved by Hyatt, which was time-consuming but necessary," says Murfitt, to which Hlavaty adds, "At one point a decision was made to shift rooms on the upper levels, which occurred when the stair core was being constructed. Fortunately, we're used to last minute changes." Even though one corner of the building had not yet been closed by October of 2015, work in all departments continued according to schedule. While window wall aluminum composite as a shell that covers a concrete slab and column core was chosen for its visual appeal, Hlavaty points out, "it also has tremendous thermal values." Since opening in August of 2016, Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market has been a success, and no one is more pleased with the final result than Graham, who says of Claridge Homes: "As first time hotel builders they were intent on doing an outstanding job, and they didn't disappoint; in fact, everybody involved in the creation of Andaz Ottawa was operating at the top of their game. Their enthusiasm and professionalism were great to experience." A 7 F&G Painting_col.indd 1 2017-01-11 3:28 WE ARE PROUD TO BE THE STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS ON ANDAZ OTTAWA 77 Auriga Dr., Suite 18, Ottawa ON K2E 7Z7 Tel. 613-226-4558 www.goodevestructural.ca Goodeve Structural.indd 1 2017-01-17 3:28 Priority Mechanical.indd 1 2017-01-04 1:39 J.I. Plumbing & Heating Ltd. Pleased to be the Plumbing & Heating Contractor for the Andaz Ottawa Byward Market project. 1566 Laperriere Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 7T2 Tel: 613-722-8638 | Fax: 613-722-1814 E: jiplumbing@primus.ca JI Plumbing.indd 1 2017-01-25 9:21 Proud to have provided Mechanical and Electrical Engineering services for the Victoria Vancouver Kelowna Edmonton Calgary Winnipeg London Toronto Ottawa Halifax Andaz Ottawa Byward Market SmithandAndersen.com