M2 Mixed-Use Building - nARCHITECTS | Eric Bunge, Mimi Hoang

Fronting Calgary’s new RiverWalk, and in between the historic Simmons Mattress Factory and the new pedestrian bridge to St. Patrick’s Island, our M2 Mixed Use Building’s oddly shaped lot presented different conditions on each side and no backside. As the newest building on Calgary’s skyline, and despite its small size, m2 has an outsized impact on Calgary’s public life.

To achieve compliance with strict requirements that limit shadow encroachment on the RiverWalk, the building’s north facade hinges back at each level. The resulting cascading sequence of roof terraces for each tenant effectively extends the public domain of the promenade up and through our project. Along with large curtain wall windows, these terraces provide expansive views to the river, while the large windows on the South provide views back to the city and maximize daylighting in the open interior spaces. The building’s connections to the street and activation of public space offers a vibrant new focal point for pedestrian activity in a formerly derelict neighborhood.

The north facade peels back at each level to adhere with strict shadow requirements…

… resulting in a cascading sequence of roof terraces for each tenant and a zig-zag form to the building.

In addition to entrances for the restaurant, bike shop, offices and residence, the building’s south facade accommodates the loading dock as well as the building’s core.

These many opaque back of house areas are brought to life with triangular windows into the building’ scissor stairs

Client: XYC Design + Development
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Status: Completed
Dates: 2013 – 2019
Sq Footage: 23,000sf
Program: Restaurants, offices, residential penthouse

Design Team: Eric Bunge, Mimi Hoang | Marc Puig, Amanda Morgan | Kate MacGregor, Tony-Saba Shiber, Albert Figueras

Photography: Andrew Latreille

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