General Block
Located in Calgary’s Bridgeland, General Block is a uniquely Calgarian mixed-use development consisting of a two-storey structure with office space and main floor commercial space.
The structure’s exterior features a historically significant masonry veneer and iconic wood fins to produce a notable exterior that reflects the area’s history.
RJC worked with the project team to achieve the development’s central vision: to activate the local public realm and enhance the area’s streetscape.
For a small building, the quantity of different materials and trades added significant complexity.
The building structure consists of reinforced concrete shallow foundations, a reinforced concrete retaining wall to adapt to the sloped site, a structural steel skeleton and tie rod bracing, engineered wood second floor framing, and a SIP (structural insulated panel) roofing system supported on cold form steel z-girts.
This hybrid of commercial construction types saved on material costs while maintaining the architectural vision The end result is a complex structure meeting the needs of an ambitious architectural vision, while staying conscious of the bottom line and the reality that local entrepreneurs should be able to grow into exciting, captivating spaces without needing to pay a prohibitive premium to do so.
Project Specifications
Location
Calgary, AB
Building Structure Type
Office / Mixed-Use / Retail - Ground Floor Retail
Architect
FAAS
