BSB Design 2018-11-05 13:12:08
To capitalize on this opportunity, the first new multifamily activity here since the recession is an expansive project on a very large parcel. But by working within the parameters of the original master plan, BSB Design used building shape and placement to create a welcoming, residential-scale community despite its size.
“At Mosaic at Levis Commons, we created a community within a community, utilizing interlocking building shapes, courtyards and auto courts to create a cohesive overall site plan,” said Mark Lane, director of production with BSB Design. Then, working with units designed for the client on a previous project, the team leveraged pop-outs and jogs in the floor plans to create striking shadow lines and layering on different planes that define building entrances and accentuate the roofline.
The market rate apartments offer a highly-detailed, beautifully-executed elevation that takes cues from both modern and traditional forms. “We dubbed it ‘modern Italianate,” said Nicholas Faulk, BSB Design’s project manager for Mosaic. “In traditional Italianate style, emphasis was placed on the eave overhangs, the thick cornice band with large brackets, and tall towers. We then modernized these elements with simplicity of color and detail.”
In a project this size, budget considerations can sometimes result in reduced detailing or elimination of key architectural elements. But at Mosaic at Levis Commons, BSB worked hand-in-hand with the general contractor from the outset, so design decisions were made in tandem with budget decisions, creating a constant check and balance that led to a high level of architectural execution at the lowest possible cost.
Design won out in key areas, like the empowered corner parapets that frame and define the buildings. Color and material step-downs were built as drawn, helping to anchor the elevation. Even when compromises had to be made, such as removing rooftops from many of the fourth-story balconies, design didn’t suffer. Lane felt that “turning those balconies into sun decks actually added a bit of variety to the overall look of the building. And as a less expensive option in some areas, we were able to use pergolas to provide additional interest.”
Public and private? Expansive and comfortable? Budget and design? At Mosaic at Levis Commons, balancing the best of both worlds led to something special. ■
Project: Mosaic at Levis Commons
Location: Toledo, OH
Builder: Buckingham Construction Company
Developer: The Fortus Group
Architect: BSB Design
Engineer: Jordan & Skala Engineers
Land Planner: BSB Design
Landscape Architect: ViZ Design
Interior Designer: Urbanik Interiors
Photographer: Jacob Sharp Photo
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