This project repurposes an 8’ x 40’ container into a luxurious boutique, seamlessly blending historic rail themes with modern aesthetics. Situated next to the historic Canadian Pacific Rail Station, it features custom live-edge wood displays, antique furnishings, and modern lighting. The design honors heritage while providing contemporary luxury, overcoming numerous construction and design challenges.
Overall Appeal, Special Features, and Unique Design Elements
This Commercial Container Build Project on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton, Alberta, seamlessly aligns with the goals of both developers and tenants. It transforms an 8’ x 40’ container into a luxurious, functional, and historically themed boutique shopping experience. The design elements are meticulously chosen to blend the historic rail theme with a modern, upscale aesthetic, creating a distinctive and captivating retail environment.
Creative Use of Space, Functionality, and Integration within the Unit
Situated adjacent to the historic 1908 Canadian Pacific Rail Station on Whyte Avenue and Gateway Boulevard, this commercial development integrates seamlessly with its historic surroundings. The station is a prime example of early twentieth-century railway architecture, and this project’s design needed to honor that heritage while incorporating contemporary luxury touches. Features such as custom live-edge wood displays, eclectic antique furnishings, and matte black Edison-style wall sconces contribute to this blend. The commercial-grade walnut luxury vinyl plank flooring echoes the historic era while adding modern durability. A stunning chandelier, suspended from faux wood beams that run the length of the container, not only enhances the historical aesthetic but also conceals essential services like sprinkler and water lines. Soft romantic blush pink walls and recessed retail feature lighting in bulkheads along the unit’s width complete the space’s inviting ambiance.
Addressing Challenges
This project represents a pioneering commercial development in Alberta’s Whyte Avenue tourist zone, utilizing prefabricated containers. It faced numerous challenges, including permitting, design, and construction hurdles. The National Building Code’s lack of provisions for micro-units necessitated several applications for relaxation, particularly concerning space requirements. Among these was a relaxation on Barrier-Free requirements, as the unit’s width could not accommodate a Barrier-Free restroom. Other challenges involved appropriately sizing the PTAC unit for heating and cooling, and designing a concealed screen to facilitate airflow while providing a private storage and staff area, without disrupting air circulation with solid walls.
