Paramount Apartment Complex
Universal Properties
2006
Comprised of an 18-storey high rise and a five-storey low rise, the Paramount—a highly impressive Art Deco Revival apartment complex – sits between the YMCA and the Lord Nelson Hotel in downtown Halifax. The complex features 170 apartments as well as 278 parking spaces, split between the below grade and above-ground parkades. Complete with an exercise room, party room and retail outlets at street level, this prime location provides residents with the best of Halifax – right at their doorstep.
The Paramount’s proximity to adjacent buildings demanded a precise approach to excavation, and we ensured structural stability by underpinning and reinforcing the existing foundations with rock anchors. Likewise, when facilitating the driveway and parking layouts in the lower levels, we performed structural ‘gymnastics’ to transfer substantial loads from the towers above to suitable locations below. The complex itself was constructed using cast-in-place concrete with lateral loads transferred to the foundations along full height shear walls. This also provided a high quality sound-insulated and fire-rated floor system while minimizing the floor-to-floor height of the building – a process that allowed for additional floors without violating the city’s height and development requirements.
Key Points
- Perfect example of BMR's expertise in constructing high-rises
- Creative balance of material use with code adherence