Once upon a time, there was an architect Omar Gandhi, and a contractor MRB. They met and just knew they could work well together. Shortly after, they made this! And now, our first time collaboration, could be yours. Check out this listing! ...
Corey and the team on our 'Stereovision' build are on task following MRB procedures installing windows. As with any window installation, the prevention of wind and water penetration is of utmost importance. Keeping in mind this builds amazing location and it's exposure to the elements the team adhere meticulously to our step by step procedure to ensure success. The windows in this design command our craftsmanship as they highlight and frame the amazing vistas of Purcells Cove and the stunning ocean beyond. "A beacon high atop a hillside". ...
We briefly looked at installation of a Green Roof in August 2014 at our Clifton St home. As preparations for the installation of a green roof begin at our Purcells Cove build here's some interesting facts you perhaps didn't already know. A green roof or living roof is a roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. - Green Roofs are not new! Green Roofs have been around in Scandinavia for centuries, and a superb reconstruction of Norse living can be seen at L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland. - Environmentally smart; reduce heating and cooling costs, reduce storm water runoff, filter pollutants and carbon dioxide out of the air, the list goes on. - The green roof acts as a shield to protect the roof membrane from the elements and therefore extends the roof lifespan by at least 200% - Green roofs can provide living space for not only plants but also local animals too! Pretty Bird. Pictures of what will be green roof at Purcells Cove ...
Wrap, Strap, and Insulate! With Jack Frost nipping at their noses, Corey and the team are working hard as nails, bound and determined to seal up the house. Protecting themselves from the elements sure helps to keep the build progress rapidly:) A protective membrane 'Firestone V-force' adheres to the roof to provide temporary weather protection, allowing work to continue below. Permanent stages of spray foam insulation have commenced under the buildings eaves. This expanding foam application will provide thermal insulation and minimise air infiltration. The team have also begun the important step to wrap the building in WrapShield as they install windows. We are well on the way to having things at Purcells Cove weathertight and secure! ...
Pick up a copy, it's FREE! The winter 2015 issue of HALIFAX Local Connections is hot off the press and features our friend Omar Gandhi on the cover. It's awesome to once again see Omar and his work in the spotlight. The article, page 22, commends Omar on his vision and passion for design and dreams that are specific to our East Coast. Our current Purcells Cove Road project is an Omar vision. Local Connections follows up 'The Architects' story with a worthwhile read on urban planning and future development in Halifax. It's exciting and energising to be a part of an industry with such vision and vigor for development and growth. ...
On our last visit with Corey at Purcells Cove we saw him finishing and straightening the framing on the first floor. The pictures do most the talking; After crafting the massive 60ft LVL's at ground level, in came the crane to lift these one tonne beasts onto the second floor. The team promptly laid the floor and late last week with a gathering of MRB teammates the 2nd floor grew walls! ...
Perched high on the hilltop overlooking Purcells Cove and exposed to the adverse weather elements Mother Nature has thrown at us the past few weeks, Corey and the team continue to make great progress. First floor framing is now complete. Both exterior and interior walls on this floor have been straightened; -each corner is meticulously checked to ensure it is plumb -string lines between the corners are run down each wall Although time consuming, this step is vital to the success of the next floor. What might begin as a mere 1/2" discrepancy now, can wind up being a 3" problem further along. The second floor of this build will be constructed at ground level, and craned into place. The frame for this floor is 4 x LVL wide and 60 feet long and will weigh 2000 pounds per section. Building it on the ground is safe, and enables the team to more easily ensure it is straight. If you look closely at the first photo, you can see an orange string line marking the 8 degree angle that this floor will sit at. A similar idea to the new Halifax Library. The birds eye view over the treetops and down into Purcells Cove below is awesome! ...
With MRB foreman 'Corey' at the helm, it's full steam ahead on our Omar Gandhi 'Stereovision' design on Purcells Cove Rd. Stunning northerly views to the opening of Halifax Harbour, Point Pleasant Park, and McNabs Island, will be one of this homes many features. As usual, right from the start, MRB have invested time in preparing this amazing site in readiness. The sizable build will sit on two already completed foundations. Pictures below show Corey and the team from RKO steel setting two 16 inch thick 'I' beams in place. These beams span between the two foundations and will pick up the weight load of first floor and wall loads above. Trenches were dug and lined with concrete casement to house the power lines in the from road and out of sight. Follow us on this project, and for a sneak peak of Omar's vision check out his website 'Stereovision' ...
Congratulations to our friend Omar Gandhi. Omar recently became the deserving recipient of the Prix de Rome prize from the Canada Council. The prize is awarded annually to a young architect or architectural firm in recognition of outstanding achievement. Having worked closely with Omar on several of our builds, Moore Studio, West End Addition and Oxford Street, we are so excited to celebrate his achievements and success. Omar Gandhi Architect Inc. design studio is responsible for the drawings of MRB's upcoming build at Purcells Cove Rd. For a sneak peak at the fabulous location New Project and drawings 'Stereo Vision' ...
MRB Contracting and architect Omar Gandhi's Fox Point project in Hubbards, Nova Scotia is featured on the cover of East Coast Living's summer 2013 issue. The Fox Point project in Hubbards has received plenty of attention internationally via Architecture Daily and dezeen Magazine. It's great to see the project on a Canadian publication as well. Congratulations to Omar Gandhi for the well deserved accolades. ...
Last week we embarked on a West End Halifax renovation. Without giving it all away, we can tell you that the reno encompasses expanding the footprint of the home, updating the floorplan in the living area, and deleting an old (and I mean Old) shed from the backyard. Beneath the asphalt shingles on the shed roof were discovered slate shingles. Amazing! It was like being in Wales. The crocuses seem to thrive in spite of the crazy spring weather shifts and demolition happening all around. The old sky lights are gone. Next, the entire roof line will come down to make room for the expanded footprint. The new living area received a full basement treatment with ICF walls and FormADrain footings. A day or two more of demolition and the framing begins. Stay tuned for more updates! photos by Omar Gandhi & Scott Billard ...
Continuing with our people profile series, we are pleased to bring you an interview with architect Omar Gandhi. Can you tell us a little about your architectural background and experience? I graduated with a BA from the University of Toronto and then an undergraduate degree and Master of Architecture at Dalhousie University. I was fortunate enough to have worked for a wide array of firms after graduating in 2005. We moved to Toronto and I had the opportunity to work in a small department at a large firm (Young + Wright Architects). It’s there that I learned about wood frame construction and single family residential projects. After a few years I went on to another large firm in the city where I worked on a variety of projects, including installation work, residential and institutional. In 2008 my wife and I returned to Halifax. I worked for a very well known local firm who specializes in modern single family custom residential. In 2010 I started my own practice. You do quite a bit of modern architecture. What about modern design aesthetic inspires you? Modern architecture is honest. There are few opportunities to hide poor craftsmanship and a lack of thought or effort. It doesn’t...
We are excited to have our Fox Point job featured on Architecture Daily. Check out the article at Architecture Daily. ...