Wright Avenue: A Second Act for Industrial Buildings
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Wright Avenue is located at the edge of Burnside Industrial Park, one of the largest industrial areas in Atlantic Canada. The project transforms an existing industrial building into a modern and flexible workplace for Bird Infrastructure. The existing 13,950-square-foot structure remains, but the design includes specific architectural updates to improve performance, accessibility, and curb appeal.
Wright Avenue. Photography by Julian Parkinson
Rather than tearing down the existing building, the design keeps its original structure and industrial style as a foundation.
The revised layout is created for both multiple tenants and single occupants. Offices, amenities, hallways, and work areas are clearly organized. A central lobby brings everything together, making it easy to move around and encouraging informal meetings.
Wright Avenue. Photography by Julian Parkinson Wright Avenue. Photography by Julian Parkinson
Inside, the space offers both open and private work areas. The open office sits at the corner facing the street, while private offices are along the edges. In the center, there are a new boardroom, lunchroom, and staff amenities. At the back, a large shop retains the building's original purpose, giving Bird Infrastructure room to adapt.
Accessibility was a main focus for the project. Entrances, washrooms, and hallways are barrier-free, so everyone can easily use the main areas.
Wright Avenue. Photography by Julian Parkinson Wright Avenue. Photography by Julian Parkinson
The building now features upgraded insulation, high-performance windows, and a modern cladding system. These upgrades make it more energy efficient while keeping its industrial appearance. The new entrance gives the front more depth, using durable materials and simple details to create a welcoming feel. Green soffits at the main doors reflect Bird Infrastructure's brand and add a distinctive detail.
A new hybrid variable refrigerant flow system provides comfort and efficient use of space. It uses water-based heat exchange between the main controller and indoor units, so there is less refrigerant piping in work areas. The system can heat and cool at the same time, is flexible to install, and allows precise temperature control in open offices, private rooms, and shops.
Wright Avenue. Photography by Julian Parkinson Wright Avenue. Photography by Julian Parkinson
Wright Avenue transformed an older light-industrial building into a modern workplace while respecting its original character.
Wright Avenue. Photography by Julian Parkinson Wright Avenue. Photography by Julian Parkinson Wright Avenue. Photography by Julian Parkinson Wright Avenue. Photography by Julian Parkinson Wright Avenue. Photography by Julian Parkinson Wright Avenue. Photography by Julian Parkinson Wright Avenue. Photography by Julian Parkinson Wright Avenue. Photography by Julian Parkinson Wright Avenue. Photography by Julian Parkinson
Wright Avenue. Drawing Starling Architects
Credits
Project Name: Wright Avenue
Project Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
Completion Year: 2025
Gross Built Area (m2/ ft2): 13,950 ft2
Program / Use / Building Function: Office / Industrial
Architects: Starling Architects
Client and Mechanical: Bird Infrastructure
Construction Manager: RCS Construction
Structural Engineering: Campbell Comeau Engineering
Electrical Engineering: EA Engineering
Mechanical Engineering: MCA Consultants
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