McKenzie Mews

McKenzie Mews is a 12 unit multi-family residential infill project located in the Historic Clay District in the River Flats of Medicine Hat. Designed as a pocket neighbourhood around a courtyard and the McKenzie Sharland Grocery Municipal Historic Resource, it features four new buildings and two restored historic buildings. Exterior elevations use three colours of locally-manufactured brick as well as clay pavers. The brick veneer rainscreen wall encloses 100mm of mineral wool insulation on an insulated 2×6 frame wall for a theoretical R36 (RSI 6.36). The elevations are compliant with the design guidelines included in the River Flats Area Redevelopment Plan. In conjunction with the masonry contractor, brick details were developed which minimized saw-cutting and maintained productivity while enhancing the overall effect of the brickwork. Specifically, recessed courses offer similar relief to quoining but allow use of the line. Basketweave insets play to the modularity of the king size brick. Dentil courses use snap headers and create interest in the gable area. Finally, rather than use a manufactured gable vent, a simulated vent was created using stack bond with raked joints and headers. Use of flush mortar joints authentically replicate the style of brickwork in the neighbourhood and enhanced productivity while maintaining a full 75mm mortar bed. In a poignant note, the project features the final brick mural of noted artist James Marshall.