Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. - Lethbridge, Alberta

"All architecture is shelter, all great architecture is the design of space that contains, cuddles, exalts, or stimulates the persons in that space."
- Philip Johnson

Portfolio

Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc.

RR8 S28 C14
5801 1st Avenue South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4P4

T: 403.320.8100
F: 403.327.3373

general@alvinfritzarchitect.com

	The Alberta Association of Architects
	Architectural Institute of British Columbia
	Manitoba Association of Architects
	Ontario Association of Architects
	Saskatchewan Association of Architects
	LEED Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design

Multi-Family Developments

Sanderson on the Ridge Condominiums,

Calgary, Alberta

Located in an idyllic setting on an escarpment overlooking Fish Creek Provincial Park, Sanderson on the Ridge provides its residents an opportunity to enjoy all the benefits of living in a park, with direct access to nature trails and all the associated amenities with the vibrancy of Calgary’s urban center only 25 minutes away.

Being located in the park-like setting of the foothills environment, its “Canadiana” vernacular utilizes a massive log & rock design, with the form & character punctuated with balconies and dormers. The net result is a well-appointed lodge-like appearance harkening back to the CP Rail Hotels from the turn-of-the-century.

The success of Sanderson on the Ridge is demonstrated in the fact the project won prestigious SAM awards for the finest multi-family residence in Calgary in 2010.

Sunset Waterfront Resort,

Kelowna, British Columbia

Marketed as Canada’s finest property between Calgary and Vancouver, Sunset Waterfront Resort has been designed to the highest standards with oversized windows to capture the breathtaking views overlooking the Okanagan Lake, downtown Kelowna and across to West Kelowna. The building is finished in extremely durable materials to stand the test of time at this lakefront location.
While it also houses permanent residents, Sunset Waterfront Resort has become Kelowna’s most requested vacation property lending support to the project’s claim to excellence. The unique stepping design maximizes the views from each of the respective suites adding further credence to its marketability.

The project includes a full list of amenities including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, sauna, and fitness rooms. The upper level outdoor courtyard houses the spacious sundeck, an additional swimming pool and hot tub and two full-size tennis courts.

The City of Kelowna Planning Department had established a maximum height of 16 stories for this district. One of the Architect’s first assignments was to secure a Development Permit to accommodate 21 stories. This was made possible through a ”Direct Control ” designation which tied the land-use to the details of the architectural design which was ultimately unanimously supported at a Public Hearing on the basis of the excellence demonstrated in the design.

Crossbow Point,

Canmore, Alberta

Crossbow Point was created to meet the demands of luxury condos in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Alberta. The developer envisioned a project that emulated the traditional mountain cabin, yet provided the numerous amenities of a resort. Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. designed the project to have the appeal of a secluded holiday cabin, while providing modern comforts.

To emulate a log cabin, rough timber & stone were selected for construction, and for the finishing in the interior. Care was taken in the detailing of the amenities and public spaces to evoke the “Canadiana” nostalgia of the 1930’s.

The beautiful natural environment allows for picturesque views from the suites. Care was taken to preserve the natural vegetation and to restore it as much as possible.

Emerald Beach Villas,

Wood Lake, British Columbia

Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. was selected to design one of the first resort developments on Wood Lake in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. Emerald Beach Villas is located at 3570 Woodsdale Road in Lake Country B.C. on the axis of the lake central to the southern shore affording spectacular views to the panoramic lake scenery. The six mile Wood Lake connects by canal to the north to the ten mile long Lake Kalamalka which being interpreted is named the Lake of Many Colours.

In order to maximize the view potential of each suite resort style architecture was applied and a saw-toothed configuration ensures that every suite is oriented to spectacular views focused on the beautiful lake scenery. A single loaded corridor design ensures that absolutely every suite is focused on the central amenity courtyard and on the water of the lake beyond while also providing for access from attached garages. The temperate climate of the Okanagan Valley allowed the corridors to be open air further emulating the resort style design. At the apex of the design a centrally located amenity provides for a welcoming entrance to the development and also provides for lake views from the amenity zone and the entrance to the development.

Country Estates on the Cove,

Calgary, Alberta

A twenty-two acre storm water lake was developing in the northern reaches of Country hills, and Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. had the opportunity to be one of the first to design a project in this attractive area. Several years earlier Medican had developed a project in Country Hills that was very successful and they desired to develop another project in an area they were already familiar with.

The design mandate was to develop an aesthetic solution which would prove to be highly attractive to potential purchasers and which would stand the test of time. A New England look was applied, giving the project the beauty and class of traditional English architecture.

The historic style was blended with all the modern amenities including underground parking, a swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, exercise room and theatre. A water feature weaves through the courtyard garden and walking paths take advantage of the beautiful lakefront.

Sitara on the Pond,

Lake Country, British Columbia

Established ‘Arts & Crafts’ architectural controls with an added nautical theme made the project unique, including lighthouse elements on the roofs. The project was unique to the developer, Medican, as it was their first to include outdoor aquatic amenity space. High quality finishes including fibre cement siding set a new standard in the area.

Residents enjoy the convenient under-ground parking, an luxury that has become the norm for Medican projects. A beautiful outdoor commercial patio overlooks the boardwalk that stretches out across the pond. Pathways through evergreen trees on site secure the natural views and fresh-air walks today and for the future.

Lexington,

Medicine Hat, Alberta

Lexington is a 3 storey condo development completed in 2009 that combines several architectural styles to create the appearance of multiple townhouse developments. The project was mandated as an affordable housing complex, and as such, the design focussed on cost effective building strategies and products.

ARFAI met this objective by articulating the exterior façade of the project with a selection of cost conscious materials that created a dynamic appearance. The interest and uniqueness of the project makes it stand out in its neighbourhood as an attractive development. Lexington is comprised of 43 suites, made up of main floor bungalows, and 2nd floor 2 storey suites. Parking for the development was kept internal within the site, which allows the street frontage to project a more residential feel.

Keller Affordable Housing,

Medicine Hat, Alberta

A long-standing test of architectural ability is the creative challenge of achieving attainable housing that is aesthetically attractive, while still answering to the critical need of responding to budget. When the City of Medicine Hat dropped the gauntlet and invited developers to provide an attainable housing scheme, Keller Construction Ltd. in collaboration with ARFAI, stepped to the plate. The resulting design proved to be an innovative and appealing project design that won the approval of the City Officials.

The long-standing approach of wood frame construction proved to provide the financial edge allowing the budget to be met, and the project to be realized. Presently under construction, the project has received further affirmation in that Keller Construction Ltd. is now looking for another site to realize a sister project to the original scheme.

Sierra’s of River Ridge Condominiums,

Medicine Hat, Alberta

One of our finest adult condominiums in Southern Alberta is located on the South Saskatchewan river in Medicine Hat. The project is ideally located on the northern bank of the river with excellent southern exposure and the grades of the site are such that a microclimate is created in the courtyard produced by the wings of the building. The courtyard and associated microclimate allows for a sheltered courtyard amenity creating short views for the residents that overlook this environment and the U shape courtyard design also ensures that the greatest possible number of suites have views towards the river.

The aesthetic treatment applied to the form and character of the project was one of a New England design including a red brick face, substantive red brick chimneys, white Hardi-Plank cementations fiber reinforced siding and a “clean roof” ascetic punctuated by multiple dormers. This New England character is ideally suited to the site of the project and has been well received in the Medicine Hat area.

The combination of these exceptional design features makes Sierras of River Ridge highly successful and attractive both ascetically and from a market perspective.

This project was one of the first opportunities in which Medican provided an independent amenity core that is two stories in height and is tied to the balance of the condominium development through a corridor connection. This provides several design opportunities; firstly it isolates the amenity core acoustically so that events and activities are not disruptive to the contiguous suites. Secondly it makes the amenity core equally available to the bungalows and single family developments that surround it.

Axxess Condominium,

Medicine Hat, Alberta

In the year 2001, one of the key developers for which ARFAI provided architectural services determined to pursue an entry-level market in condominium design. The challenge that was faced in the context of this mandate was making the entry-level product look aesthetically well-appointed, and deluxe even though the product was highly economical.

One of the concepts employed was to reduce the ultimate width of the building to less than the parking structure beneath it. Parking dimensions are unrelenting regardless of the jurisdiction, due to the geometry required to maneuver vehicles in and out of parking stalls. Given the price point sensitivity of the suite design, it was necessary to reduce the project width in order to achieve adequate window-wall ratio relative to suite size and in order to make the suite design viable.

Simple rectangular geometry tends to lend itself to economical design, and in order to overcome a mundane look in the context of this geometry, the building mass was articulated through the addition of balconies. The façade was also articulated by stepping the materials in an art deco style fashion, enhancing the building elevations and making them attractive. In addition to the concept of simplified geometry the building design was based on a modular system of twelve foot increments, further adding to the cost effectiveness of the project.

The final touch for the building design consisted of a handsome hip roof with dormers expressing the balconies, and a cupola accentuating the conflux of the hip roofs.

Riverstone,

Medicine Hat, Alberta

Riverstone has exceptional views of the South Saskatchewan River valley and given that it is designed to blend into the river bank, a base of rock and heavy timber detailing was applied to provide an aesthetic characteristic of its natural setting in its prairie environment. The project benefits from ARFAI’s 20 years of experience in the adult residential market, and all of the key criteria developed over these years was implemented.

Yet to be realized is an impressive amenity core which is separated out from the base of the building to provide acoustic isolation along with future accessibility via the parkade structure. The amenity core features a clock tower which will be visible from across the river, and will give Riverstone a sense of place in its natural setting.

Harbourview Landing,

Comox, British Columbia

A desire to sustain a healthy stand of Sitka Spruce second growth forest and to provide an opportunity for forest continuity through this beautiful 23.9 acre site led us to consolidate the mass of this condominium building to the center of the site making it virtually transparent to the surrounding areas. Harbourview Landing is adjacent to a beautiful vineyard on a plateau in the Comox Valley overlooking the Georgia Strait with stunning surrounding mountain views.

The beautiful natural environment also gave rise to an application of biophilia (literally translated – the love of nature) which ultimately led to a terraced design with stepping balconies, each with copious amounts of landscaping, and accessed from the suites through large areas of glazing, blurring the line between the suite interior and the outdoors. This concept of biophilia is further enhanced through the application of sustainable technologies and energy conservation measures.

Water will be conserved through a triple pipe system which will ensure that every drop is used for maximum benefit and the generous areas of landscaping will be irrigated through recycled storm water. The land developer, Foundation Capital Corporation, has embraced the commitment to the sustainable technologies and is a leader in these applications.

The project is currently at design development and has been submitted for Land Use.

Sanderson on the Ridge Condominiums, Calgary, Alberta
	Located in an idyllic setting on an escarpment overlooking Fish Creek Provincial Park, Sanderson on the Ridge provides its residents an opportunity to enjoy all the benefits of living in a park, with direct access to nature trails and all the associated amenities with the vibrancy of Calgary’s urban center only 25 minutes away. Being located in the park-like setting of the foothills environment, its “Canadiana” vernacular utilizes a massive log & rock design, with the form & character punctuated with balconies and dormers. The net result is a well-appointed lodge-like appearance harkening back to the CP Rail Hotels from the turn-of-the-century. The success of Sanderson on the Ridge is demonstrated in the fact the project won prestigious SAM awards for the finest multi-family residence in Calgary in 2010.
Sunset Waterfront Resort, Kelowna, British Columbia
	Marketed as Canada’s finest property between Calgary and Vancouver, Sunset Waterfront Resort has been designed to the highest standards with oversized windows to capture the breathtaking views overlooking the Okanagan Lake, downtown Kelowna and across to West Kelowna. The building is finished in extremely durable materials to stand the test of time at this lakefront location. While it also houses permanent residents, Sunset Waterfront Resort has become Kelowna’s most requested vacation property lending support to the project’s claim to excellence. The unique stepping design maximizes the views from each of the respective suites adding further credence to its marketability. The project includes a full list of amenities including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, sauna, and fitness rooms. The upper level outdoor courtyard houses the spacious sundeck, an additional swimming pool and hot tub and two full-size tennis courts. The City of Kelowna Planning Department had established a maximum height of 16 stories for this district. One of the Architect’s first assignments was to secure a Development Permit to accommodate 21 stories. This was made possible through a ”Direct Control ” designation which tied the land-use to the details of the architectural design which was ultimately unanimously supported at a Public Hearing on the basis of the excellence demonstrated in the design.
Crossbow Point, Canmore, Alberta
	Crossbow Point was created to meet the demands of luxury condos in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Alberta. The developer envisioned a project that emulated the traditional mountain cabin, yet provided the numerous amenities of a resort. Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. designed the project to have the appeal of a secluded holiday cabin, while providing modern comforts. To emulate a log cabin, rough timber & stone were selected for construction, and for the finishing in the interior. Care was taken in the detailing of the amenities and public spaces to evoke the “Canadiana” nostalgia of the 1930’s. The beautiful natural environment allows for picturesque views from the suites. Care was taken to preserve the natural vegetation and to restore it as much as possible.
Emerald Beach Villas, Wood Lake, British Columbia
	Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. was selected to design one of the first resort developments on Wood Lake in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. Emerald Beach Villas is located at 3570 Woodsdale Road in Lake Country B.C. on the axis of the lake central to the southern shore affording spectacular views to the panoramic lake scenery. The six mile Wood Lake connects by canal to the north to the ten mile long Lake Kalamalka which being interpreted is named the Lake of Many Colours. In order to maximize the view potential of each suite resort style architecture was applied and a saw-toothed configuration ensures that every suite is oriented to spectacular views focused on the beautiful lake scenery. A single loaded corridor design ensures that absolutely every suite is focused on the central amenity courtyard and on the water of the lake beyond while also providing for access from attached garages. The temperate climate of the Okanagan Valley allowed the corridors to be open air further emulating the resort style design. At the apex of the design a centrally located amenity provides for a welcoming entrance to the development and also provides for lake views from the amenity zone and the entrance to the development.
Country Estates on the Cove, Calgary, Alberta
	A twenty-two acre storm water lake was developing in the northern reaches of Country hills, and Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. had the opportunity to be one of the first to design a project in this attractive area. Several years earlier Medican had developed a project in Country Hills that was very successful and they desired to develop another project in an area they were already familiar with. The design mandate was to develop an aesthetic solution which would prove to be highly attractive to potential purchasers and which would stand the test of time. A New England look was applied, giving the project the beauty and class of traditional English architecture. The historic style was blended with all the modern amenities including underground parking, a swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, exercise room and theatre. A water feature weaves through the courtyard garden and walking paths take advantage of the beautiful lakefront.
Sitara on the Pond, Lake Country, British Columbia
	Established ‘Arts & Crafts’ architectural controls with an added nautical theme made the project unique, including lighthouse elements on the roofs. The project was unique to the developer, Medican, as it was their first to include outdoor aquatic amenity space. High quality finishes including fibre cement siding set a new standard in the area. Residents enjoy the convenient under-ground parking, an luxury that has become the norm for Medican projects. A beautiful outdoor commercial patio overlooks the boardwalk that stretches out across the pond. Pathways through evergreen trees on site secure the natural views and fresh-air walks today and for the future.
Lexington, Medicine Hat, Alberta
	Lexington is a 3 storey condo development completed in 2009 that combines several architectural styles to create the appearance of multiple townhouse developments. The project was mandated as an affordable housing complex, and as such, the design focussed on cost effective building strategies and products. ARFAI met this objective by articulating the exterior façade of the project with a selection of cost conscious materials that created a dynamic appearance. The interest and uniqueness of the project makes it stand out in its neighbourhood as an attractive development. Lexington is comprised of 43 suites, made up of main floor bungalows, and 2nd floor 2 storey suites. Parking for the development was kept internal within the site, which allows the street frontage to project a more residential feel.
Keller Affordable Housing, Medicine Hat, Alberta
	A long-standing test of architectural ability is the creative challenge of achieving attainable housing that is aesthetically attractive, while still answering to the critical need of responding to budget. When the City of Medicine Hat dropped the gauntlet and invited developers to provide an attainable housing scheme, Keller Construction Ltd. in collaboration with ARFAI, stepped to the plate. The resulting design proved to be an innovative and appealing project design that won the approval of the City Officials. The long-standing approach of wood frame construction proved to provide the financial edge allowing the budget to be met, and the project to be realized. Presently under construction, the project has received further affirmation in that Keller Construction Ltd. is now looking for another site to realize a sister project to the original scheme.
Sierra’s of River Ridge Condominiums, Medicine Hat, Alberta
	One of our finest adult condominiums in Southern Alberta is located on the South Saskatchewan river in Medicine Hat. The project is ideally located on the northern bank of the river with excellent southern exposure and the grades of the site are such that a microclimate is created in the courtyard produced by the wings of the building. The courtyard and associated microclimate allows for a sheltered courtyard amenity creating short views for the residents that overlook this environment and the U shape courtyard design also ensures that the greatest possible number of suites have views towards the river. The aesthetic treatment applied to the form and character of the project was one of a New England design including a red brick face, substantive red brick chimneys, white Hardi-Plank cementations fiber reinforced siding and a “clean roof” ascetic punctuated by multiple dormers. This New England character is ideally suited to the site of the project and has been well received in the Medicine Hat area. The combination of these exceptional design features makes Sierras of River Ridge highly successful and attractive both ascetically and from a market perspective. This project was one of the first opportunities in which Medican provided an independent amenity core that is two stories in height and is tied to the balance of the condominium development through a corridor connection. This provides several design opportunities; firstly it isolates the amenity core acoustically so that events and activities are not disruptive to the contiguous suites. Secondly it makes the amenity core equally available to the bungalows and single family developments that surround it.
Axxess Condominium, Medicine Hat, Alberta
	In the year 2001, one of the key developers for which ARFAI provided architectural services determined to pursue an entry-level market in condominium design. The challenge that was faced in the context of this mandate was making the entry-level product look aesthetically well-appointed, and deluxe even though the product was highly economical. One of the concepts employed was to reduce the ultimate width of the building to less than the parking structure beneath it. Parking dimensions are unrelenting regardless of the jurisdiction, due to the geometry required to maneuver vehicles in and out of parking stalls. Given the price point sensitivity of the suite design, it was necessary to reduce the project width in order to achieve adequate window-wall ratio relative to suite size and in order to make the suite design viable. Simple rectangular geometry tends to lend itself to economical design, and in order to overcome a mundane look in the context of this geometry, the building mass was articulated through the addition of balconies. The façade was also articulated by stepping the materials in an art deco style fashion, enhancing the building elevations and making them attractive. In addition to the concept of simplified geometry the building design was based on a modular system of twelve foot increments, further adding to the cost effectiveness of the project. The final touch for the building design consisted of a handsome hip roof with dormers expressing the balconies, and a cupola accentuating the conflux of the hip roofs.
Riverstone, Medicine Hat, Alberta
	Riverstone has exceptional views of the South Saskatchewan River valley and given that it is designed to blend into the river bank, a base of rock and heavy timber detailing was applied to provide an aesthetic characteristic of its natural setting in its prairie environment. The project benefits from ARFAI’s 20 years of experience in the adult residential market, and all of the key criteria developed over these years was implemented. Yet to be realized is an impressive amenity core which is separated out from the base of the building to provide acoustic isolation along with future accessibility via the parkade structure. The amenity core features a clock tower which will be visible from across the river, and will give Riverstone a sense of place in its natural setting.
Harbourview Landing, Comox, British Columbia
	A desire to sustain a healthy stand of Sitka Spruce second growth forest and to provide an opportunity for forest continuity through this beautiful 23.9 acre site led us to consolidate the mass of this condominium building to the center of the site making it virtually transparent to the surrounding areas. Harbourview Landing is adjacent to a beautiful vineyard on a plateau in the Comox Valley overlooking the Georgia Strait with stunning surrounding mountain views. The beautiful natural environment also gave rise to an application of biophilia (literally translated – the love of nature) which ultimately led to a terraced design with stepping balconies, each with copious amounts of landscaping, and accessed from the suites through large areas of glazing, blurring the line between the suite interior and the outdoors. This concept of biophilia is further enhanced through the application of sustainable technologies and energy conservation measures. Water will be conserved through a triple pipe system which will ensure that every drop is used for maximum benefit and the generous areas of landscaping will be irrigated through recycled storm water. The land developer, Foundation Capital Corporation, has embraced the commitment to the sustainable technologies and is a leader in these applications. The project is currently at design development and has been submitted for Land Use.