HomeMy WebLinkAboutPA2022-0166_20220811_Design narrative1Newport Village
Mariners Mile Design Narrative
Located within Mariner’s Mile, the Project’s site planning, architecture, and landscape design have been
thoughtfully considered relative to the area’s current and historic context. The Mariner’s Mile Strategic
Vision & Design Framework document, along with in-person observations, discussion and tours with
neighbors and community members, as well as review of architectural precedent have influenced the
Project’s development.
Reflecting the whole of Mariner’s Mile, the Project is made up of a mix of uses. The architecture reflects
this mix while creating a harmonious sense of place through a common design sensibility. This is
complimented by the decision to integrate two of the site’s existing buildings into the Project’s aesthetic
composition.
Without establishing a themed or uniform environment the Newport Village project provides an overall
aesthetic approach rooted in the visual characteristics of the Mariner’s Mile marine oriented history.
This design approach is established from the use of low slung structures, with forms that reference
boatyard vernacular. The architecture is humble, yet sophisticated and has been designed to be a
backdrop to the sails and hulls and variety of marine activities. To reinforce the variety seen throughout
Mariner’s Mile while bringing a sense of clarity to the architecture, the residential portions of the
project are visually unique from the buildings containing the commercial uses. The commercial spaces
are designed with sloped roofs and a variety of materials which reflect the marine environment
including wood shingles, lap siding, board formed concrete, and vertical standing seam metal siding. The
design is inspired by a merging of yacht design and boatyard design – utilizing sophisticated materials
and traditional forms. The residential buildings are lighter in tone and quieter in form with flat roofs,
picture windows, and balconies.
The Pitched and sloped roofs create interesting fifth facades to be seen from above and play homage to
the classic forms often used for waterfront structures. The buildings employ a variety of materials –
painted shiplap siding, ‘varnished’ natural wood, and metal panels – which are often used in marine
climates. The site uses a common, muted, color palette which makes use of off-whites, warm greys, and
neutral wood tones to complement the surrounding natural and built context.
While the materials and building forms pull from marine and historical references they are executed and
detailed in a manner that looks towards the future and revitalization of Mariner’s Mile. The specific
pitch of the roofs, use of storefront glazing systems, sustainable building approaches, and streamlining
of decorative elements are a nod towards the future.
The strategic arrangement of the buildings on the project site not only allow for increased sightlines to
the channel, but have been crafted in a way to bring clarity to a sense of arrival for pedestrians and
automobiles alike. The parking garage structure on the waterfront parcel has been specifically designed
and sited to preserve views towards the existing waterfront building that currently houses A’maree’s.
The open spaces on the site provide a variety of spaces for pedestrians to walk, rest, work, eat and
access the waterfront. The landscape palate uses drought tolerant species and aesthetically refers to the
natural waterfront context. Where permitted, palm trees front Pacific Coast Highway tying the project in
with the length of Mariner’s Mile.