Natural Forms Versus Human Geometry
The entrance is marked by a stone walkway in the entrance courtyard and is set at an angle to the basic geometry of the building. The building is generally set out to be parallel with east-west alignment of Grey Road 18 and, therefore, the predominant survey grid. As a result, while the greater part of the building is oriented with respect to Grey Road 18, the entrance pathway alignment reflects the angular alignment of Highway 10 as it cuts across the concession grid of Grey County. Further, we selected a rectangular shape for the stone tiles in the foyer and the entrance walkway reflect the proportions of the rectangular concession grid of Grey County. The result is a stone floor pattern that resembles the map of Grey County.
We have also incorporated "natural" curves and waveforms in the foyers to represent the intersection of the human geometry and the natural shape of watercourses and the Niagara Escarpment. A stone wall on the east side of the foyer and the blue bulkhead above it follow a serpentine course. Similarly, the cabinetry designed for the reception and gift shop follow a curvilinear geometry as does the suspended track lighting above it.
Finally, the waterfall designed and built by Ms. Marnie Talbot adds a real water feature to the space. She has stacked Niagara Escarpment limestone in a naturalistic way in contrast to the regular grid expressed in the stone tile and timber of the foyer. This waterfall represents the many waterfalls of Grey County and recalls the historic importance of waterpower to the early European settlers.
~ G.M. Diemert Architect Inc.
