Spring Is In The Air!

In this "Garden City" called Victoria, the first sign of Spring is the blossoming of cherry trees lined along many streets of Victoria.

Do you ever wonder where all those beautiful cherry blossoms come from?

  In the early 1930's, the City of Victoria embarked on a plan to plant cherry trees as part of a cultural exchange with Japan.  Until the 1960's, the City of Victoria managed to plant over 5,000 flowering cherry trees that we continue to see today.

 In the next few weeks, you can drive around Victoria and admire the many streets with these pretty pink tree tops!

Some of our favorite locations include:

1) North Dairy Road
2) Foul Bay Road
3) Harriet Road
4) Shelbourne Street
5) Richmond Road

Checkwitch Poiron Architects

We recently read in the latest issue of the Contemporist, a featured article on the Nanaimo Cruise Ship Terminal by Checkwitch Poiron Architects.

  This 13,700 square foot terminal building for cruise ships is located at the Nanaimo Assembly Wharf in Nanaimo, British Columbia.  The building has a large welcome centre, also used as a multi-purpose hall, facilities for the Canadian Border Services Agency and offices for the Nanaimo Port Authority. 

The linear lines and use of materials is a very contemporary approach to this architecture, yet it seems to fit nicely into its surroundings, mirroring the water and landscapes off its large floor to ceiling glass walls.  The angled wood beams and curved posts create a softness to this very structured form.  

"...The building site was formerly used for the processing and storage of the wood products that were the lifeblood for the region. A connection is made to the past by employing a variety of wood products including large curved glulam columns and beams, interior and exterior wood screens, and stratified timber panels. These materials echo the region’s rich natural resource and make the main hall reminiscent of a giant ship’s hull. Large glass walls open up the hall to panoramic views of the Nanaimo harbour.
The building employs as a passive solar scheme, where sunlight enters through the extensive glazing, warms the stone floor and heat is slowly released and circulated before exiting through louvers at the top of the building.
Working with a local artist, Noel Brown, a custom artwork was commissioned and printed onto a large roll-screen. This screen can be raised or lowered to alter the configuration of the main hall. A native plant garden, designed by landscape architect Nancy Mackin, is positioned between the building and the water’s edge. Light bounces off a linear water feature and is reflected up into the main hall.  ..."
                                                                                                                               - Architects

Photography by HA Photography, Mark Corbett and Ben Checkwitch

We are especially proud to feature this building since many of us here at Jenny Martin Design had the honour of being taught by David Poiron while attending Vancouver Island University.  

Checkwitch Poiron Architects is a partnership of two award winning firms:

David Poiron Architects Inc.  

Ben Checkwitch Architects Inc. 

If you are in the area of Nanaimo, be sure to check it out!

Thank you Victoria!

This last weekend was the CHBA Home & Garden Show where Jenny Martin Design teamed up with Sky Is The Limit to give design advice in the Design Centre.

We were thrilled to share the booth amongst some of the top local businesses including Illuminations Lighting Solutions, Victoria Specialty Hardware,  McLarens Lighting, and Jivko Stone & Tile.  We also had a chance to showcase Antonio La Fauci and his beautiful photography.

Thank you to everyone for all your tremendous support and involvement with this years Show!

We hope you had a chance to check it out and get some good ideas or inspiration for your home!  

Stay tuned for the winner of the Ugly Bathroom Contest!  There sure were some ugly ones out there!

JMD & Sky Is The Limit on CFAX 1070

Incase you missed yesterday's radio segment with Jenny from Jenny Martin Design and Ines from Sky Is The Limit, click here to listen on CFax 1070 Wednesday March 7, at 2:30pm!

JMD Fitness Challenge!

It may be 3 months into the year of 2012 but we, here at Jenny Martin Design, are ready to work off those weekend binges and late night snacks.

For the next two months between March 1st until May 1st, we are challenging ourselves by setting a fitness goal and partaking in some form of fitness regime.    Some of us have already signed up for the 1/2 marathon run clinic to a hardcore fitness class at the local gym.  Others are happy exactly how they are :) :) As so you should, really we all should be!

Working out or some form of exercise is important, but we are also making a conscious effort to eat well and fuel ourselves right despite our crazy weekly schedules.

At the end of the 2 months, we will note our progress and see who worked their butt off the most! Literally!

Do you want to join us? Send us an email at info@jennymartindesign.com and challenge yourself by telling us your fitness goal!

Do you want to start running?
For more information on run clinics, visit Peninsula Runners here.  We are in their 10km clinic and highly recommend it!

Also coming up this weekend is the CHBA Home & Garden Show.  We will all be there to promote our booth!  Come check us out March 9, 10 & 11th, at the Save On Foods Memorial Arena.