Seine Net Loft Rehabilitation

Client: City of Richmond

Location: Richmond, BC

Program: Cultural. Community. Heritage

Photography: Clayton Perry Photography and Michael Elkan Architectural Photography

View of an interior space with wooden floors and ceilings, featuring a staircase with wooden steps and metal railings, connecting two levels with open areas and exposed wooden beams.

The Seine Net Loft restoration is a key component of the ongoing master plan at Britannia Heritage Shipyards, a project focused on preserving and enhancing the relevance of this historic site. The renovation involved extensive seismic upgrades to the existing heavy-timber superstructure, which supports both the net loft building and the wharf floor below, ensuring the structural integrity of the site for future generations.

As part of the restoration, the building was reimagined as a public space, requiring the careful integration of modern fire and life safety systems while maintaining the heritage character of the net loft. This balance between preservation and modernization ensures that the space remains both functional and historically accurate.

When not rented for private functions or used for annual festivals, the net loft serves as a flexible, open-concept exhibition space. The layout provides ample circulation, allowing for the seamless addition of new interpretive displays by local artists, as well as larger traveling exhibits, making it a dynamic and versatile venue for the community.

Interior of a rustic commercial space with wooden floors and exposed beams, decorated with fishing nets, large orange and white decorative balls, a vintage pushcart, and fabric curtains hanging from the ceiling.
Wooden staircase with metal railing and metal mesh panels in a rustic interior setting.
Exterior view of a building with white metal siding, wooden doors with log accents, a wooden bench, and green outdoor light fixtures.