Mintara Patio Expansion

RSAAW partnered with the City of Burnaby for preliminary design, detailed design, tendering and construction administration services to expand the patio at Mintara Restaurant.

The patio design has been carefully developed to blend with the existing architecture and enhance its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Considering 'The Playground of The Gods' as a pivotal landscape element, the selected architectural language of the patio complements, rather than competes with, this landmark. This approach promotes an environment that enhances and resonates with the distinctive character of the site. The architectural massing and its intentionally angled orientation are designed to follow the site's topography, thereby accentuating the views toward the urban skyline. Design thoughtfully addresses the current limitations in accessibility, operations, and views.

Using mass timber construction and working with the existing structural bays, the restaurant organically expands the existing seating layout to interface with the exterior. By allowing its floor to level with the restaurant, the now fully accessible patio matches the interior with a zero threshold condition. This allows the patio to yield a more functional storage room underneath from the previous crawl space.

A higher occupancy of patrons can benefit from this 2000 ft2 space framed in mass timber and glazing, ready with a small ancillary kitchen to support operations without any concerns for further upgrades on washroom count or exiting. The renovated patio, enclosed with fully operable glass panels, is equipped with a radiant floor heating system and a forced air-cooling system, making it suitable for all-season use. Furthermore, it features a full bar and barbecue area and can accommodate seating for over 50 people, making it an ideal venue for weddings and other significant events.

We are currently at the procurement stage of this project and will be moving into construction in September 2024, with the gazebo(s) following in 2025.