DESIGN

This new development off of a main avenue in Guelph, Ontario, utilizes less than 1.5 acres of land. The area that once held a single-family home now accommodates 36 new residences in a rapidly developing area. Stacked two-storey lofts hold two to three bedroom suites, include generous south-facing balconies and patios and open-concept living spaces. Large south-facing windows are sheltered by a deep roof overhang incorporating solar shades fastened to the building exterior. The adjacent buildings fan out to allow sunlight to penetrate the spaces between, and to offer a distinctive silhouette along the road. Economical design strategies demand repetitive block construction, but through the use of bridges to join the upper storeys of several buildings we were able to create unique interior room layouts and exceptional aesthetic features on the exterior. The bridges create exciting spaces below, and allow residents to easily reach the road by foot. Ample surface parking is broken up into clusters of spaces to cultivate relationships and a sense of community.