River Street Infill

River Street Infill is a five-storey structure inserted into a modest 680 square metre site that effectively added 29 market-value, rental units to the increasingly densifying area. The suites range in size but are primarily two-bedrooms, which are attractive to families moving into the neighbourhood. On the fifth floor, accessible by elevator, is a communal amenity room with WIFI-activated workspaces for residents who work from home. It features a common area with comfortable seating, and this space has direct access to the rooftop garden, where panoramic views of Toronto can be enjoyed.
 
Though small in scale and respectful of the established neighbourhood’s material palette, River Street Infill impresses with its thoughtful design elements. The continuous red brick façade is punctuated with recessed balconies clad in dark metal, as well as deep, punched windows with custom bent metal still details. The overall vision is three distinct but united volumes that take into consideration the cadence of the townhome volumes to the north. At grade, a mix of dark metal is contrasted with wood accents, with the artist live/work style units here addressing the mixed-use character of the surrounding neighbourhood.

The use of geo-thermal energy as the primary source of power is a key feature of the River Street Infill project, and the building is entirely powered by this renewable energy source. By harnessing the natural energy from the earth, the design has significantly reduced the building's energy consumption and carbon emissions. To further promote sustainability, the shared rooftop garden promotes biodiversity, increases green space, and provides residents with a connection to nature. Additionally, the use of SmartOne technology allows residents to control their HVAC systems when away, encouraging cost savings of up to 30-40%. Individually metered utilities in each unit promote electricity and water conservation.

City: Toronto, Ontario
Size: 28 000 sf.
Status: Completed 2022

Toronto Urban Design Award of Merit, 2023

Jury comment: “This is a great example of affordable housing with strong sustainable aspirations. Achieving sustainability at this scale, including geothermal, is a huge commitment. It is challenging at best and the developer and design team should be applauded for this achievement on an infill project. The articulated façade is appreciated for its contribution to the street and neighbourhood. The materials are modest, simple and commensurate with this typology. As a result, the character of the street is retained. The development has been appropriately set back from the street to allow space for street trees and other complementary landscaping. The rear was a great surprise with a sense of belonging and navigates its neighbours through clever tectonic moves. The recessed balconies provide private space for the residents and the rooftop terraces, recessed from the façade, also create outdoor private spaces in a dense part of the city. This is a great example of how affordable targeted housing can elevate its sustainable responsibility and should be an example for all developers.”