Location
Hamilton, ON
Size
30 Units
Client
Confidential
Status
Concept drawings complete
Design Partners in Architecture and Interiors was retained to develop a conceptual design to support a non-profit housing co-operative’s application for a long-term municipal land lease at 1126 Garth Street in Hamilton. The proposal responds to a growing need within the existing co-operative community to provide accessible downsizing options for aging residents and smaller households, while freeing up larger family-sized homes within the neighbourhood.
The project envisions a three-storey residential building containing approximately 34 units, designed to integrate sensitively within a low-rise residential context. Rather than adopting a conventional apartment block typology, the building massing and rhythm draw inspiration from townhouse forms, helping the development align with the scale and character of the surrounding streets.
A key design driver was the challenging site condition. Vehicular access is restricted to Bonaventure Drive and the property experiences a significant grade change between Bonaventure and the higher-elevation Garth Street frontage. The design strategically uses this slope to introduce at-grade access to a partially below-grade parking level from Bonaventure, reducing the visual impact of parking and allowing the building to present a more residential scale to the neighbourhood.
The concept maintains an existing pedestrian connection across the site and strengthens this public route through passive surveillance and adjacent outdoor amenity spaces. A shared landscaped patio is located along the pedestrian corridor, supporting social interaction while contributing to safety and neighbourhood connectivity.
The building organization prioritizes clear connections to outdoor areas and reinforces a welcoming street presence, with the primary entrance oriented toward Garth Street and the nearby transit stop. Preliminary space planning explores opportunities for a community room opening to landscaped amenity areas, shared laundry with access to a courtyard, secure bicycle and mobility scooter storage, and barrier-free circulation throughout. Together, these strategies set the foundation for a development that encourages social connection, independence, and ease of access to both indoor and outdoor environments.
Sustainability principles informed the overall approach, with the project conceived as a high-performance building inspired by Passive House strategies. Private balconies were intentionally minimized in favour of a communal terrace facing Garth Street, reinforcing opportunities for social interaction while improving envelope performance and long-term durability.
