Doherty-Fitzpatrick Heritage House
The Doherty-Fitzpatrick Heritage House was constructed between 1851 and 1861.
It is an excellent example of a Neo-Classical farmhouse, featuring detailing and craftsmanship of a high order with a symmetrical front façade and fenestration with distinctive “Flemish Bond” brick patterning, decorative frieze, eave returns, and gable trim, a central entrance featuring transom and sidelights with elegant tracery, and a centre hall plan.
+VG Architects was retained in 2019 by the City of Brampton to provide a feasibility study and cost estimate for the conversion of the heritage house to an Early-ON Child and Family Centre, and to provide architectural services through construction contract administration. The project includes a 500 ft2 addition at the rear that is designed to be distinct and subordinate to the original heritage building. Interior renovations include upgrading the structure, accessibility, mechanical, electrical fire and life safety systems to accommodate the change of use from Residential to Assembly occupancy. The project construction cost is below the budget. The Doherty-Fitzpatrick Heritage House was vacant for more than 10 years before this project.
LOCATION
Brampton, Ontario
COMPLETED
2021
SIZE
14,980 ft² (including 500 ft² new addition)
SERVICES
Feasibility Study
Adaptive Re-Use
Accessibility Improvements
Wortley YMCA Child Care Centre, London Normal School
The London Normal School is a Provincially significant heritage property designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.
This project created a state-of-the-art YMCA child care facility, learning spaces, camp programs and administration space within the historic facility.
+VG was the Prime Consultant responsible for planning, design, contract documents, tendering support, contract administration, general review, commissioning, and close-out.
LOCATION
London, Ontario
COMPLETED
2017
SIZE
20 Infant, 40 Toddler, 44 Pre-school
SERVICES
Renovation
AWARDS
2012 Green Brick Award
Urban League of London
Moffat Creek Public School & Day Care
Material selections reinforce the sustainability of this highly efficient building, while fostering a connection to the natural surroundings.
+VG Architects incorporated low maintenance, durable materials into the design of the new school.
The classrooms and other major spaces are organized along one main corridor on each floor. This single corridor design provides a clear linear path of travel for students and enables efficient supervision by staff. This design also provides an important advantage – it allows each classroom and major space to have windows which enhance daylighting.
Enhanced daylighting is beneficial because it decreases reliance on artificial lighting, and studies have demonstrated a link between a naturally lighted environment and improved student performance. Artificial lighting represents as much as 30% of the energy requirement for a typical school.
LOCATION
Cambridge, Ontario
COMPLETED
2012
SIZE
67,400 ft² (School)
4,100 ft² (Day Care)
CAPACITY
2,012 FTS
SERVICES
New Construction
Muskoka Falls Elementary School & Day Care
This elementary school project offered an opportunity to demonstrate how sustainability and the creation of an inspired learning environment are complementary agendas in school design.
Strategic decisions regarding material selections reinforce ideas of sustainability and connection to the natural surroundings in which the building was set.
Pre-cast concrete floors and roof, concrete block, and clay brick all represent locally available and highly durable material selections. Complementary natural woods and composite wood panels describe a relationship to with the natural surroundings while utilizing renewable and fully recyclable products.
Enhanced interior day-lighting is accomplished through large, north facing windows for all classrooms and translucent glazing panels that direct and diffuse natural light deep into the gymnasium space.
Continuous curtain wall glazing for the library with a view out across the Muskoka River is accompanied by a deep soffit overhang that minimizes summer solar heat gain. This employment of day-lighting techniques reduces energy demand for lighting which can constitute as much as 30% of the energy requirement for a typical school building. Natural light has also been linked to improved student performance.
Our experience in “evidence based” design, exemplified in this project, continues to be used on other projects to create positive learning environments.
LOCATION
Bracebridge, Ontario
COMPLETED
2007
SIZE
22,000 ft²
SERVICES
New Construction
