Jackson Condominium Development
This Design/Build project with Vicano Construction involves a five-storey multi-residential redevelopment of an existing brownfield property in downtown Hagersville.
Adjacent to the “Rail Trail”, a church, baseball park and arena, the new condominium includes a variety of amenities such as a guest suite for visitors and a large meeting/reception room which extends to the rear patio. Residents also have access to private storage lockers and a bicycle storage room.
The building was constructed using cost-effective techniques including a completely pre-cast structure. Individual cooling controls with condensers were placed on the roof to maximize space.
Treetops Resort Condominiums at Hidden Valley
Huntsville is physically defined by its natural setting of forests, granite, and water.
The environment has shaped the development of the community and contributed to the development of a woodland and waterfront character that has commonly been described as the “Muskoka Style”. One of the primary objectives for this development is the respect of the natural environment.
The proposal development, divided in six distinct phases, consists of three-storey, stacked town-homes buildings for a total of 13 blocks and 122 units, distributed along a winding road, on the south-facing slope of a hill. The site offers a spectacular view of the lake at the bottom of the hill. Landscaping has been designed to connect the buildings with the street and assist in the direction of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The landscaping also reduces the visual impact of parking areas, loading areas, and garbage storage areas.
A recreation/utility Pavilion structure with washrooms, change room facilities, pool equipment storage, and a site servicing pump room is proposed at the core of the development, and nested within the slope of the hill.
Natural cladding materials with a warm palette of colours are used throughout.
LOCATION
Huntsville, Ontario
COMPLETED
Ongoing
SIZE
13 Blocks / 122 Units
SERVICES
New Construction
Mabelle Avenue Condominium
+VG provided design services related to the redevelopment of an existing site on Mabelle Avenue in Etobicoke.
The redevelopment involved a multi-unit tower with townhouse suites and two- and three-bedroom units, as well as a community grocery store and food co-op at grade. The project also included integration of two parallel underground parking structures.
The project involved a zoning By-law Amendment Application and development of a design proposal and project pro-forma to evaluate the potential land development options.
+VG was responsible for coordination of all consultant studies including Traffic Impact Study, Noise and Vibration Study, Site Hydrology Assessment, Servicing Capacity Study, Railway Corridor Impact Study and Wind Study, as well as Planning Rationale and Landscape Design.
LOCATION
Etobicoke, Ontario
COMPLETED
2018
SIZE
50 Storeys / 550 Apartment Units
Strachan Avenue Loft
This former industrial building was converted to four three-storey condominium townhouses.
To achieve the best view of the skyline the living spaces are on the top floor with roof terraces, and the second floor is devoted to bedrooms. The main floor houses the entrance, a garage, games room and exercise area.
LOCATION
Toronto, Ontario
COMPLETED
2014
SIZE
4,500 ft²
SERVICES
New Construction with Renovation of Existing Industrial Building
Rosemount Branch Library
+VG Architects’ vision for the rehabilitation and renovation of the Rosemount Branch Library was to deliver an efficient and effective facility to the community and Ottawa Public Library (OPL) staff that would contribute to increased community activity, creative programming, and a socially inclusive and connected community.
The existing library has not undergone any significant renovation since 1982 and as a result the layout of the library does not properly support its current programs and activities. +VG addressed the many functional and operation deficiencies of the library through an economical, sustainable, historically respectful renovation and rehabilitation plan.
Our firm leveraged our previous experience on similar library projects to derive a new functional program for the Rosemount Library through comprehensive consultation with all project stakeholders, including City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Library staff, citizens, and community groups. This project presented an opportunity to rehabilitate and renovate Ottawa’s only Carnegie Library in its centennial year, as well as to transform a historic and beloved public institution into a more legible reflection of the past and a beacon for the future.
LOCATION
Ottawa, Ontario
COMPLETED
2020
SIZE
6,089 ft²
SERVICES
Rehabilitation / Renovation
PRESS
A Small Carnegie Library Finds More Space via Innovative Design Strategies
Retrofit Magazine
Ottawa Public Library’s Rosemount branch closing for renos starting June 3
Global News
St. Lawrence College Library
+VG was retained to complete a design and contract administration for design services for renovations and upgrades to the St. Lawrence College Brockville Campus Library.
Improvements included interior design, ceiling and lighting replacement and energy efficiency upgrades. The space was expanded and the layout reconfigured to a more efficient use of the library. The high ceiling space allowed for the creation of new clerestory windows which provide natural light.
The new design of the library divides spaces into quiet and collaborative group spaces, improves barrier free accessibility and front desk reception space. The modernized library creates an improved experience for the students of the college.
LOCATION
Brockville, Ontario
COMPLETED
2018
SIZE
4,426 ft²
SERVICES
Renovation
School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto
The School of Graduate Studies Administrative Offices are located in two century houses: 63 St. George and 65 St. George Street, built in 1872 and 1891.
Both buildings are listed on the City of Toronto’s heritage registry and required a sensitive approach to renovation that would provide modern office amenity while maintaining the distinctive heritage character of the two buildings.
The School of Graduate Studies defines and administers University-wide regulations for graduate education and represents the cause of graduate education at the University of Toronto.
The primary project goal was to create better space for graduate students to interface with the administration, with student common space, counselling and consultation space, and oral defense rooms that provided a more welcoming and dignified atmosphere.
The project commenced with an evaluation of the School’s Functional Program and space planning template to test options for improved organization and workspace efficiency. The building had been extensively modified over time and many of the rooms were awkwardly planned with poor circulation and ad-hoc provisions that severely compromised the quality of space. In particular, the HVAC and lighting systems were in need of improvement to meet a modern day Administration Office standard. The renovation scope of work included:
- Rework of partitions and layout to support the program and respect original building layout
- Provided new centralized HVAC system through entire building
- New limited ceiling installations as required to support HVAC work while preserving plaster heritage cornices
- Revised Building Exiting to allow for the removal of one existing fire escape stair
- AODA compliant Accessibility measures throughout the first floor of the building.
- New Interior Finishes including preservation of significant historic finishes
- Heritage window replacement
LOCATION
Toronto, Ontario
DESIGNATED
City of Toronto Listed Heritage Site
COMPLETED
2017
SIZE
10,000 ft² (63 St. George Street)
6,500 ft² (65 St. George Street)
SERVICES
Renovation & Restoration
University of Windsor Campus Master Plan
+VG Architects authored the University’s Campus Master Plan, which outlines a vision of the open space and landscape for the next 50 years.
The vision, objectives and key elements for the Master Plan were based on an extensive consultative process utilizing The World Café™ as a tool. +VG led strategic visioning sessions with many community stakeholders including the University’s Board of Governors; Senior Administration and
Directors; Students, Faculty and Staff; and City Planning Officials. An Open House information session was also held for the general campus and neighbouring community. Like Western, campus development at the University of Windsor is based on a vision defined through a collaborative process. At Western University, the campus consultations provided direction toward a campus that:
- Is an international place of welcome and events
- Emphasizes its role, identified a new entrance point and gateways to the campus, created new high-quality open space hubs – activity zones that connect to existing and new pathways
- Relocates parking lots to the perimeter of the campus allowing for more green space hubs
- Provides greater access and removes barriers
The Design Guidelines for future decision-making celebrate the historic landscape of the campus, enhance campus spaces and improve the University’s connection with the City and neighbouring community.
+VG Architects is Prime Consultant throughout the project, responsible for implementing the campus consultations, draft visioning documentation, developing Design Guidelines and Schematic Design. +VG has provided Community Consultations, Vision and Concept Plan, Campus Design Guidelines, Campus Open Space Design and Landscaping.
LOCATION
Windsor, Ontario
COMPLETED
2014 (Study & Concept Design)
SERVICES
Master Plan & Phased Implementation
