Paperbirch Townhomes proposes a scheme for urban revitalization in North York. It increases density through efficient land use and by enhancing the private and public interest with streetscape initiatives.

The design fulfills the City of Toronto Urban Guidelines while remaining respectful of its historical context. The project demonstrates our ability to design contemporary and sensitive urban housing.

The existing 10,200 square meter site is occupied by four and six storey apartment buildings, with an additional four-storey building on an adjacent site. The entire complex was designed in the mid ‘50s by Peter Dickenson, and represents the then current approach to Urban Design, which valued discrete buildings placed in a continuous landscape. The current approach by the city is to promote street related buildings and a continuous street façade.

Our project serves a 1170 square meter parcel of land from the original site, and proposes five adjoining single family dwellings. The proposal works simultaneously as a set of street related buildings, and as a discrete mass in an open landscape relating to the original urban design. The proposal maintains the scale of the overall context, and consolidates service areas as to minimize their impact on open space. Landscaping is a comprehensive design aspect of the project from street facade to green garage roofs.