135 Portland
135 Portland Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
Developer: ADI Development Group
Units: 117
Storeys: 16
GFA: 8,220 m²
The massing of the entire design was organized and massed to fit harmoniously with the existing and planned context
Infill Redevelopment
135 Portland is a proposed 16 storey building with retail at grade and 117 residential units above. The five existing 19th century semi-detached row house buildings on the site have been designated as heritage properties and are to be retained and their façades restored. As an infill and redevelopment project the cities official plan requires that as such, it will need to fit in, respect, and improve the character of the surrounding area. The project must reinforce, compliment, and enhance the quality of the existing public realm and that sidewalks and boulevards will be designed to provide safe, attractive, interesting, and comfortable spaces for pedestrians.
Articulated Façade
Given that the street wall of the building has the greatest impact on the image of the street and that this portion of the building should be designed to ensure pedestrian comfort and adequate light penetration. The architectural design solution proposed focused on the front of the building with an articulated façade of cuboids which were stepped backwards and forwards creating a geometric rhythm of pixelated forms, this fragmentation of the front façade provided movement and visual depth. The base of 135 Portland was “notched” along the northwest face to accommodate the existing heritage properties setbacks. The pixelated design was deliberately emphasized in this transitional space to further harmonize the two built forms and achieve a sense of balance between the two massings, which allowed for a transition between the rowhouses and the new design. The “notch” further reduced the impact of the shadow of the new building on existing properties allowing for an increase in light on the street level commercial areas.
Organized Massing
The massing of the entire design was organized and massed to fit harmoniously with the existing and planned context, by respecting street proportions, creating appropriate transitions in scale, providing for adequate light and privacy, and limiting its impacts on neighbouring properties and the public realm. This was all achieved while respecting all the zoning and heritage requirements of the site.
Consultant Team
GC:
Structural: Entuitive
Mechanical: Smith + Andersen
Electrical: Smith + Andersen
Interior Design: Figure 3
Landscape: Adesso Design Inc.
