AXIA Design

Roncesvalles Avenue Mixed-use Development
Toronto, Canada
2023-

Toronto, (ON) Canada

Project start: 2023

Status: ongoing, tendered

Completion: 2026

Gross floor area: 612m²

Client: AXIA Design Associates

Architect: AXIA Design Associates

Project team: Chris Wong, Michael Good, Neil Jo, Cyrus Wong, Lee Chen

Structural engineer: Engineering Link

Mechanical engineer: HJ Consulting Engineering

Electrical engineer: Ultimate Design Engineering

Civil Engineers: CivilGo

Located in the West End of Toronto, this mixed-use development transforms an old building into an elegant, modern office at street level and a series of compact residential units on the two storeys above. Built approximately 150 years ago, the façade of the original building features two bay windows, as well as cornices and mouldings of some historical distinction. Aside from cleaning and refurbishment, this frontage remains unaltered, in harmony with the surrounding neighbourhood.

The ground and basement levels comprise a sizeable commercial office, in this long, deep lot, which can accommodate a generous addition at the back. Here, a double-height space with expansive windows draws light down into the basement, where the staff lounge is situated, looking out toward a sunken courtyard. Up a few steps, the courtyard adjoins an intimate backyard, graced with lush, mature trees to provide ample shading. The exterior of the back addition is a monolithic white volume with windows of varying sizes whimsically dancing about. The office’s interior features abundant exposed brick to add warmth and draw out the historical quality of the original building.
On the upper two floors, a range of residential units — studios, one-bedroom apartments and a signature loft — will be available for rental. Clean and minimalist in design, these apartments enjoy plentiful sunlight through their large windows.