Urban Design and Architecture Awards

Project description
Be:longings is a series of ten different life-size bronze suitcases situated beside the length of a pathway. The cases lead viewers toward the culminating central element of the artwork: an open suitcase out of which a living tree grows.

The ten extremely life-like suitcases engage the public in up-close and tactile interaction as they examine their details. These include texts and images which speak to the universal theme of human rights and connect to elements which are vital to the existence of both humanity and the natural world, further creating a network of symbolic associations.

The work is permanent and as such sustainable, with no negative impact on the environment or further required resources. The work will change naturally due to the effects of both the environment as well as touch from the public. The living tree is a local variety and was installed in consultation with the city arborist.  

Jury comments
The Jury acknowledged the very strong narrative of the Be:longings project and liked how it had a ceremonial aspect to it. The material quality of the urban elements was complimented for their timeless execution. Over time the metal will patinate which will give the work an evolving character as it ages. There is a sense of discovery to each piece which tells a story creating an interesting and eternal response to the space.

Address 85 Oak Knoll Drive

Project team

• City of Hamilton
• Gary Barwin
• Tor Lukasik-Foss
• Simon Frank
• ArtCast Inc.
• Troy Coulterman

Project description
The Cumberland Apartments at 347 Charlton Avenue West is an urban infill development aimed at enhancing an established neighbourhood. The development introduces a six-unit, three-storey apartment building that carefully integrates into the surrounding Victorian context. The design of the façade takes inspiration from the proportions, roof angles, and access elements found in neighbouring properties while incorporating contemporary elements through the use of dark brick and wood accents. The design features a regular rhythm of windows, Juliet balconies, and stone accents to create a visually appealing composition that respects the architectural styles present in the neighbourhood.

The development strikes a balance between single-family homes and large condo buildings, offering a missing middle typology that promotes incremental densification without drastically disrupting the character of existing neighbourhood. Pedestrian-friendly features such as accessible walkways and landscaped areas are integrated to encourage social interaction and community engagement.

Jury comments
The Jury noted the effort taken to follow roof lines in the neighbourhood and gave credit for showing that a 3-storey building can work in the established neighbourhood when done well. The Cumberland apartments are mentioned as the first example of a “missing middle” project in recent times, proving that a multiplex building can successfully integrate with the neighbourhood and provide much needed housing. Parking was notably provided in the rear yard so as not to dominate the streetscape, leaving the architectural design to offer contribution to the pedestrian realm.

Address 347 Charlton Avenue West

Project team

• G + E Apartments
• Lintack Architects Inc.
• GSP Group Inc.
• Centric Engineering
• Habilis Engineering Inc.
• S. Llewellyn & Associates Ltd.

Project description
A long-time advocate for incremental urban intensification, Invizij principal – Emma Cubitt – built a Secondary Dwelling Unit in the Kirkendall neighbourhood to demonstrate the technical and financial feasibility of this approach to the current housing crisis. She and her husband also wanted to show how this type of building can be built sustainably (to the Passive House standard), enabling low-energy, low-carbon, all-electric living.

The City of Hamilton’s planning staff were implementing a new SDU by-law as construction on a garage/workshop (which could easily be converted to a dwelling) commenced. Fortuitously, council approved the by-law in May 2021, a new permit was obtained, and the building’s interior quickly completed to accommodate a family of four by October 2021. The 75m2 space (and garage) functions as a prototype for sustainable living which may be easily replicated on other properties across the City.

Jury comments
The Jury noted the efforts made in an early example of Accessory Dwelling Units in the City of Hamilton. The Kirkendall Coach House received top marks for quality of execution, sustainable design and innovation with a Passive House design. The Jury was also impressed by the detailed costing information included with the submission – proof that being both energy & environmentally responsible is mutually practical and profitable.

Address 220 Charlton Avenue

Project team

• The Cubitt Family
• Invizij Architects Inc.
• T. Johns Consulting Group
• Kalos Engineering Inc.
• CK Engineering Inc.
• Seferian Design Group
• Just Working Construction

Project description
This new modern 8,150 square foot home was designed and built for an amazing 4 person family in beautiful Dundas, Ontario. It encompasses not only the family’s core living spaces and bedrooms but also features a 1,200 square foot work from home studio all encased in this Mies Van Der Rohe inspired clean lined structure.

The 2nd floor volume, clad in a dark coloured wood texture, hovers beautifully over the white metal clad volume of the first floor to produce a sculptural piece of architecture for the family to enjoy for many years to come.

Sustainability was paramount since day one of the design brief with the clients. Featuring a super insulated building structure, fully vegetated green roof, 36 kilowatt solar array, geothermal heating and cooling system along with a native specie wildflower front yard space - the home can sustain itself with minimal assistance from the grid electric and gas systems.

Jury comments
The Jury felt it important to recognize the efforts and successes of the single-family dwellings in this year’s submissions. Though not awarded here, it is clear to the Jury that the bar has been raised in Hamilton when it comes to private residential design and particularly the level of detail design of high-performance dwellings and the finish level of construction seen throughout the submitted projects. 66 Weirs Lane retained many of the existing trees on site and incorporated a native species garden in the front yard. There was also appreciation for the massing being low-rise and not overbuilt.

Address 66 Weirs Lane

Project team

• David and Rebecca Zac
• SMPL Design Studio
• DB Custom Homes

Project description
18 Augusta is a 6-storey new build with a neo-classical touch located in the Corktown neighbourhood of downtown Hamilton. The building is comprised of 40 suites that have been utilized into a new hotel concept that encourages a live, work, play lifestyle for guests and actively promotes the idea of living in the city of Hamilton. At the ground floor, the space plays host to a stylish restaurant that spills onto the street with a patio space and lobby connection. The Juliet balconies and facade details add to street animation, while the north façade has deep recessed balconies that add dimension. This development serves as a template and blueprint for future development in the city when it comes to mid-rise development, encouraging infill, and promoting investment and pedestrian engagement within downtown neighbourhoods.

Jury comments
Garnering praise for the massing and quality of execution and contribution to the public realm, and due to the clever selection of materials, proportions and detailing, the Jury remarked that 18 Augusta felt like an adaptive reuse building despite being a new construction. The Jury also appreciated the flexibility of the floor plates – giving potential for multiple uses over the lifespan of the building. The Jury noted that the building immediately feels right in the community, fills a need for a boutique hotel in downtown Hamilton and maintains density and activity in the downtown.

Address 18 Augusta Street

Project team

• Core Urban Inc.
• Lintack Architects Inc.
• Webb Planning Consultants Inc.
• Kalos Engineering Inc.
• EXP
• Habilis Engineering Inc.
• Mantecon Partners Inc.
• Adesso Design Inc.
• The Laundry Design Works & McMillan Design
• Fortino Bros.

Project description
The iconic Effort Trust Office Building, relocated in Hamilton's Downtown core and overlooking Gore Park, has revitalized the corner of King St. E and Hughson St. S. The building's overall scale allows for a comfortable integration into the surrounding built context, utilizing a sloped parapet to transition smoothly between neighbouring buildings. The design of the building is mindful of its impact on scale in the public realm, evident in its creation of a light base through the use of materiality, color, and lighting. This contrasts and emphasizes the monolithic black cube floating above. Translucent glass is chosen for the upper portion, providing a dual purpose of privacy for those inside while reflecting the streetscape of the surrounding community. The building's significance is highlighted as it addresses an important corner of the core, achieved through sloping soffit lines, a recessed main entrance, and vertical facades that reach their apex at the roofline.

Jury comments
The Jury noted high marks for massing and quality of execution as well as contributions to the public realm. The Jury was particularly intrigued and impressed by the restraint shown in massing and composition of the project and the sensitivity shown to the context of the Gore Park location. They noted the distinct difference of reinvestment in the traditional commercial downtown core with a mid-rise commercial office building where much larger buildings are typical. The Jury also had high praise for the quality of execution of the interior which felt substantial and holding longevity in the building.

Address 50 King Street East

Project team

• The Effort Trust Company
• Sam Esposto Architect Inc.
• Lanhack Consultants Inc.
• Mighton Engineering.
• Collins Engineering Group Inc.Meit
• Adesso Design Inc.
• Mulvey & Banani International Inc.
• DeFaveri Group Contracting Inc.
• Urbex Engineering Ltd.

Project description
Royal Oak Dairy began in the basement of City founder George Hamilton’s home on East Avenue North in 1898, and played a role in the lives of Hamiltonians for 83 years. Non-profit housing provider, Indwell, bought the vacant, brownfield site in 2018 with the intention of celebrating the site’s rich history while creating an affordable housing community for people seeking health, wellness, and belonging. 
 
Designed to PHIUS+ 2018 (Passive House) standards, the greenhouse gas emissions and utility costs associated with the development are dramatically reduced. From the street, the Oaks showcases two buildings sharing connected, at-grade parking; Heartwood Apartments’ five stories project a modern presence, whereas the adjacent Dairy Lofts reference the materiality and detailing of the original dairy building. Supporting Indigenous tenants throughout The Oaks development, Sacajawea Non-Profit Housing moved their head office into the historic stable building on site, renovated to accommodate studio apartments, offices, and a community room. 

Jury comments
An infill and renovation project welcomed by the surrounding community combining not-for-profit Housing, First Nations Housing & Social programming with supportive housing on a large block in the Barton Village. This project scored highly in many categories, notably Innovation and Sustainable design as well as providing a needed contribution to the public realm/societal good. The Passive House designed building envelope is enriched by the arrangement of building components to form a wonderful communal interior courtyard space.

Address 219, 225, & 247 East Avenue North

Project team

• Indwell Community Homes
• T. Johns Consulting Group
• Invizij Architects Inc.
• OMC Landscape Architecture
• S. Llewellyn & Associates Ltd.
• Kalos Engineering Inc.
• CK Engineering Inc.
• Zon Engineering Inc.
• Schilthuis Construction Inc.

Project description
213 Wilson Street consists of a 2,000 square foot office space on the main level, overlooking Wilson Street in Ancaster; along with a 2,400 square foot partial 2 story residential living space for the owners of the building situated above.

The project lands in a heritage regulated section of the village core, so architectural approvals were required during the site plan process prior to construction commencing. Our office worked closely with town staff to produce a unique piece of architecture that blends harmoniously with the rich history of the street, while simultaneously being a unique building that stands out amongst the crowd in a subtle yet defined way.

The building is clad in local Ontario stone, and super energy efficient windows sourced from our supplier in Quebec. The structure was built with superior building methods in order to extend the life of the building and be enjoyed for decades to come.

Jury comments
The Jury gives credit to this project for successfully implementing an urban building in a challenging context. They appreciated the connection with the public realm created in part from the selection of clear glazing and smart layout and uses. The building massing feels appropriate and interesting while remaining sensitive to the surroundings. The Jury also appreciated the attention to landscaping and stormwater collection integrated into the design.

Address 213 Wilson Street

Project team

• Jason Urban
• smpl Design Studio
• Kennedy + Kenel
• T. Johns Consulting
• TM Engineering
• S. Llewellyn & Associates Ltd.
• Adesso Design Inc.

Project description
Over 40 years of hockey, swimming and story times, Valley Park Community Centre is at the heart of its community. However, a lot has changed since the 1980s when first built, with more cultural diversity, new technology and growing consciousness of our environmental footprint. The library addition, LEED Gold Pending, underwent extensive upgrades that transformed the site. The exterior of the addition is clad in a combination of Corten weathered steel and limestone, organized in a distinctive rhythm of windows. Solar panels act as a visual symbol of its sustainability vision. A pedestrian-oriented plaza at the library entry becomes an extension of its programming, while a new public art wall on the North entrance greets the community. 51% of the site was retained as open space and 56% of that is vegetated with native adaptive plants, with boardwalk inspired pavement connections to provide barrier free access to the library.

Jury comments
The Jury had high praise for the Valley Park Library project which enhances an established community node and provides a new building mass along the street corner, instantly strengthening the public realm and bringing some urban qualities to the project.  The Jury was impressed with the composition of the Exterior and Interior materiality – producing a high-quality and welcoming addition to the community center. The project scored high marks in Sustainable design with LEED Gold (certification pending) and sustainable design detailing thoroughly developed throughout.

Address 970 Paramount Drive

Project team

• City of Hamilton: Hamilton Public Library
• mcCallumSather
• WSP
• IBI Group
• CFMS West
• Novita Techne Ltd.
• Hanscomb

Project description
The addition to Case United Church was initiated to fulfill a need for improved accessibility. The church was re-built in 1892, and in need of updates. The brief called for practicality: new washrooms, an elevator, an office, community spaces, and a comfortable stair connecting the lower and upper levels. The vision - established in collaboration with the client group - emphasized the importance of being visible, open, and welcoming to the community. The architectural expression of the addition employs a language which is a complementary counterpoint to the existing structure that remains sensitive to the heritage qualities of the existing architecture. While the 1892 structure is focused inward on worship, the addition supports the desire to be visible, open, and welcoming. Recognizing this desire for an updated role of the church within the community, the contemporary outward-focused addition allows the church to connect to the community by “letting their light shine”.

Jury comments
The Jury found this ambitious addition was fresh and welcoming and would quickly become a beacon in its rural community setting, providing a new space for the community and a landmark design. The Jury noted the project is successful not only on the merit of the addition, but also warrants commendation for the retention of the existing building when it might have been easier to start-over with a new construction.  This commitment to build something new intertwined with the old displays the value held in the heritage of the original building and the confidence of the church congregation to build upon it.

Address 6180 White Church Road

Project team

• Case United Church
• Rebecca Beaty Architect
• Toms + McNally Design
• Blackwell Structural Engineering
• CK Engineering

Project description
Copps Pier celebrates industrial Hamilton’s past, present and future. This revitalization of a disused pier adopts forms from Hammer Town’s iconic industrial harbour and transforms them into scaffolding for public space in three unique ways. Along the Boatworks Promenade, giant steel boat hulls create parkettes along the north shore. In Hammer Harbour, a monumental Gantry Pavilion frames the skyline and forms a venue for diverse city-scale events. At the Landing, the prow of a ship looms up to create additional public art and performance space with views to sunrise, Hamilton Harbour, and the Niagara Escarpment.

Punctuated with native trees, wetland vegetation, and public art, Copps Pier adds over 1.4 hectares of new park space with full public access to the water’s edge and connections to the existing waterfront trails. Steel, concrete, and timber combine industrial iconography with people-friendly elements to celebrate Hamilton’s proud steeltown heritage.

Jury comments
A huge step forward in redeveloping the industrial waterfront and linking a new public space with the industrial heritage of the city in a pleasant and accessible way. The Jury noted the flexible spaces and adaptable uses give the pier a longevity that is needed in a public space, and the high-quality, resilient materials selected, and the inclusion of public art raises the bar for public spaces in Hamilton.  Scoring high in all categories the Jury also appreciated the richness of design founded through the international design competition and public selection process.

Address 47 Discovery Drive

Project team

• City of Hamilton
• FORREC Ltd.
• CIMA+
• EXP
• TH&B Collective
• Andrew Davies Public Art Consulting
• Altus
• Creative Irrigation
• Suzanne Powadiuk Design

Project description
The Saltfleet Conservation project’s ultimate design and sustainability features and merits include the construction of 4 separate wetlands in the upper Stoney Creek and Battlefield Creek watersheds. Create natural wetlands that will address flood and erosion risk below the Niagara Escarpment in urban Stoney Creek (City of Hamilton). Create a permanent and sustainable natural wetland, aquatic and terrestrial features, and habitat. Connect these wetland parcels to a number of conservation authority holdings via the Dofasco Trail and internal trails within the individual conservation lands.

To facilitate this project, 6 parcels totaling 316 acres of new conservation area lands have been acquired. The first wetland of this project has been constructed at 444 First Road East.  This wetland will hold approximately 220,000 m³ of water thereby reducing peak flows and erosion downstream, creates approximately 30 acres of wetland and associated habitat, and includes a trail network for passive recreation.

Jury comments
Though the Jury is not selecting this project for an award, the Jury wanted to make a special mention and declaration that this project and others like it are essential and add vitality to the City of Hamilton. The Jury presents an encouragement, and challenges to raise awareness in the importance of projects which respond to the Climate Emergency by supporting land conservation and celebrating the natural environment.

Address 444 First Road East

Project team

• Hamilton Conservation Authority
• Oakridge Landscape Contractors Ltd.

Project description
The Daily School Route (DSR) creates active transportation systems for kids with the aspiration of 100% of students walking/wheeling to/from school daily. The DSR sees kids as ‘transportation users’ within their own system and creates a network of routes, called Student Streets, to help facilitate safe and effective active school travel.

The DSR uses innovative planning and public engagement techniques along with on the ground observation and consultation with school communities to understand how kids are getting to school, as well as the barriers they are facing. From there a comprehensive route strategy and safety review is produced. While individual schools are the focus, a ward-wide approach is an efficient and effective way to capture information about the active school travel environment among several schools that are geographically co-located. A ward-wide approach was initiated in Ward 10 in the City of Hamilton and is the focus of this submission.

Jury comments
The Daily School Route provided a study of detailed analysis and practical information & suggestions that could make a measurable improvement to the daily lives of families with school-aged children and provide benefit to the City of Hamilton in general with increased safety and awareness. The simple and straight-forward vision won-over the Jury with obvious high marks in comprehensiveness but also for clarity and creative solutions. The jury was impressed how this vision was not strictly plan-based but used data and engagement to make clear recommendations for urban design and planning.

Address Ward 10

Project team

• Bike for Mike
• Civicplan

Project description
The building is an adaptive reuse project done in collaboration with Mission Services to build an improved shelter space to meet and accommodate their need for modern upgrades and increased capacity from their current building. This new space increases the amount of beds as their previous space, while providing updated amenities, accessibility, an industrial kitchen, additional administrative space, and upgraded bathrooms. The new Mission Service Building is precedent setting proof that social services and shelter space can still be “cool”, welcoming, and dignified.

The design and inspiration behind this project was to bring back to life a historic building and program the space in a different capacity, while also creating a new space that humanizes and dignifies the experience of traditional housing. The heritage elements have been restored while all of the aged infrastructure has been replaced. It is effectively a brand new building within an old refurbished shell.

Jury comments
Bringing a needed expansion of shelter and housing mixed-in with a whimsical entrance canopy, the Jury noted the high-quality of design and execution of construction in this adaptive reuse of the heritage building. The project brings a sense of dignity to residents at a time when they most need it. The Jury was fond of the overall massing, restoration of exterior brick and windows, and clarity provided by the design.

Address 400 King Street East

Project team

• Mission Services of Hamilton
• Core Urban Inc.
• Lintack Architects Inc.
• Webb Planning Consultants Inc.
• Kalos Engineering Inc.
• Habilis Engineering Inc.
• Fortino Bros.
• Excellence

Project description
While the idea of turning the Ancaster Memorial School – built in the mid-1940s – into an arts and cultural centre enjoyed universal community support, there was heated debate about whether to renovate the existing structure or demolish and build anew.  Located in the heart of Ancaster’s Heritage Village, the resulting adaptive reuse of (and addition to) the existing structure ensured the history of the site was preserved while successfully diverting excessive demolition waste from landfill.
 
The state-of-the-art, four-storey Arts Centre provides space for 470-seat Peller Hall, a 150-seat multi-purpose studio, visual arts classrooms, and music and dance studios to serve the growing local arts community. The landscape design includes new flexible event space, site furnishings, and perimeter landscaping which extends the facility’s usable space to the street, inviting visitors to explore the Centre’s offerings. Located adjacent to significant wetland, careful consideration was given to creating a planted buffer that increases biodiversity while protecting the area’s ecological functions. 

Jury comments
The Jury praised this adaptive reuse and the new addition for the massing and site design, and for the new linear forecourt providing potential for community uses. The Jury also commends the selection of materials and remarked at the extremely impressive theatre experience. Last, but not least the Jury recognizes the considerable community involvement in the realization of this project – and posits that if community involvement can be a measure of success in a public building, then the result is sure to be a positive one.

Address 357 Wilson Street East

Project team

• City of Hamilton
• Ancaster Memorial Arts
• Invizij Architects Inc.
• Kalos Engineering Inc.
• Smith + Andersen
• S. Llewellyn & Associates Ltd.
• Seferian Design Group
• Novita Techne
• Thornton Tomasseti
• (Swallow Acoustic Consultants Ltd.)
• Steelcore Construction Ltd.

Project description
The Joyce Centre for Partnership & Innovation at Mohawk College is the first institutional building in Canada to be awarded a Zero Carbon Building Design certification from the Canada Green Building Council.

The building was one of 16 projects participating as a pilot project for the Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC) Zero Carbon Buildings Initiative and World Green Building Council (WGBC) Advancing Net Zero Initiative. Funded studies, from design through construction to post-occupancy evaluation, will illuminate the implications of net zero construction in new, large-scale, high-volume developments and will inform future processes in the collective move toward net-zero construction for all new buildings by 2030.

The design incorporates high-capacity teaching spaces grouped together around a social hub atrium, converging to allow the flow of students to interact around a café, informal lounge spaces and more private study areas. The laboratories will be flexible and modular, allowing them to develop over time – in tune with advancing technology. Additionally, the laboratories will engage industry leading companies for innovative partnerships to harness collaboration between students and industry.

Jury comments
The building is exemplary as Canada’s first institutional building in Canada to be awarded a Zero Carbon Building Design certification from the Canada Green Building Council. It is a powerful symbol for the city and region, reflective of current and future trends in sustainability that combines an expressive design with environmental performance. The project represents a cultural shift in thinking for Mohawk College and for the City of Hamilton creating a social learning environment that is a milestone for a more efficient and sustainable future. It is hoped that it will be the first of many more Zero Carbon buildings across the City and country and that features successfully employed in its design can be used in other building typologies as the development industry across other sections evolves to address climate change.

Address 135 Fennell Avenue West

Project team

• mcCallumSather (Joint Venture)
• B+H Architects (Joint Venture)
• RDH Building Science
• Ellis Don Construction
• Mantecon Partners
• TMP Consulting Engineers
• Mulvey & Banani