LGA Architectural Partners

[7][9] The outdoor spaces accommodate various forms of urban agriculture, and the house's lower level was purpose-designed to transition over time from the children's suite to a rental unit.

LGA purpose-designed the project to allow newcomers to transition from observing the shelter community's social activity to taking part in it, and giving the residents privacy while also maximizing their safety and security.

The plan consists of 10 internal ‘houses’ along a ‘main street’ within a three-storey atrium awash with natural daylight from a new roof composed of skylights.

The design required significant negotiations with the building and fire departments, but was finally permitted when LGA proved that it establishes a safer environment that is benefitting of the community.

Ancillary spaces for employment skills such as classrooms, workshops, demonstration kitchens and counselling offices can be found spread amongst the three floors.

[6][12] The layered wood interior creates a generous, light-filled atrium and brings an abundance of light to the library's stacks and reading rooms.

[13] Floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor reading garden, and a green roof create links to the surrounding neighbourhood and adjacent parkland.

[14] The second of two new additions is made of cross-laminated timber (CLT), chosen for its sustainability attributes, references to the local forestry industry, and links to northern Ontario Indigenous peoples.

[16] Doubling as a teaching opportunity, a conscious choice of exposing structural, mechanical and electrical systems facilitates the instructional role of the school.

Food and beverage shops surround a south facing courtyard and large lawn providing sunlight and views into an active rail corridor.