Designing Better Multi-Residential Homes
The housing landscape in Calgary is diversifying, quickly. As most are aware, City Council’s approval of new zoning changes back in May now allow for more multi-residential family housing in our city.
The goal of these changes is to address housing affordability and supply issues, while preventing further urban sprawl. The new zoning changes are expanding development opportunities for investors, increasing rental income potential, streamlining redevelopment, increasing property values in certain areas, and providing opportunities for affordable housing.
So McDowell & Associates, like many firms, are seeing more and more multi-residential proposals for homebuilders and investors than we’ve seen in decades. Secondary suites, duplexes, triplexes, and four-plexes can now be built in areas that were previously limited to single-family homes. And with residential building permit applications up 35% in Q2 of this year over last, the trend is only upwards for the foreseeable future.
Has it been controversial? Absolutely. Has there been a lot of junk constructed poorly and irresponsibly already? You bet. But can we densify and enrich our inner-city communities through smart and sustainable design? Unequivocally, yes — and we have for 35 years. We’re always selective and intentional with the multi-residential projects we design, regardless of recent zoning relaxations. We’re excited to share these projects with you.
Richmond Duplex
Our design for this duplex in an established neighbourhood characterised by 1950s single family bungalows was created to fit quietly within its context. The subtle yet elegant building maintains the street character with a low slope roof and strong horizontal lines.
Builder: Dream Ridge Homes
South Calgary Duplex
A very challenging and steeply sloping site was the catalyst for this timeless modern multi family building. Designed for a well-established developer and builder who loves to take on challenges where others may shy away from such a site.
Builder: Dream Ridge Homes
Garneau Apartment Complex
McDowell & Associates was the principal designer in this collaboration with Steven Ho Architecture. This building was to be situated in the historic neighbourhood of Garneau in Edmonton, across the street from the Garneau Public School. Our building design reflected the existing neighbourhood character, while creating a modern accessible mixed use building.
Unrealised.
C-Space Townhouses
This project was slated for the former King Edward School site, which has now been re-born as c-Space, a space for budding artists to collaborate and share affordable studio space. Aside from the King Edward building, the developer also wished to develop the remainder of the school yard to a mix of multi-family buildings, including a townhouse component. In keeping with the spirit of training up artists and designers, our townhouse proposal was inspired by the Bauhaus School of Art and Design.
Unrealised.
Sunalta Court Yard
Having been involved with inner-city redevelopment since the mid-1980s, this project is an example of our firm’s forward thinking — the first project in Calgary to take advantage of the lane access for rear-dwelling units, from the archives 35 years ago!
Al had been inspired by a trip to Italy to create a multi-dwelling in an area that had been previously redeveloped in apartment-style buildings. This particular street had not yet seen apartment-style redevelopment and was characterized by early 1900s single-family homes. Our courtyard concept respected the style and scale of the historic streetscape, while accommodating increased density.
We know that good multi-residential design helps to establish synergistic and resilient neighbourhoods. Optimising square footage and managing space standards is at the core of our designs.
Looking to build a secondary suite, duplex, triplex, or fourplexes? We’d love to discuss your development vision with you and guide you through the design process.