The Wilmot

The Wilmot

The Wilmot

The Wilmot

The Wilmot

Oakville, Ontario

Clients
WP Development

Size
294,000 sf
380 units

Status
Under construction, expected completion 2025.

The Wilmot is a condominium project that artfully recreates the original appeal of the suburb with an integration of landscape and architecture. The sculptural building is a playful folly surrounding a beautifully landscaped courtyard garden. This lush oasis not only serves as a visual centerpiece but also as a communal space for relaxation, socializing, and rejuvenation. 

A Dynamic Facade Inspired by Tradition

One of the most captivating features of The Wilmot is its dynamic facade, which draws inspiration from the motion of a Chinese Dragon dance. The architecture is designed to engage, inviting your eyes to dance across the surface of the façade, creating a sense of lightness and a graceful flow.

Complex Form, Simplified Execution

The complexity of The Wilmot’s form is partly driven by the Town of Oakville wanting the mass of the building to be as broken up as much as possible to reduce the apparent scale of the building.  BNA ingeniously created an apparent complexity while minimizing actual complexity. We created 4 unit types, each with a different façade and overall depth, yet perfectly stacking with one another to eliminate structural transfers and plumbing offsets. Even the fan coils risers in all 4 unit types align perfectly. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that the building not only looks remarkable but is also highly efficient and economical.

Efficiency and Innovation in Construction

BNA’s collaboration with the construction manager and the five major trades in a design-assist process has been instrumental in keeping this project on budget and ensuring that construction details remain standard and straightforward. As a result, the final contract value came in at an impressive $30 per square foot under budget, demonstrating our commitment to efficiency and innovation in the construction process.

The Value of Good Design

The Wilmot’s striking design and meticulous planning proved to be a hit with purchasers. During the pre-sale period, the project reached 80% in sales before the sales center was opened. In the end, the sales center was deemed unnecessary and was never completed. This extraordinary success are a testament to The Wilmot’s appeal and the value of good design.

Bianca

Bianca

Bianca

Bianca

Bianca

Toronto, Ontario

Client
Tridel

Architects
Martin Baron – Design Architect
with Teeple Architects and Kirkor Architects and Planners

Size
285,000 sf
216 units

Size
285,000 sf
216 units

Status
Completed 2023

Sustainability
LEED Gold

Revitalizing Urban Living

Bianca in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood embodies a visionary approach to urban architecture, transforming a once dormant area along the Dupont rail corridor into a vibrant residential community. Situated as the north boundary of the Annex neighborhood, Bianca offers a new concept of urban living, catering specifically to the desires of Annex empty-nesters seeking to downsize to a more compact yet luxurious lifestyle without compromising cherished outdoor space.

At the heart of the design lies the concept of a village atop an artificial hillside. The building’s strategic placement not only maximizes views but also fosters a sense of community reminiscent of traditional village life. The focal point of the design is the incorporation of large terraces which provide a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living. Each terrace is thoughtfully designed in a stacked-block configuration, imparting a sense of intimacy and human scale to the building.

This project marks a significant milestone in the revitalization of brown-field sites along the Dupont rail corridor. Bianca’s innovative approach has not only redefined urban living but has also sparked excitement and anticipation for the revitalization of the surrounding area.

First Ave. Oshawa Master Plan

First Ave. Oshawa Master Plan

First Ave. Oshawa Master Plan

First Ave. Oshawa Master Plan

First Ave. Oshawa Master Plan

First Ave. Oshawa Master Plan

First Ave. Oshawa Masterplan

Oshawa, Ontario
2023

Clients
Forgestone Capital and The Ellsworth Group

Size
17.4 acres / 7.03 ha
200,000 sf retail
4,100,000 sf residential

Status

ZBA & OPA applications submitted April 2023.

Unlocking Oshawa’s Potential: A Pedestrian-Focused Tower Community

With an extensive legacy of master-planning and urban design achievements spanning two decades, we proudly embarked on the journey to shape the future of Oshawa with the First Avenue Masterplan. On the grounds of a former industrial site south of central Oshawa, this visionary project represents a landmark achievement as the first major development in the city in decades. It stands as a symbol of a renewed optimism for Oshawa’s vibrant future.

Stitching Together the Community

The initial imperative of the First Ave. Masterplan was to reunite a divided neighborhood. We extended existing neighborhood streets through the site, effectively reweaving the fabric of the community. This transformative step strengthens the connection between the existing neighborhood and the broader city, reinforcing the bonds that define a thriving urban ecosystem.

We describe the project as “connective tissue”.  It serves as the architectural sinew, weaving connections and links throughout the site, uniting neighborhoods and fostering social cohesion. Physically and socially, this project bridges the gaps that once separated Oshawa’s residents.

Fostering Community Vitality

A new vibrant main street strip, adorned with retail and commercial spaces, breathes life into the community. This commercial focus serves as the social center. A gracefully landscaped pedestrian promenade is the backbone of this development, seamlessly connecting every corner of the community to the main street and a new GO train station located just north of the site. 

Vibrant Green Spaces

A brand-new public park, complete with year-round facilities, is a welcome amenity to the community. This green oasis not only enhances the quality of life for residents but also integrates seamlessly with Oshawa’s existing multi-use trail system, fostering a healthy, active lifestyle.

Innovative Parking Solutions

The First Ave. Masterplan ingeniously addresses the challenge of high water tables with a forward-thinking approach. Each block within the development boasts up to five storeys of above-ground parking, strategically enveloped by residential units.

Alexandra Park Phase 1

Alexandra Park Phase 1

Alexandra Park Phase 1

Alexandra Park Phase 1

Alexandra Park Phase 1

Alexandra Park Phase 1

Alexandra Park Phase 1

SQ (2017) & SQ2 (2022)
Toronto, Ontario

Clients
Tridel & Toronto Community Housing

Design Architect
Martin Baron – Partner-In-Charge at Teeple Architects Inc. (prior to cofounding BNA)

Architects of Record
SQ – Teeple Architects Inc.
SQ2 – Kirkor Architects and Planners

Combined Size
395,000 sf
463 units

Sustainability
Certified LEED Gold

Awards
Toronto Urban Design Award of Excellence – Small Open Spaces Category, 2021
SQ2 Condominiums
ULI Global Awards for Excellence Winner, 2021
Alexandra Park Revitalization
ULI Americas Award for Excellence Winner, 2021
Alexandra Park Revitalization
Toronto Urban Design Award of Merit, 2019
SQ Condominiums
CaGBC Ontario Green Building Excellence and Leadership Awards – Finalist, 2018
SQ Condominiums
UrbanToronto Readers’ Poll – 37-60 Metre Category – Winner, 2017
SQ Condominiums

SQ: A Bold Start

As the first built project in the multi-phase Alexandra Park Revitalization project in downtown Toronto, SQ had to make a bold statement to express excitement and optimism for the new vision for Alexandra Park:  a sustainable, mixed-income neighbourhood that will be a highly desirable place to live and invest in. 

The building is terraced, referencing the variety and complexity of the buildings on Cameron St.  SQ grows out of the low-rise of Queen Street West and gradually increases in height like a built-up hillside to meet the taller buildings to the north.  

SQ2: A Street-Level Connection

SQ2 was crafted to resonate with the townhouses surrounding it. The design philosophy emphasized consistency and coherence with the emerging neighborhood. SQ2’s upper portion is elegantly twisted to face the park across the street, contributing to a dynamic visual dialogue with its surroundings and aligning with a diagonal path that connects seamlessly to Dundas Street.

Balconies Creating Texture 

A key design feature of SQ and SQ2 is the intricate play of balconies across their façades. While these balconies create a visually captivating texture, they also serve to unify the overall form of the buildings. This design choice imparts an element of visual complexity that belies the underlying simplicity of the building envelope.

Rutherford Rd. Masterplan

Rutherford Rd. Masterplan

Rutherford Rd. Masterplan

Rutherford Rd. Masterplan

Rutherford Rd. Masterplan

Rutherford Rd. Masterplan

Vaughan, Ontario
2021

Client
The Ellsworth Group

Size
11.7 acres / 4.7 ha
120,000 sf retail
2,600,000 sf residential

Status
Project did not proceed.

Crafting Community Around a Central Piazza

The central principle of the project was to internalize the development, organizing it around a large central piazza loosely modelled after the Piazza Navona in Rome.  The elegant oval-shape of the piazza becomes a recurring motif that gracefully weaves its presence throughout the development, melding landscape elements and building facades into a harmonious whole, creating a striking and distinctive identity for the development.

The central piazza is not merely a space; it is the heart of the community, the development’s living room where residents and visitors converge. Beyond its local appeal, the piazza is intended as a regional attraction, drawing people from far and wide to experience its vibrant energy. Here, expansive retail storefronts and alfresco dining create an engaging and dynamic urban scene that fosters connection and social engagement.

Towers Shaping a Virtual Mountain

Our design narrative extends to the towers themselves, shaped to form a captivating ‘virtual mountain.’ This bold architectural choice not only ensures formal cohesion within the development but also adds a whimsical, tongue-in-cheek nod to the nearby Canada’s Wonderland mountain, infusing a sense of playfulness into the project’s character. 

Invisible Infrastructure

All loading for each block is discreetly tucked underground, seamlessly accessed via a single, unobtrusive ramp designed to serve the entire development. By relocating the back-of-house spaces below ground, we have minimized truck traffic and overhead loading doors, ensuring that each block is four-sided where no façade is sacrificed for building servicing.

The Unionville

The Unionville

The Unionville

The Unionville

The Unionville

The Unionville

Markham, Ontario

Clients
inCAN Developments

Size
215,000 sf
269 units

Status
In sales

Sustainability
Targeting LEED Silver

The Unionville is a thoughtfully designed condominium project in the heart of Markham, specifically tailored for the owner-occupier market and families. 

Practical Ingenuity

The site presented unique challenges, with an irregular shape and stringent angular plane restrictions imposed by neighboring properties. Overcoming these challenges, BNA has drawn from our depth of experience and technical expertise to design a building that not only maximizes efficiency but also keeps construction costs down. This is achieved through meticulous planning that minimizes structural transfers, plumbing off-sets, and the number of different suite types, ensuring that the final product is both beautiful and economically viable.

Balancing Complexity with Simplicity

We have purposefully crafted a simple and quiet facade to counter-balance the complexity of the building’s form. This approach reflects our desire to create a peaceful and comfortable building while  respecting the suburban context of the neighborhood.

Family-Focused Design

The Unionville is designed with families in mind. Our aim is to provide an inviting, comfortable, and secure living environment for all its residents. From spacious layouts to carefully considered amenities, every aspect of The Unionville is geared towards fostering a sense of community and family-friendly living.

A Milestone in the Neighborhood

As the first apartment building in the neighborhood, The Unionville sets a new standard for architectural innovation and responsible urban development. It serves as a symbol of growth and progress in Markham, bringing together the best of contemporary design and a suburban-friendly approach.

Vaughan City Hall Renovation

Vaughan City Hall Renovation

Vaughan City Hall Renovation

Vaughan City Hall Renovation

Vaughan City Hall Renovation

Vaughan, Ontario
2023

Client
The City of Vaughan

Size
6,000 sf

BNA were asked to reimagine and renovate the central atrium space and adjacent meeting areas at Vaughan City Hall, responding to the city’s commitment to enhancing customer service in a rapidly evolving post-COVID landscape. Our mission was clear: to craft a welcoming, accessible, and secure environment that prioritized the well-being of both the public and the diligent staff who serve them.

Central Atrium: A Gateway to Service

At the heart of this transformation stands the new customer service counter, an architectural pivot point where all public interactions with the city hall begin. The gracefully curved structural glass enclosure not only guards against viral threats but also shields staff from the harsh winter winds that gust through the lobby when both east and west entrance doors are ajar. The circular design elegantly facilitates unimpeded circulation around it and visually reference the concrete column capitals that are an important part of the existing building’s architectural narrative.

Meeting Rooms: Balancing Privacy and Transparency

The renovation project includes a suite of semi-private and private meeting rooms. Strategically positioned acoustic panels and thoughtfully designed glazing provide acoustic privacy while allowing for the transparency required for staff safety when dealing with potentially challenging interactions with the public.

A Seamless Integration

The success of this renovation lies in its seamless integration with the existing architecture. The renovation is indistinguishable from the original award-winning building completed in 2011. We felt as designers that it was more important to respect the original building than it was to express our own individuality.

The Boulevard Club

The Boulevard Club

The Boulevard Club

The Boulevard Club

Change Room Renovations, 2021
Toronto, Ontario

Clients
The Boulevard Club

Boulevard Club’s West Wing Replacement project, designed under the expert guidance of Martin Baron, the Partner-In-Charge at Teeple Architects at the time and completed in 2017, this extraordinary award-winning facility has been meticulously crafted to surpass even the highest expectations of members and athletes alike. BNA have been working with the club almost continuously since then on smaller ongoing projects.

In 2021, BNA completed a renovation to the Men’s and Women’s Change Rooms, re-organizing existing spaces and significantly increasing in the total locker count. The locker room’s design optimizes available space, ensuring an ample and uncluttered environment for members to comfortably prepare for their workouts or relax after a rigorous training session.

We leveraged our knowledge of renovation projects plus our expertise in high-end athletic facilities to deliver a change room facility that not only meets the practical needs of club members but does so in a manner that exceeds all expectations of elegance and beauty.