Architecture & Design

WELL

WELL evolves into residential communities

Minto Communities is the first developer in Canada to pilot the WELL for residential program, which sets out to create healthier homes.
condo

Tailoring amenities to evolving demographics

The types of amenities that were once popular in condos have changed.
noise

A guide to understanding noise in condos

Resolving noise complaints requires an understanding of how sound moves through a building and the obligations of a condominium.
Etobicoke

A new approach to mid-rise living in Etobicoke

A new spin on the concept of stacked townhomes is promised to boost missing middle housing typologies in the Greater Toronto Area.
condo terrace

Designing a successful private condo terrace

The first step is to have a landscape architect draft up a preliminary plan for the terrace or balcony renovation.
healthcare

Housing and healthcare under one roof

n a city bereft of affordable housing and access to healthcare, two condo projects are setting out to combine these uses under one roof.
tornado

Tornado research uncovers risks for homeowners

Canada’s tornado risk is more widespread than once thought, according to a growing body of research that, for the first time, tracks the occurrence and aftermath facing property owners across the country.
windows

‘Windows’ of opportunity for home retrofits 

In low-rise homes, including condos, up to 35 per cent of heated air can be lost through the windows during the heating season.
design

The future of common area design

In the last couple years, the interior design space has witnessed a shift where lobbies were no longer valued as they were seen as unused spaces.
condos

Existing condos: rising to modern standards

New regulations from multiple levels of government are forcing condominium boards and property management companies to consider more than just a simple cost-benefit calculation when examining repair and retrofit options.
electric

Electric ride-sharing is the newest condo amenity

Residents of a freshly built mid-rise in the Annex neighbourhood of Toronto have a fleet of electric vehicles waiting for them to use, whether that’s for a trip around town, a weekend getaway to the cottage or visiting family out-of-province.
HST

Construction costs rattle the condo industry

Construction cost increases are a significant concern if a condo needs to complete work in the next year or so. But the concern isn't just the here and now.
health

High-rises bringing health to new heights

Urbanites living in two up-and-coming condos won't have to escape their homes for fresh air and water.
purpose-built housing

Probing election promises for housing supply

With Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives (PCs) entering another four-year term, the development community is keeping close tabs on election promises made around housing supply and affordability.
renting vs. owing

Living with dignity in multi-generational housing

Multi-generational homes are often an afterthought for builders who continue to favour housing geared to nuclear families. Rarely do municipalities legislate them.
BOMA BC energy

Greening Ontario’s housing sector

Ontario’s housing sector emits more greenhouse gas emissions than any other province, primarily due to its high population rate. In the province, residential buildings are
reserve fund

Condos at high risk from reserve fund shortfalls

The growing crop of condo owners across Canada will likely encounter huge annual fee increases and lump-sum payments due to low reserve fund contributions, authors of a new research report are warning.