La Potenza

Back in 2014, two neighbours got together to build this 15-unit multi-residential project on the corner of Edmonton Trail and 21st Avenue NW in Calgary.

The small site meant that there was not enough space to ramp down from the lane to below-grade parking, so the 19-stall garage had to be accommodated at grade. To hide this from the street, we raised the grade around the building and tiered the landscaping up from the sidewalk to the facade. As well, we carved the lobby out of the garage so that it presented an inviting, transparent, at-grade entry to the building.

The building featured two significant amenities for a small building. Firstly, a residential unit that would have overlooked the neighbour’s backyard was repurposed as a private exercise room for residents. Secondly, a large BBQ and dining area was provided on the roof for all homeowners to enjoy.

The Development Permit was approved, however the clients suspended the project before construction commenced.

Architecture and Rendering: Gravity Architecture