Joyce Mixed-Use Feasibility Study!

Our Joyce Mixed-Use feasibility study for Vancouver’s Renfrew-Collingwood community is ready to present!

This Mixed-Use design includes 60 residential spaces with a mix of apartment and townhouse units. Our proposed development takes advantage of the significant grade by terracing new commercial, amenities, gardens and allow private residential access throughout the site. The north corner of the plaza would include a cafe for residents to enjoy and to attract visitors who are commuting near the area.

Located in close proximity to Vancouver Kingsway Street, a significant commerical corridor, the site offers convenient access by foot, just a half kilometer southwest from the Joyce-Collingwood Skytrain station. Its positioning near the transit station enhances its appeal, making it an optimal location with excellent accessibility. With large commercial developments to the north and established single-family homes to the south, the site becomes a major connector for surrounding communities. Our study on the Joyce Mixed-Use project identifies substantial opportunities for both commercial and residential development!

To read more about the Joyce Mixed-Use study and how we responded to various aspects of the site, click the button below.

Unanimous Approval for the Brentwood Redevelopment Land Use Redesignation!

Gravity is thrilled to announce Edmonton City Council’s unanimous approval for the land use redesignation supporting the Brentwood Master Plan.

The Brentwood Community Development Group is a non-profit organization that provides affordable housing at Brentwood Homes in Edmonton's Woodcroft neighbourhood. This established area, largely built out with single-family homes, is the focus of upcoming redevelopment efforts. Gravity was selected, along with B&A Planning Group, to co-lead the development of a master plan that would direct the redevelopment strategy and land use rezoning process for this area. Redesigning the architectural and community landscape required close alignment with strategic goals and values established in the Edmonton City Plan. With the adoption of the land use redesignation for this master plan now in place, we can share the ideas that bring this vision to life.

The project team divided the site into eight strategic phases, beginning from the northwest side and progressing eastward, with the final phase planned for the northeast corner. This phased approach ensures minimal disruption to existing residents and optimizes the integration of new structures with the current urban fabric. Special consideration was given to the location of existing site services to ensure that the redevelopment would allow existing buildings to remain fully functional and inhabited throughout the transformation process.

Typical site cross sections to were developed to illustrate potential experiences for people navigating the area, strategically showcasing spaces around the master plan concept and highlighting the interaction between the site’s main east-west axis and the adjacent residential buildings. The building masses are intentionally designed to start with lower heights on the north side, in consideration of the existing adjacent single-family homes, gradually increasing in height and density southward towards the more active zones bordering Coronation Park.

The redevelopment plan places a strong emphasis on pedestrian and cyclngt infrastructure, integrating separated bike lanes and extensive pedestrian pathways to encourage sustainable modes of transport and enrich the community's connectivity and accessibility.

This successful rezoning is just the beginning. As we move forward, the knowledge gained from developing the master plan will guide detailed design of various phases of the project. The redevelopment is expected to take approximately 15 years to complete with the goal of adding 500 additional housing units to the area. 

To take a closer look at the details and strategies for the Brentwood Master Plan click the button below!

Façade Revealed for Sun Peaks!

Scaffolding has now been removed to expose this alpine-inspired staff housing building for the Sun Peaks Ski Resort located an hour northeast of Kamloops, BC.

Sun Peaks Staff Housing (Parcel 37) for A&T Developments is seeing progress and will be an important building for the staff of the Sun Peaks ski resort. This four-storey, 58-unit building with provide convenient and comfortable accommodation for the resort staff and be an oasis for them to work from and enjoy while being nestled in the mountains.

This project is part of a series of developments our team has designed for the Sun Peaks Ski Resorts. With construction for this building almost complete, the resort can attract more skilled workers by providing them accessible and thoughtfully designed housing options.

To learn more about this project click the button below. Also, feel free to check out our other Sun Peaks developments like the Switchback Creek project and the Parcel 74 building.

University District Project Makes the News!

Check out Calgary Herald’s article on the University Towns project by Crystal Creek Homes!

Last week it was a pleasant surprise to see the highly anticipated University Towns project be featured in the Calgary Herald. This large park-facing parcel in the University District has definitely been generating some buzz, and with our Development Permit now submitted we look forward to keep our followers updated on this 40 unit, three-storey townhome development!

Calgary Herald’s article highlights a variety of features for the project including its prominent location west of the University of Calgary along with gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains. The article captures the luxurious features of these homes and it will undoubtedly spark excitement for future residents curious about University District living.

Click the button below to read the full article!

Langley's Mixed-Use Development Permit is Submitted!

Langley Mixed-Use Project Takes Major Step Forward with Development Permit Submission!

Revitalizing communities plays a key role in fueling Canada's economic and housing growth. As architects, we're privileged to both observe and contribute to these transformations up close. Our collaboration with Kerr Properties on the Langley Mixed-Use project led to the design of this 6-storey building that aligns with Langley’s Official Community Plan (OCP). Positioned near the future Skytrain extension, right at the corner of 203 Street and Fraser Highway, this project is set to become a cornerstone of Langley’s downtown development, especially as it sits steps away from the future last stop of the Skytrain extension.

This development combines street-level commercial spaces facing both 203 Street and Fraser Highway with 78 residential units above, leveraging its prime location near the future Skytrain station. The site's close proximity to the proposed Skytrain station required collaborative efforts with our client and the City of Langley. Facing the challenges of the oddly shaped parcel and the need to maximize density, our team adapted to the site-specific setback constraints and negotiated with the City to reduce parking requirements. Aesthetic considerations were paramount, leading to a design that responds specifically to the building’s prominent location. This attention was particularly important due to the acute angle formed by the intersection of Fraser Highway and 203 Street. We further responded to this condition by pulling the building back at the corner to create an inviting entrance plaza with plantings, benches, and public art, enhancing the space for residents, visitors and passersby.

Privacy and quality living spaces were a priority. We designed common indoor amenity spaces to take advantage of views over the plaza, while the courtyard outdoor amenity area is designed to ensure privacy for residents. This internal space is complemented by a green roof, offering a serene view for those whose units overlook the internal courtyard.

We overcame many challenges with this project, but we feel we are now on track to realize a transit-oriented development that is a significant step towards Langley’s downtown revitalization.

Click below to discover more about the Langley Mixed-Use Project!

Seeing Results for Thrive Towns

Thrive Towns are seeing significant construction progress!

Maureen Carrigy, one of our Intern Architects, got to take a scenic drive south to Okotoks and captured a great shot of this stacked townhouse project by Partners Development Group. This development is a part of Anthem Properties’ 280-acre D’Arcy Ranch community overlooking the D'Arcy Ranch Golf Club and the Rocky Mountains to the West. It will include twelve three-storey buildings, each with either eight or ten units in a stacked configuration. The project consists of units that range from 1400 to 1500 square feet. Each unit features open floor plans and private outdoor spaces that include either at-grade patios or private balconies. 

All phases of our work relies on the close collaboration with our client and the consultants to ensure that each project when completed meets the team’s expectations. Maureen’s visit was one of many Gravity pays to the site over the course of construction to review progress and solve problems as they come up in the field. Our team is grateful to have such a great working relationship with engaged clients like Partners. We love celebrating the progress we are making together!

Click below to learn more about The Thrive Towns project and it’s the Prairie Style inspired architectural design. Also, consider subscribing to our newsletter from the sidebar to hear about more exciting Gravity projects ahead!

Meet Scott, our BC Senior Technologist and Contract Administrator

When Scott applied to join Gravity in the autumn of 2023, we were thrilled to see a resume filled with 23 years of relevant industry experience. When we interviewed him we knew we had met the right person with the skills, disposition and motivation to help us better take care of our BC Interior projects and clients. And since he joined us in October 2023, Scott has quickly become a valued and essential part of our team.

Even though Scott works remotely relative to the two Gravity office in Calgary and Vancouver, he is on the ground with our BC interior projects allowing us to be more responsive during all phases of each project, but especially the construction phase.

Scott’s commitment to his career is rooted in talent and passion since childhood. From building Lego, to falling in love with hand drafting in high school, Scott’s admiration for architectural designs only continued to grow. He received his diploma in Construction Engineering Technology at the Conestoga College Institute of Technology in Kitchener, Ontario, and since then his growing portfolio of work proves he is a person who knows the architectural process and understands the big picture of what we do for our clients.

With his skill and experience, and his collaborative attitude, Gravity is grateful to have Scott on our team!

To read more about Scott and his industry experience, including the some of projects he’s worked on click the button below!

OPUS's 'The Nines' Breaking Ground!

We're thrilled to celebrate the progress on 'The Nines,' which OPUS recently broke ground on!

If you can spot the hardhat with the G on it, you'll see our principal, Trent, enjoying a sunny day with the eager project team all ready to get construction underway. 'The Nines' will be an 85-unit mixed-use development for OPUS, located at the intersection of Elbow Drive and Southland Drive in Calgary’s Haysboro community. We are now on our way to providing the community with a six-storey building featuring 16,000 square feet of retail space below the 85 apartments. Our updated renderings below give you a sneak peek of what's to come!

The residential units, ranging from 450 to 1300 square feet, will span the second to sixth floors. They will be available in one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations, each offering private balconies accessible from the main bedroom and living room.

One challenge encountered in the design was integrating an underground parking structure into the constrained depth resulting from the site's slope from one corner to the other. Our objective was to ensure barrier-free entrances from both streets, along with creating an inviting streetscape for both the main entrance and the retail areas facing the public streets.

We’re proud to be a part of a team providing more housing for Calgarians and opportunity for businesses.

As construction on 'The Nines' gets out of the ground, we'll continue to showcase its progress. To learn more about how we tackled the design challenges and explore the project’s unique features, click the button below!

University Towns Development Permit Submitted!

Gravity is delighted to share that we have submitted the development permit for the University Towns!

The University District Towns is a 40 unit townhome development for Crystal Creek Homes set out to provide empty nesters looking to downsize more housing options that won’t compromise their lifestyle. Each of the six buildings has between four and eight units and all offer a mix of two-to-three-bedroom configurations each just under 2,000 square feet.

Directly west of the site there will be a future park planned for residents to have direct access to. There will be an additional access point between two of the buildings that leads directly to the City’s regional pathway. Once the park to the west is complete, the townhouses will be surrounded by park space on three sides offering residents a beautiful green space to enjoy as their backyard.

To address the University District's request that this project not mimic the existing surrounding buildings, we chose darker and moodier exterior tones that still respond the modern aesthetic of the community. We complemented these tones with a long reddish brick, adding a sophisticated and classic touch to the contemporary massing.

The interior paved laneway grants residents access to 80 parking stalls inside private garages, and is accessible for visitors to walk through to reach the green space to the north from the street to the south. Additional parking for guests is available on the street.

Our clients recognized the importance of aging in place— therefore, each home has an elevator that goes to every floor. This represented a significant design challenge, but it wasn’t something Crystal Creek wanted to compromise on so we were able to successfully address this throughout the design process.

The development permit has just been submitted. We couldn’t be prouder to be the design team behind these inclusively designed homes.

Click the link below to read more and follow our socials to keep updated on University Towns progress!

Architectural Technologies Industry Night!

Our team had an exceptional time at SAIT’s AT Industry Night, hosted by the Architectural Technologies Student Association.

Last Thursday Gravity had the opportunity to speak with students about all things architecture and were able to answer some important questions they had. We know transitioning from school to the workplace can be an intimidating endeavour, so we were honoured to have the chance to ease some students’ minds and spark inspiration for their future careers.

We had select team members attend—all SAIT graduates—who poured their hearts into the event. Chris brought his energetic personality as he shared Gravity’s work and his experience as a Project Manager. He was joined by Intern Architect Maureen with her diverse industry background who is currently pursuing her registration as an architect, and by our passionate junior AT, Julianne who has adjusted to working at Gravity seamlessly since graduating from SAIT’s AT program in May 2023. There’s no doubt students were in good hands voicing their anxieties and excitement about this field.
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Students mentioned a few specific projects of Gravity’s that they used as inspiration for their own projects throughout the semesters—some including our Mission 19, Opus Nines, and Shaganappi Multi. This was very humbling to hear and we are grateful to see how our work can inspire new generations of students.

We thank SAIT for providing students with essential networking events like these and look forward to next year. It’s an easy yes for Gravity to attend when we get the chance to talk about what we love most!

Moving in to Mission Flats!

Gravity is pleased to share that residents are now calling Mission Flats home.

Mission Flats is a five-storey, 67 unit residential development by NAI Advent that was designed to fit in with both the traditional and modern brick apartment blocks that form the immediate context of this site. We also designed the building to have symmetrical massing to complement the adjacent older buildings. In addition, our team designed a thick roof that appears to float above the top floor, adding a contemporary element to the composition.

While residents are currently moving in during the winter, we are looking forward to springtime progress so the residents of the eleven garden suites can take advantage of the beautiful landscaped areas that will surround the building!

We thrive on finding solutions that add value for both our clients and the communities that we work in. One of our goals with this project was to efficiently offer Calgarians more housing options in the high-density community of Mission, and Mission Flats has achieved this. We are deeply passionate about addressing the housing needs of Canadians and take great satisfaction in witnessing the spaces we’ve designed being occupied with new residents.

To learn more about Mission Flats click below.

Construction Progresses on Ascension Block

Construction is almost complete for Ascension Block’s north building!

Gravity is pleased to announce hitting a significant milestone for these eleven-unit premier infill townhomes developed by Cantiro Homes. Located in Edmonton’s central neighbourhood of Westmount, these three bedroom, three storey homes range from 2,098 ft² to 2,484 ft². We enjoyed designing this project as we were able to incorporate a range of materials and eye-catching details into the repeated massing of the building. The exteriors of the homes are composed with cladding of variegated brick, white stucco, wood-toned metal siding and black corrugated metal panels. The incorporation of perforated metal panels provides privacy between the neighbouring units as well as adding a layer of pattern to the façade. The geometric arrangement of the perforations presents the illusion of 3D cubes which complements the rectilinear forms in the architecture.

Our team faced some challenges when considering density increase, parking, vehicle access and overall unit efficiency. This was partly due to the irregular shape of the property. However, by having the north building follow the west property line, we were able to solve these issues and efficiently use the irregular parcel. Construction of the south building of the project is to follow the completion of the north one, and we are eager to share more updates as it progresses!

To learn more details about Ascension Block, and get a larger scope of the project’s design intentions and challenges, click below.

On-Site at Sun Peaks in Kamloops, BC!

Construction progresses at Sun Peaks Resort

Things are happening quickly on-site at Sun Peaks Switchback Creek townhome resort, and we were eager to share some news on the progress A&T Developments has been making alongside our team. Nothing beats seeing a project come to life… especially with site views like this!

The townhome resort will introduce 84 homes that aim to fill the need for middle-density housing. The resort will have easy access to Sun Peaks Village with ski-in and ski-out access. Located near the east of the resort’s property, the units range in size from 1300 to 1500 square feet and are available for purchase. The townhomes each have two parking stalls in a tandem garage with the back of them set up to support a shop space for all outdoor enthusiasts.

To learn more about this exciting project click below.

Welcome John, our new Permits and Contract Administration Coordinator!

John joined Gravity in May 2023 after graduating from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). John is passionate about art and design and has maintained numerous creative hobbies that have led him to a career in architecture. His pursuit stemmed from hours spent sketching, drawing and playing Mindcraft. These hobbies allowed John to continuously challenge himself creatively and motivate him to learn new skills that he could use in his both his personal and professional life.

John worked on multiple projects while at SAIT — one including a design for an on-campus building that required his team to complete on a very tight schedule. This focus and solution-seeking mindset does not go unnoticed and his enthusiasm is evident through his work at Gravity.

A couple of John’s favourite projects are our Shaganappi Multi and Emerge Arbour Lake. He is an active Revit user, and enjoys editing and working with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom in his free time. Whenever John is not utilizing his artistic skillsets, he can be found outside hiking, playing soccer, or learning a new sport!

We are excited to welcome John, and have his creative mindset and fresh perspective be an addition to our team!

Meet David, our New Architectural Technologist in Vancouver!

Dave’s passion for architecture started back in high school when he picked up a book called, A History of Architecture… and well, the rest is history!

Dave began his career 12 years ago and acquired his registered architect certificate in the Philippines. He began working in Canada in 2021 with two of those years being in the Lower Mainland and has since worked on various residential, commercial, cultural, and institutional projects. Some of him notable work has been on the FedEx Ground facility in Nanaimo, B.C and the BC Housing Apartments and Townhouses Project in Prince Rupert, B.C. He has also contributed to the Logel Sage Townhouses project in Alberta.

From Dave’s impressive global experience and commitment to deliver quality work, he offers invaluable insights on the unique opportunities and challenges that are found in architecture. Dave has the ability to navigate any obstacle with a keen-eye for detail and strong collaboration with our clients and consultants.

His thoughtful and positive deposition does not go unnoticed, and Gravity looks forward to more exciting developments in BC with him as our trusted Architectural Technologist!

Kelowna's Dual DP Submissions!

Development Permits have been been submitted for Badke Mills Road Multi & Mills Road Townhomes by Kerr Developments.

Gravity’s is thrilled to be meaningfully contributing to the BC Interior’s growth strategy by helping to fill the gaps in both rental and market housing. Kelowna will be seeing two major developments come to the community of Rutland that aim to offer residents more housing options.

The Badke Mills Road project will introduce 120 rental housing units through the development potential outlined in the 2024 Official Community Plan (OCP). This purpose-built 121,000 ft², 6 -storey wood-frame building was inspired by brownstone-lined streets that provide residents contemporary features with a harvest-hued warmth. Ranging from 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom configurations residents can enjoy spacious balconies, patios and shared amenity spaces. To maintain momentum with the project schedule, this project depended on early engagement with the Kelowna planning team to ensure that the technical design complied with the newly enacted Zoning Bylaw. The development permit was submitted early January 2024 and we are looking forward to make more progress on this rental development in 2024.

To learn more about this project click here.

Secondly, we have our Mills Road Townhomes development which will also be located in Kelowna’s Rutland community, making it an exciting expansion to this up-and-coming area. This project has been designed for diverse groups and intergenerational families, and will contain 3 different townhome typologies with different layouts to best suit multi-family needs. Our team developed a site plan that accommodates 55 townhome units, aligning with the Official Community Plan (OCP) designation, and maintains context with the surrounding developments. The site slopes gradually down towards the south property line which created a challenge when trying to meet the Zoning Bylaw’s building height requirements. Our team was able to resolve this issue and meet the City’s height requirement by producing grading studies and working closely with the Civil team.

To learn more about this project click here.

Our 2023 Year in Review

Gravity is proud to announce occupancy of 268 residential units and 10 commercial units last year.

These numbers are meaningful to us as they represent both the businesses and the individuals who now call these spaces home. Our ongoing transition from designing small-scale projects to being the architect for larger and more complex developments indicates our growing commitment to address the housing crisis that is having major impacts on all the communities we work in.

We recognise the housing challenges faced by many Canadians, and our goal is to continue to acknowledge this and find solutions that allow developers to produce high-quality, livable housing as efficiently as possible. As architects, we have a social responsibility that goes beyond just quantities. While we continue to work with developers to solve their practical problems with their projects, we are also focussed on design solutions that squarely meet each community needs.

Major cities like Vancouver are also facing hardships from a loneliness epidemic—meaning it is crucial that organizations seek out compassionate solutions to help support these efforts. Gravity is passionate about pushing the boundaries of what housing looks like, and the well-being of those who reside within it. With this in mind, our team is dedicated to contribute intuitive designs that offer residents not only spacious and light-filled rooms, but accessible and people-centred community that allow for human connection.

In addition to our commitment of addressing housing concerns, we are committed to designing more NetZero developments. It is important for our clients to know that we are not just thinking about the climate crisis, but taking action when it comes to sustainable housing.

We are proud of the achievements we made in the last year and motivated to continue to expand this work. Our 2024 approach will remain the same, as these challenges are not something that can be solved overnight but require an ever-evolving approach that aims to foster community engagement, encourage economic growth, support client success, and involve neighbourhoods in a more sustainable future.

We’re looking forward to 2024!

Seton West Phase 2 DP Approval

Development permit approved for this forward-thinking transit oriented development

Seton West Phase 2 is a three-building multi-residential project designed for Logel Homes on the south edge of the community of Seton. The development has three buildings with a total of 238 units and features two 4-storey buildings and one 5-storey. Bordered by a stormwater pond to the north and the future Green Line LRT platform to the east, making this an important development for small to medium sized families who value sustainability and accessibility. The landscape design offers exterior gathering spaces for opportunities to connect with neighbours and gather with friends and family via a shared pathway system. Additionally, off-leash dog areas are accessible from the walking paths allowing residents the freedom to explore with their furry companions. This LRT Line is highly anticipated by Calgarians, and Seton West’s convenient access—along with its impressive landscape—allows first-time home owners, families, or retired individuals to enjoy these amenities with ease and comfort.

Each building, housing 1- and 2-bedroom units, features large black frames that integrate the balconies into the façade, creating a striking visual effect. These frames are consistent in height across all the buildings, establishing a cohesive horizontal datum that is complemented by a clean, uninterrupted roofline. The entrances to each building are marked by distinct rectangular white arches, supporting canopies that accompany the black frame elements. The buildings have been designed for maximum sun exposure, therefore units will have light-filled spaces, open floor plans, and large balconies. 

We are thrilled to share this Development Permit approval and further modernize residential design, with the added benefits of nature, convenience and community. Click here to find more information on this project. 

Inspiring Conversations at Vancouver's Fireside Housing Conference

We are at a pivotal moment in addressing the housing crisis in British Columbia and Alberta, and the recent Fireside chat event hosted by ULI BC with Minister Ravi Kahlon is a testament to this. A significant takeaway from last Thursday night's dialogue was Housing Minister Rav Kahlon's emphasis on resilient communities starting with robust housing solutions.

Minister Kahlon's discussion on the government's initiatives to build homes near transit, enable small-scale multi-unit homes, and reform outdated zoning practices, reflects Gravity’s objectives. Our recent work with Avalon Master Builder has been aimed at creating NetZero energy and NetZero energy-ready townhouse developments that are forward thinking and give multi-generational and middle-income earners an opportunity to participate in the journey towards sustainable housing.

We are motivated to continue this type of work as is are crucial for democratizing sustainability and accessibility without compromising quality of life. As design professionals our role is to proactively make our buildings future-proof in a meaningful way, offering more choices to individuals and families. 

Despite the recent snowfall in Vancouver causing some delays, the turnout at the event was impressive. The inclement weather did not discourage many eager professionals and was a fantastic opportunity for our team to learn and collaborate on future innovative housing solutions. Thank you for having us ULI BC!

You can find more information on this event here.

Zen Mahogany NetZero Towns & Care Facility DP Approved!

Our team is thrilled to announce the DP approval for the Zen Mahogany NetZero Residential & Care Facility!

Situated in Calgary's southeast community of Mahogany, this project an example of sustainable and family-oriented development. It features a mix of residential buildings, including several townhome typologies offering a total of 144 residential units with 1-3 bedroom configurations.

A key aspect of this development is its integrated Care Facility, which provides 24/7 support for individuals with diverse care needs. Our goal with this design is to help keep multi-generational families together and to help curb the loneliness epidemic. We ensured to foster a connection with the outdoors, as that is essential for mental health and well-being, especially for those with limited mobility. 

Responding to the client’s design brief, this building’s exterior imbues a sense of warmth with durable materials reflecting a wood-grain metal cladding, white board and batten, and black metal siding, accented with mass timber elements, maximizing the allowable glazing on each side to achieve airy, light-filled rooms. In addition to residential spaces, the development includes outdoor amenities like landscaped patios and covered porches with built-in seating.

We are driven by the challenge to continually address zoning, density, and accessibility issues and are excited with the progress achieved alongside Avalon Master Builders in taking steps towards creating more sustainable and inclusive living environments.

For more information on this project click here.