Renderings

Site Plan

University District Multi

Calgary AB

Calgary’s University District is an urban mixed-use community that showcases a contemporary approach to urban development, anchored by a main street that includes a mix of residential, retail, office and community uses. The architecture of the area emphasizes clean lines, durable materials, and a variety of façades that contribute to a lively but cohesive streetscape.

Luxuria Development’s five-storey, wood-frame multi-residential project delivers 156 units on a parcel directly south of the University Towns within two buildings. Though located within the same urban block, the parcel was subdivided to support both a multi-residential development and townhouse development, creating new opportunities and challenges to each side.

The site’s gentle but significant slope, combined with strict bylaw height limits, required a carefully calibrated design approach. Because height is measured from the lowest point of the property, the south edge of the main floor sat several feet below grade. Rather than defaulting to basement-like units, our team designed these apartments as bright, ground-level garden suites, with full windows and large patios stepping up to the street to maintain livability and daylight access.

The grading also played a crucial role in parkade design. Luxuria requested one level of underground parking, which allowed flexibility in ramp placement but created challenges ensuring bylaw parking requirements could be achieved. By locating the entry at the centre of the site, the parkade depth worked is balanced within the natural slope and eliminated the need for a ramp cutting through the building footprint—avoiding the loss of units and unnecessary structural complexity. This central ramp also allows for more efficient construction phasing and created greater spacing between the two buildings, producing a courtyard-like condition that improves privacy and community interaction. Internally, the parkade is symmetrically designed, housing 151 parking stalls underground for residential use, with an additional 17 stalls located on the surface.

Although the two buildings appear visually cohesive, their differing configurations are driven by the parkade stair core locations and egress requirements, which impacted where they intersected the main level above on each building which resulted in distinct layouts. This resulted in two distinct building designs—effectively doubling the coordination, detailing, and design work. The outcome is a pair of buildings that share a consistent architectural language while offering subtle variations, elevating the overall character of the development.

The project design also placed special emphasis on the balconies, treating them as carved, intentional 'crafted spaces' instead of placing balconies at the 'leftover corners'. Oversized and deeply inset, the balconies extend living areas outward, invite natural light deeper into suites, and function as true outdoor living rooms. Their triangular, prow-shaped forms alternate as they ascend, creating a rhythmic façade while offering both privacy and moments of subtle connection between neighbours above and below. 

Exterior materiality was also carefully considered to meet both the client goals and design requirements outlined by the University District's Architectural Controls. The strategy emphasizes high-exposure corners with three storeys of brick, establishing a strong presence while improving durability and permanence. Elsewhere, varied materials are used to balance the architectural composition, ensuring the building reads as refined and contemporary without being repetitive.

The University District’s goal is to be celebrated as Calgary’s most livable communities. When combined with its townhouse counterpart, Luxuria’s University District Multi will add variety in housing to the already active and vibrant community, aligning with the district's overall goals.

Data

Developer: Luxuria Developments
Architecture and Renderings: Gravity Architecture
Civil: Richview Engineering
Landscape: George Harris Collaborative Inc.
Structural: NORR
Mechanical/Plumbing & Electrical: NORR
Energy Modelling: NORR

Location