Development Permit Approved for University District Townhomes!

We are thrilled to share that the Development Permit for Crystal Creek's University Townhomes has been approved! This 40-unit townhouse project in Calgary's University District specifically addresses aging in place with comfort and convenience. Unique features of these homes include an elevator in each unit that travels to every floor, including a roof top patio!

Parks surround the site allowing residents to feel connected to the outdoors. They also offers direct access to the city's regional pathways.

Stay tuned on more updates for this exciting project, and click below to read more!

Development Permit Released for OPUS'S The Nines!

The Development Permit for "The Nines" by OPUS is now released!

This exciting new mixed-use project is located at the intersection of Elbow Drive and Southland Drive, bordering Calgary's Southwood and Haysboro communities. The development will feature 13,500 square feet dedicated to a variety of commercial spaces, including a fitness centre. Above, 85 apartments with views of the city and mountains will offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations.

Casual observers may think that architectural design is mainly massing and facade treatments. However, one of the significant design challenges Gravity solved with this project was providing barrier-free access from both Elbow Drive and Southland Drive given the slopes of both street and the site itself, and limits to the depth the parking garage could be sunk. By sloping the vehicle access down from the lane along the west side of the building before starting the underground ramp we were able to keep the garage shallow and the doors at street level.

We are thrilled to collaborate with OPUS to transform this vacant lot into a mixed-use building that not only provides essential housing but also brings welcome new commercial space into this established community.

Click below to read more about The Nines mixed-use!

Celebrating Chris Fedyna's 10-year work anniversary!

Gravity is excited to celebrate Chris Fedyna's 10-year work anniversary!

Chris’s passion for residential design and modern architecture led him to Inertia Residential Design, Gravity's sister company, in 2014. Since then, he has been an integral part of Gravity's inception and growth as an architectural practice. From the start, he’s been a force behind the firm's success while also growing his own career as a designer, technologist and manager. He has become a subject matter expert in townhouse and middle housing and has successfully led and managed numerous projects for Gravity.

A talented designer and skilled Reviteer, Chris is an instrumental part of the Gravity team. In addition to project management, Chris has recently taken on the role of Lead Technologist where he manages our technology assets and directs our team of technologists. He is currently overseeing significant internal projects to further improve our reference details and BIM environment.

Chris also exemplifies the kind and supportive culture we aim to create at Gravity, and has been a mentor and guide for many of our newer team members. His positivity is one of the reasons many of us enjoy coming in to work at Gravity every day

We're so happy to have you on the team, Chris.

Time Lapse Video for Seton Town's Modular Homes!

Gravity is always looking for innovative solutions to improve the efficiency of our projects. That's why we’re excited to share our recent collaboration with Avalon Master Builders on their Net Zero townhome project. We asked Bryce Baker at Clausal to document this process and he's put together this time lapse video.

Modular construction is a specific type of prefabrication where entire sections of a building are built off-site. Each module is self-contained, including everything from walls and windows to plumbing, electrical systems, and finished interiors. These pre-assembled modules are then transported to the construction site, where they’re stacked and secured on a foundation— significantly speeding up the build process.

For this project, the modules were built by Grandeur Housing in Manitoba. A couple of weeks ago they were shipped to the site and erected by Big Block Construction. Each module, which makes up a floor of the townhomes, was placed onto a site-built insulated concrete form (ICF) foundation and quickly assembled using cranes. Exterior finishes are applied afterward to ensure a seamless look.

The benefits of modular construction include greater quality control and reduced construction time on-site, leading to faster project delivery without sacrificing build quality. It’s an approach we’re excited to expand upon as we work with Avalon to apply the same process to their Greystone Towns project in Cochrane.

We hope this behind-the-scenes video gives you an enlightening look at the one of the avenues we and pursuing to improve the homebuilding process in the midst of our housing crisis.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Central Townhomes Are Now Complete!

The Central Townhomes by Partners are now complete!

Our client wanted to ensure that these homes would be affordable while also providing a garage for each unit. To design homes that would align with this vision our solution was to design a pair of narrow floor plans, one of which is a 989-square-foot, two-bedroom design that is only twelve and a half feet wide! Despite the narrow width, it provides space for two and a half baths, a single attached garage, and a generous living area.

The exteriors have a distinctly modern design, incorporating large metal-clad windows, fibre cement panels and siding, and various colour combinations. Each unit also includes a full driveway for tandem parking. This development is a sister project to our other project by Partners' called Symon Townhomes, where we found a similar solution to our client's requirements

This project has become an attractive home for many new residents of Calgary's northwest Skyview community.

Construction Progress for Sage Hill Townhomes!

Construction is underway for Sage Hill Towns!

This development by Logel Homes is in the northwest community of Sage Hill and features 52, three-storey townhomes across ten buildings. The landscaping includes private and common outdoor amenity space, with the common area defined by a central pergola for people to gather. With privacy as a priority we also included private fenced-in patios for majority of the units, and ensured each unit to have their own balconies.

There was an opportunity to have the grading of this parcel allow for two distinct entry styles. We designed one entry to be lower and be below the level of the garage entry. The second is similar to a split level— with the entry elevated at a landing between the garage and main living levels.

We are very pleased with how the Sage Walk Townhomes are coming along. Click below to learn more about the project and view more photographs of the construction progress!

What is Prefab? What is Modular? Let's Discuss!

What is Prefab? What is Modular? Let's Discuss!

Prefabrication describes any process where some of building construction happens off site. It offers efficiency and quality control not available on the construction site. Walls being framed off site and craned into place is an example of prefabrication.

Modular construction is a type of prefabrication where entire parts of the building are built off site, and then transported to the site as needed. Each module is self-contained including drywall, windows, cabinetry, toilets, flooring, plumbing, mechanical systems, electrical wiring, etc. This comprehensive assembly ensures that when the modules arrive at the construction site they are ready to be joined together on a foundation and connected to municipal services. Modular construction allows for homes to be completed on-site very quickly, with the entire project potentially being erected within a matter of days.

The modules for Avalon Master Builder’s Net Zero Seton Townhomes are produced by Grandeur Housing in Manitoba and erected by Big Block Construction. There is a module for each floor of each unit. They are transported by truck to the site and stacked via crane onto a site-built insulated concrete form foundation. Exterior finishes for this project will be applied post-assembly.

This is Gravity's first project of this kind—but not the last—as we are working with Avalon to complete a portion of the Greystone Towns project in Cochrane in the same manor. Stay tuned for exciting updates!

DP released for Avalon's Greystone Townhomes in Cochrane!

The Development Permit has been released for the Zen Greystone Townhomes by Avalon Master Builder!

These townhomes have been designed to meet the needs of various family sizes and provide energy-efficient solutions throughout its design. The classic gable roof, oriented for sun potential, can host a solar array for energy efficiency supporting Avalon's Net Zero strategy.

Avalon prioritizes Net Zero and Net Zero Ready homes in their projects, including this one. The Zen townhomes are available for rental-only and their Emerge projects will be available for purchase. We have collaborated closely with Avalon on various projects to help them meet their Net Zero goals, and we are proud to celebrate the strides forward we have made together through this journey.

The construction process for the walls of the homes will use a prefabricated method which will help the townhomes be built as efficiently and quickly as possible. Construction is just around the corner, so stay tuned for updates as things progress for the community of Greystone, in Cochrane, Alberta!

Click below to learn more about this exciting project!

DP Released for Avalon's Net Zero Mixed Use!

The Development Permit has been released for Avalon’s Net Zero Mixed Use building!

This mixed-use five-story building will feature 56 apartment units, ranging from 550 to 1250 square feet, available in one and two-bedroom configurations. It will also house Avalon’s new headquarters, several other commercial units, and provide an underground parkade.

What makes this project so exciting is that it is part of a larger Avalon development that includes Avalon's Seton Townhome project. All the buildings on this site will incorporate Net Zero initiatives. Further, the townhomes will be prefabricated to quickly meet the area's housing demand ensuring the construction process moves as efficiently as possible.

We initially explored a mass-timber approach to the structure of this building. This structure would have provided more open, flexible office spaces on the lower levels, yet allow the more compartmentalized one and two-bedroom units on the upper floors. During this exploration, we drew inspiration from the natural hierarchy of a tree—from trunk to branch to twig—to guide our design. Although we eventually decided against using mass timber due to the lower fire resistance requirements for this building size, the concept of a tree's natural hierarchy still influenced the final design, and is visible in the arrangement of balconies, windows, and material joints on the facade.

We are thrilled that this development permit release will now allow us to move forward with the construction phase. As the project progresses, we'll continue to share updates on this important project. Click the button below to learn more.

Introducing Lion, Our New Vancouver-based Project Architect!

Lion Urrego joined Gravity as a Project Architect in April 2024, bringing 18 years of experience and an innovative, motivated mindset to our Vancouver office.

Lion’s journey in architecture began in his childhood, inspired by his father's work in residential construction and fueled by his own passion for creating and building. This early exposure to construction sites and his hands-on experiences with wood projects ignited a curiosity and led him to pursue a career in architecture.

He is deeply fascinated by architecture because it continuously challenges his learning and involves building strong client relationships. His passion for people drives him to find innovative solutions to problems, creating opportunities for further design innovation.

His dream project would be to design a zero-carbon eco-village, harnessing green technology and site resources to create an environmentally friendly housing development. This self-sustainable community would focus on zero-waste living and eco-minded policies, enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

Throughout Lion’s 18 years in the industry he has made significant milestones and worked on various notable projects. His portfolio showcases a diverse range of projects, from single-family homes to multifamily high-rise residential buildings, industrial facilities, institutional structures, and large commercial buildings.

 Click the button below to visit Lions biography and learn more!

Construction Progress for Sun Peaks Switchback Creek!

A&T Developments Switchback Creek townhome project is nearing completion!

We have recently captured some summer photographs of A&T’s Switchback Creek townhome project that showcase the beautiful landscape and construction progress at the Sun Peaks resort. The townhomes will reside on the resort and will feature 17 structures with a total of 84 homes, addressing the need for middle-density housing. The resort will offer easy access to Sun Peaks Village with ski-in and ski-out convenience. Located near the east side of the resort’s property, the units range in size from 1300 to 1500 square feet and are available for purchase. Each townhome includes two parking stalls in a tandem garage, with the rear area designed to support a shop space for outdoor enthusiasts.

The project features exposed wood exteriors, Hardie Plank siding, and cedar shingles to complement the mountain resort aesthetic. Large windows were incorporated to ensure residents enjoy ample natural light and stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty.

To view more construction photos and learn about A&T’s Switchback Creek click below and be sure to stay tuned for the final updates of these townhomes!

Brentwood Renewal - Phase 1 DP is submitted!

The development permit has been submitted for the Brentwood Renewal Phase 1 Multi-Residential!

This is the first multi-residential building proposed for the Brentwood Homes site in the Woodcoft community of northwest Edmonton. It was designed within the guidelines of the Brentwood Master Plan that Gravity is co-leading with B&A Planning Group.

This Master Plan has been divided into eight phases, starting from the northwest corner of the site and progressing eastward, with the final phase on the northeast corner.

This first phase includes this 5-storey multi residential structure that will add 69 units to the Brentwood site. It will provide apartments ranging from 700 to 1,200 square feet, with both 2- and 3-bedroom size configurations.

Click below to read more about the Brentwood Renewal - Phase 1!

If you would like to learn more about the Brentwood Master Plan click here.

Crane Spotted at Shaganappi!

Crane!

Not only is the crane now on site at NAI Advent's Shaganappi Multi project, but the Development Permit was just released!

Adjacent to Bow Trail, the Shaganappi Multi will deliver 99 residential units in Calgary’s southwest community of Shaganappi. The development will provide studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom options for rent, ranging from 475 to 1200 square feet in area.

The unit identity, façade articulation, and balcony privacy are achieved through a pixelated three-dimensional composition integral to the architectural massing. This hyperarticulation responds to privacy adjacencies— smaller balconies with less glazing are located higher and positioned to reduce overlook into neighbours’ yards. Rectangular ‘pixels’ puncture the massing to carve outdoor amenity spaces within the façade while simultaneously facilitating porosity for natural lighting and views. The ‘C’ shaped building form was designed to maximize the number of units through the use of a double loaded corridor. As a result, a private amenity courtyard is naturally formed within the confines of the building mass, with a large portion of the available units having views to this sheltered landscaped space.

The Shaganappi Multi is a sister project to the Killarney Multi which is also making progress in construction!

Click below to find out more about the Shaganppi Multi!

Bowness 24 Multi Construction Almost Complete!

The construction for the Bowness 24 Multi Residential is making progress—we are excited to share an update on this unique addition to Calgary northwest community of Bowness!

The Bowness community is divided into two centres. The Main Street shops are situated on the east side of the CP mainline, while the community hall, high school, and grocery store are centrally located on the west side. Although Bowness is predominantly a low-density community, the western centre is adjacent to a pocket of multi-residential development.

The Bowness 24 Multi stands out as a more contemporary building compared to the neighbouring townhouse clusters and low-rise apartments. It provides much-needed density with 1 and 2 bedroom units and offers an urban interpretation of the smaller-scale multifamily buildings nearby. The building's design features an intentionally restrained palette the uses white Hardie lap siding against dark corrugated metal cladding, complemented by the warmth of the wood soffit. A low-sloped roof with generous overhangs reinforces the residential architectural language. Surface parking is provided at the rear of the building for both occupants and visitors.

Click below to learn more!

Net Zero for Arbour Lake!

We are proud to share the Emerge Arbour Lake townhome project by Avalon Master Builders - featuring seven Net Zero upper unit townhomes!

Avalon Master Builder and our design team closely collaborated on this project to pursue Net Zero and Net Zero-ready townhomes for Calgary’s Arbour Lake community. We are excited to celebrate our goal for Net Zero in all the upper units, while also ensuring the lower units are Net Zero ready.

The seven stacked, two-storey rental-only townhomes use rooftop solar panels and heat pumps to meet help achieve Net Zero for the upper units. The lower units are Net Zero ready. None of the units will be connected to a natural gas supply!

The project is will aim to be recognized as Alberta's only Net Zero and Net Zero ready multi-family community! The homes will also be one of the few rental-only spaces in the area, making them available for a variety of families and demographics.

Be sure to click below to learn more about Avalon's Emerge Arbour Lake Net Zero townhomes!

Killarney Multi Underway!

Strategically located just a few blocks away from Calgary's popular 17th Avenue — a commercial corridor and Main Street focused on further redevelopment - the Killarney Multi is a 96 unit building by NAI Advent that will soon become a significant addition to the area.

This multi-residential project will benefit from the new land use amendments and infrastructure improvements brought about by the redevelopment of the 37th Street Main Street. The architectural design of the project highlights unit identity, facade articulation, and balcony privacy with a pixelated three-dimensional look. Lower parts of the building have traditionally stacked balconies, while side-facing units have none to reduce overlook onto the adjacent low density housing. This design enhances visibility around the building edges, especially at the corner site. Rooftop amenity spaces are placed to maximize sun exposure and views, creating a visually appealing urban living environment.

There are numerous design considerations that went into this project—be sure to click below to read the full description on the Killarney Multi.

Progress at Summit 77!

Exciting progress is being made on the Summit 77 project by Partners Development Group!

Our latest photographs offer a expanded view into the site development of Summit 77, which will bring 22 rowhouse buildings to Calgary's Springbank Hill community. With a total of 110 units and a large parcel size of 5.28 ha, our design team had an opportunity to create more housing density for the area. This is an important consideration as the community consists of mainly single-family detached homes.

Click the button to read about the special considerations and challenges we navigated as we designed the Summit 77.

Video Release! 1601 Kensington Brought To Life.

Video Release! We are excited to showcase the proposed 1601 Kensington project.

This multi-story, mixed-use building was to be located on the western edge of the Kensington shopping district in northwest Calgary. Although the project has been suspended, we still wanted to showcase our vision for the project. Noel Heard, one of Gravity's Intern Architects, created the animations, and Bryce Baker from Clasual, produced the video. Together they created this visual narrative that illustrates the objectives and potential of 1601 Kensington.

This 8-story project was slated for development on the vacant lot at the southwest corner of Kensington Road and 14th Street NW. The project aimed to enhance the housing options in one of Calgary's most established communities. Our team remains enthusiastic and committed to creating similarly impactful multi-residential and mixed-use projects throughout BC and Alberta.

We hope you enjoy the video! Click below to learn more about the work and considerations that went into 1601 Kensington.

Meet Karley, our Marketing Coordinator!

Karley has always been drawn to a career in communications and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Communications degree at the Mount Royal University, majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. She is deeply passionate about storytelling and understands the value of strategic communication for organizations.

Her adventurous spirit has taken her to over 25 countries and now she has embraced another new territory… architecture! Through various opportunities during her years spent travelling and her studies, she has gained confidence in business development, marketing and communication. She is now well positioned to produce high quality work that resonates with Gravity’s audience.

Karley joined Gravity in November, 2023. Her adaptability and problem-solving skills have proven to be a great fit for Gravity’s communication and outreach goals. As Gravity continues to grow in this evolving industry, we’re very happy to have a team member like Karley who can adapt and quickly problem-solve. We are grateful to have Karley’s fresh perspectives and ability to identify opportunities to help grow Gravity’s reach.

We are excited to have her onboard and part of the Gravity family!

Celebrating Ten Years of Gravity Architecture: A Decade of Learning, Growth, and Success

Can you believe it? It's been a decade since Gravity Architecture first sprouted into the design scene, and what an incredible journey it has been! As we reflect on the past ten years, we're filled with gratitude and excitement for the milestones we've reached, the projects we've undertaken, and the relationships we've nurtured along the way.

First and foremost, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been a part of our journey. We're thrilled with the success we've had, and none of it would have been possible without the unwavering support of our clients, partners, and dedicated team members. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in us and our vision.

Speaking of clients, we've had the privilege of working with some truly outstanding individuals and organizations over the past decade. From innovative startups to established corporations, each project has presented us with unique challenges and opportunities for creative expression. We cherish the relationships we've built and look forward to collaborating on many more inspiring projects in the years to come.

At Gravity, we believe that our greatest asset is our people. Over the years, our team has grown to be one of the most productive and competent in the industry. We've invested in their professional development, fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation, and celebrated their achievements every step of the way. Together, we've achieved more than we ever thought possible, and we're excited to continue pushing the boundaries of design excellence.

One of the keys to our success has been our commitment to better than industry-leading project management processes and procedures. We've invested heavily in refining our workflows, streamlining communication, and always striving to meet our clients’ expectations. As a result, we've set the standard for excellence in our field and earned the trust of clients and partners alike.

But our commitment to excellence doesn't end here. As we look ahead to the next decade, we're already laying the groundwork for Gravity’s continued success. We're beginning succession planning to ensure that Gravity will be around for another decade and beyond, empowering the next generation of leaders to carry our legacy forward.

In addition to our thriving presence in Alberta, we're proud to announce that we're now in our fourth year in Vancouver. Our team and portfolio in BC continue to grow, as we explore new opportunities and push the boundaries of architectural innovation on both the West Coast and Interior. With dedicated contract administration teams in both provinces, we're poised for even greater success in the years to come.

Last but certainly not least, we're grateful for the strong relationships we've built with our core clients over the years. Our success is mutual, and we cherish the trust and confidence they've placed in us time and time again. As we look to the future, we're committed to continuing to exceed their expectations and deliver unparalleled value in everything we do.

It's hard to believe how far we've come in just ten short years. From a small team of fewer than ten, we've grown to almost 30 strong, with offices in two provinces and a reputation for excellence that precedes us. But amid all the growth and success, one thing remains unchanged: our passion for great design, our commitment to our clients, and our dedication to pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Here's to the next ten years and beyond! Thank you for being a part of our journey.