The newly unveiled design for Canada’s largest net-zero carbon residential community includes two towers that will create a new destination within Ottawa and form a striking gateway into LeBreton Flats. The development will be transit-oriented, mixed-income, mixed-use, and include unprecedented sustainability targets. Dream LeBreton is a partnership between real estate companies Dream Asset Management, Dream Impact, and local non-profit MultiFaith Housing Initiative.
The 2.5-acre Library Parcel site will become one of the first developments in the growing neighborhood that is part of the National Capital Commission’s Master Concept Plan. Consisting of two towers, 31 and 36 stories, the buildings will include 601 rental units, 41% of which will be classified as affordable.
The 247 affordable units will be earmarked for five target populations in need: Indigenous communities; women and children; immigrants/newcomers; veterans; and adults with cognitive disabilities. Of these, 132 will be operated and owned by MultiFaith Housing Initiative.
Perkins and Will and KPMB Architects designed the towers’ façade in collaboration with renowned Canadian artist Margaret Priest. Inspired by the Laurentian Forest and the historic red brick homes in neighboring communities, the façades will be cloaked in a vibrant red.
As the towers rise, the colors lighten, creating a slender appearance and drawing the eye to the sky. Taking advantage of the site’s location, the towers are intentionally rotated and offset to one another, ensuring all units benefit from beautiful views of Ottawa’s key landmarks, including Parliament Hill, Gatineau River, and Dow’s Lake.
Six-story podiums that terrace down will reveal a large active ground level that pays homage to indigenous principles and histories. Envisioned as a central gathering place, the all-season ground level offers opportunities to host ceremonies, events, public art, and serves as a vibrant destination for socializing and meeting.
Through a deep engagement process led by Innovation Seven with Indigenous elders, youth, and community members, the team will further develop and incorporate sacred and culturally significant features.
The community will be operationally net-zero carbon, LEED Gold, and One Planet Living accredited. To achieve these ambitious sustainability targets, the team will employ a high-performance building envelope, integrated photovoltaic solar panels, and natural daylight harvesting enhanced by the buildings’ orientations. In addition, natural plantings and non-toxic, regionally sourced materials will be used throughout the design.
On the project team:
Owner and/or developer: Dream LeBreton
Architects: Perkins and Will, KPMB
MEP engineer: Smith+Andersen
Structural engineer: RJC
Civil engineer: TY Lin
General contractor/construction manager: ElisDon
Related Stories
| Jan 6, 2015
Construction permits exceeded $2 billion in Minneapolis in 2014
Two major projects—a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings NFL team and the city’s Downtown East redevelopment—accounted for about half of the total worth of the permits issued.
| Jan 2, 2015
Construction put in place enjoyed healthy gains in 2014
Construction consultant FMI foresees—with some caveats—continuing growth in the office, lodging, and manufacturing sectors. But funding uncertainties raise red flags in education and healthcare.
Sponsored | | Dec 30, 2014
Case studies: Engineered wood brings cost savings, design flexibility across commercial project types
For commercial architects facing increasing pressure to design innovative structures while simultaneously cutting costs and accommodating tight deadlines, engineered wood systems are providing a welcome solution.
| Dec 28, 2014
Robots, drones, and printed buildings: The promise of automated construction
Building Teams across the globe are employing advanced robotics to simplify what is inherently a complex, messy process—construction.
| Dec 28, 2014
AIA course: Enhancing interior comfort while improving overall building efficacy
Providing more comfortable conditions to building occupants has become a top priority in today’s interior designs. This course is worth 1.0 AIA LU/HSW.
| Dec 28, 2014
6 trends steering today's college residence halls
University students want more in a residence hall than just a place to sleep. They want a space that reflects their style of living and learning.
| Dec 22, 2014
Studio Gang to design Chicago’s third-tallest skyscraper
The first U.S. real-estate investment by The Wanda Group, owned by China’s richest man, will be an 88-story, 1,148-ft-tall mixed-use tower designed by Jeanne Gang.
| Dec 17, 2014
ULI report looks at growing appeal of micro unit apartments
New research from the Urban Land Institute suggests that micro units have staying power as a housing type that appeals to urban dwellers in high-cost markets who are willing to trade space for improved affordability and proximity to downtown neighborhoods.
| Dec 15, 2014
SHoP Architects plans to turn NY's Seaport District into pedestrianized, mixed-use area
The scheme includes a proposed 500-foot luxury residential tower that would jut out into the harbor, extending the Manhattan grid out into the waterfront.
Sponsored | | Dec 3, 2014
Modular Space Showcase: Bringing work-life balance to energy workers in the Bakken region
To meet the demands of the booming energy business, Williston needs to provide homes, recreation centers, restaurants, hotels, and other support facilities for the tidal wave of energy workers relocating to the Bakken Shale area. SPONSORED CONTENT
