The Plant
The Plant
The Plant is located at the confluence of radically varied urban conditions. To the west is a formerly busy industrial zone that has now been mostly replaced by high-rise condominiums. To the east, CAMH has been undergoing a wholesale transformation from a Victorian era mental hospital to a modern institutional campus. To the south used to be another busy industrial area but was redesigned in the 70’s to faux Victorian stacked townhouses. To the north are actual Victorian semis and row houses leading to a vibrant and fashionable main street.
The base of The Plant nearly fills the site. It is kept to two stories so as not to overwhelm the adjacent Victorian structures whose peaks and gables poke above the datum of The Plant. This two-level podium contains commercial, and office uses as a small gesture towards the restoration of workspaces which once made the neighbourhood so fascinating.
The upper residential component of the Plant steps back significantly from the intersection. This is to celebrate the small-scale construction to the south (and the railway R.O.W. beyond) providing open sky views in an increasingly congested city. The stepped-back design also offers desirable south-facing views from the large triangular balconies on the west-facing residences. The available roof-top of the podium provides large terraces for units on the first residential level, which are mostly two storey units designed to accommodate families.
The residences above have a wider structural grid than typically used in condominium construction. The wider units allow for plenty of light and access to views and allows for floor plans that provide generous cooking and dining areas. Top floor units have access to large terraces with spectacular views. The south end of the building contains special units with three exposures. Additionally, a light shaft on the north end provides cross ventilation for adjacent units and natural light to the corridor.
Collaborators
CMV Architects
Photo Credits
Riley Snelling
Recognition
2020 Urban Toronto Reader’s Favourite New Building