Travel Notes – Ireland

Walking through the leafy grounds of University College Cork on a warm September afternoon, we were looking forward to visiting The Glucksman. I had noticed it in a travel guide, and while visits to Europe are usually thought of as an opportunity to see old things, I've often found that I've discovered a newer world there.

The Lewis Glucksman Gallery in Cork was completed in 2004. It was designed by the renowned Irish architectural firm O'Donnell + Tuomey, known for their innovative and context-sensitive designs. The building has received numerous awards for its architecture, including the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Award.

As we walked up the entry path from the River Lee, the building came into view. Perched lightly above its surroundings, the building seemed to float—its curvilinear, modern massing contrasting beautifully with the mature trees and historic campus. The design, with its wood-paneled façade and channel glass reveals, seemed almost weightless, as though it's final placement within the natural setting of the campus was still pending.

The entry is a transparent glass block that was slid into the horizontal reveal between the podium below and the gallery above. Within this two storey space, a long stair invited us up into the exhibition spaces.

Each gallery has a large window that directed our attention to different vistas of the tree canopy, campus or city. Broad wooden stairs coaxed us up from gallery to gallery ultimately to a terrace that offered views across the River Lee Valley.

Exhibitions included Groundwork, which invited us to reflect on humanity’s connection to the land. The pieces ranged from sweeping landscapes rendered in oil to intricate sculptures made from natural materials. Another exhibition, Stories of Art, was equally captivating. It wove Irish narratives through a variety of media, linking personal histories to broader cultural contexts.

After exploring the galleries, we returned down to the entry plaza and passed by the café. Nestled by the riverside, it offered a tranquil spot to sit and process the experience. The sound of the rustling leaves blended with the clink of cutlery and the hum of conversation, creating a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere to reflect on the visit.

We left along the river path to enjoy the rest of the campus. From across the meadow, we paused to look back at the The Glucksman expecting to see it floating impossibly above the green. It had, however, disappeared; we couldn't see it through all the trees.

Stephen Barnecut
Architect and Principal at Gravity Architecture

Development Permit Approved for Greystone South Townhomes!

The Development Permit has been approved for Avalon Master Builder's Emerge Greystone South!

This multi-family townhome development will introduce 58 homes to the Town of Cochrane, featuring two distinct building types: stacked townhouses and three-storey units with double garages. The simple shed forms of the townhouse buildings take inspiration from the industrial areas that surround the community that have over time been repurposed over time into more urban spaces. The exteriors feature simple massing, bold materials, and a pop of colour on the entry doors.

The project is just north this project is our Zen Greystone project, which are Avalon's Net Zero townhouses for purchase.

Click the button to read more on this project!

Welcome Paul!

We're excited to welcome Paul, our newest Project Architect, to Gravity Architecture's Calgary office! With almost a decade of experience, Paul brings his breadth of experience and creativity to the team. He began his career in architecture after completing a Business Degree at Mount Royal University, later earning his Master of Architecture from the University of Calgary in 2016.

Paul's architectural journey started during his time working with a home builder during his undergraduate studies. His career has included time at both a design-build firm to a boutique architecture studio, allowing him to hone his skills across a range of both modest and high-end residential projects.

One of his standout achievements is his participation in the Winter City Design competition, where he showcased his innovative project “Illumine” for the City of Calgary. This award-winning public project underscores his passion for creating community-focused spaces.

We are thrilled to have him join the Gravity team! To learn more about Paul click the button below!

The Guild – Calgary's University District Luxury Townhomes!

This week, CTV News Calgary interviewed Crystal Creek Homes’ Sales Manager, Andrea Irwin, about the highly anticipated Guild Townhomes in the University District. The Gravity team is thrilled to hear about the public's enthusiasm for these homes and is proud to be part of this buzz-worthy development, which will offer luxury spaces for residents seeking low-maintenance living with high-quality features—including elevators in each unit!

Calgary's University District is rapidly expanding and has become one of the most sought-after areas in the city. During the CTV interview, Irwin shared that building luxury homes in such a desirable location is what truly sets Guild Townhomes apart.

Whether designed for empty nesters looking to embrace modern living with comfort and convenience as a priority, or for families who will appreciate the 2-3 bedroom floorplans and customizable design elements, the Guild Townhomes are sure to meet a variety of lifestyle needs. Irwin highlighted, “We have a wide variety of buyers that are looking towards living at Guild townhomes, the maintenance free living, whether you're busy working long hours or simply just wanting to lock and leave and go travel for six months, Guild offers this maintenance-free living."

CTV also asked for more details about what makes these homes truly luxurious. “What makes them unique and so incredible is that we are offering private elevators for every one of our town homes. So whether you use it as a service list for groceries, luggage or perhaps mobility issues, it takes you all the way from your ground level to your private rooftop terrace.,” explained Irwin.

Gravity solved Crystal Creek’s challenges regarding how to integrate these elevators into each unit of the three-storey buildings. Because an elevator pierces each floor plate inflexibly, our team designed the elevators to fit into a fixed location on each floor while still maintaining easy access to essential spaces throughout the homes.

Click the link here to watch the full CTV interview! You can also access our page with more details on Gravity’s design process and the challenges we solved for these homes by clicking the button below.

You might not have met Jayelene before!

With over 15 years of experience in bookkeeping, Jayelene brings to Gravity her hard-working mindset and passion for numbers.

Since 2012, she has been an integral part of the team, originally just doing our books, but over time growing into managing the firm’s financial operations. Her journey into bookkeeping began in the mid-2000s at a transportation company. When our last bookkeeper left to start a family, we heard that Jayelene—one of Stephen's wife's friends—had been doing a little bookkeeping. She was open to helping us out, and after Stephen showed her what little he knew, she started taking care of business!

While pursuing her affinity with accounting, she also works at The Reading Foundation—a private remedial therapy clinic—working with and teaching people reading, writing and mathematics. She has taught clients as young as three and as old as sixty—showcasing her dedication to helping people of all ages succeed.

What Jayelene enjoys most about working in an architecture firm is the opportunity to collaborate with a creative team and seeing the steps involved in designing all sorts of different projects. Jayelene's job knowledge, dedication to her work, and effervescent presence make us grateful to have her on our team!

Student Research! Let's Discuss Single-Stair Housing

Gravity Architecture is pleased to be partnering with the University of Calgary’s School of Architecture, Planning + Landscape this fall as we research the implications and policy amendments surrounding single-stair egress in medium density residential projects - also known as a Point Access Block (PAB) development. Through SAPL’s Workplace Integrated Learning program, Gravity is collaborating with a cohort of 5 senior SAPL M.Arch students to explore the qualities of PAB, led by our own SAPL alumni: Noel Heard and Maureen Carrigy.

This summer, the government of British Columbia announced their intention to change the BC building code to allow for small residential apartment buildings (up to six storeys) to be built with only one means of egress - a single exit stairwell core. This type of development is common outside of North America and at Gravity we are often impressed by international buildings that utilize this technique as they offer a level of efficiency to small sites that our current building practices don’t allow for in Canada. The potential that PAB design offers to expand the range of housing available in the British Columbia market will be immensely impactful in mitigating the housing crisis. PAB provides a new set of tools that will allow developers to build residential architecture more efficiently and on a wider range of sites. To ignite our research and hopefully curate a proposal that supports policy change in favour of PAB’s, we looked to jurisdictions in North America already experimenting with this typology, such as Seattle, and made the decision to have our research team participate in the Buildner Denver Single-Stair Housing Challenge for Point Access Block housing. By participating in the competition, we believe this will provide our research team the best opportunity to develop a strong, robust, proposal and provide a mechanism that effectively tests the potential of Point Access Block in very realistic conditions.

Point Access Block (PAB) housing is a common and efficient residential design method used in urban environments across most of the world, especially Europe. This design approach, characterized by a single staircase that serves all units, supports high-density living, promotes walkable neighborhoods, and enhances urban sustainability through the utilization of smaller infill sites otherwise left undeveloped. However, despite these benefits, this housing typology is largely absent in North America due to stringent building codes that mandate dual staircases for building egress above two or three stories. These restrictive regulations have contributed to the housing crisis by limiting the diversity and affordability of housing options given the land-area requirements for traditional multi-housing development.

Over 12 weeks of researching and experimenting, we aim to explore and highlight the limitations of restrictive building codes and strive for change to allow for the Single-Stair building typology. By showcasing innovative designs, the studio seeks to influence building code changes that will allow for more diverse, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions in North America. Our goal is to research, learn, and ultimately curate feasible designs to submit to the Denver Single-Stair Housing Challenge. Split into two research teams, the students have been enlisted with designing a mid-rise, single stair residential building on a site outlined by the competition brief, under the mentorship of Gravity Architecture. The designs will maximize the potential of the site, promote sustainability, enhance the visual and functional character of the neighborhood, and be respectful of realistic budgets and construction practices. By participating in a design competition based in Denver, it is our goal to use the lessons learned to better understand how change can be implemented within the Canadian context.

The Red Fox Lodge in Kamloops, BC is now complete!

A&T Development's Red Fox Lodge is now complete! The building stands beautifully amidst the autumn leaves in Kamloops, BC. This four-storey, 58-unit building will allow the resort to attract skilled and in demand staff by providing on-site accommodation. Situated on a slope above Sun Peaks Road and McGillivray Creek, its central location will allow residents easy access to all areas of the resort for both work and play.

We have been working with A&T Developments on a variety of projects for the Sun Peaks Ski Resorts. Stay tuned for more updates!

Click below to read more about Sun Peaks Red Fox Lodge building!

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!