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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

University District Project Makes the News!

Check out Calgary Herald’s article on the University Towns project by Crystal Creek Homes!

Last week it was a pleasant surprise to see the highly anticipated University Towns project be featured in the Calgary Herald. This large park-facing parcel in the University District has definitely been generating some buzz, and with our Development Permit now submitted we look forward to keep our followers updated on this 40 unit, three-storey townhome development!

Calgary Herald’s article highlights a variety of features for the project including its prominent location west of the University of Calgary along with gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains. The article captures the luxurious features of these homes and it will undoubtedly spark excitement for future residents curious about University District living.

Click the button below to read the full article!

Seeing Results for Thrive Towns

Thrive Towns are seeing significant construction progress!

Maureen Carrigy, one of our Intern Architects, got to take a scenic drive south to Okotoks and captured a great shot of this stacked townhouse project by Partners Development Group. This development is a part of Anthem Properties’ 280-acre D’Arcy Ranch community overlooking the D'Arcy Ranch Golf Club and the Rocky Mountains to the West. It will include twelve three-storey buildings, each with either eight or ten units in a stacked configuration. The project consists of units that range from 1400 to 1500 square feet. Each unit features open floor plans and private outdoor spaces that include either at-grade patios or private balconies. 

All phases of our work relies on the close collaboration with our client and the consultants to ensure that each project when completed meets the team’s expectations. Maureen’s visit was one of many Gravity pays to the site over the course of construction to review progress and solve problems as they come up in the field. Our team is grateful to have such a great working relationship with engaged clients like Partners. We love celebrating the progress we are making together!

Click below to learn more about The Thrive Towns project and it’s the Prairie Style inspired architectural design. Also, consider subscribing to our newsletter from the sidebar to hear about more exciting Gravity projects ahead!

OPUS's 'The Nines' Breaking Ground!

We're thrilled to celebrate the progress on 'The Nines,' which OPUS recently broke ground on!

If you can spot the hardhat with the G on it, you'll see our principal, Trent, enjoying a sunny day with the eager project team all ready to get construction underway. 'The Nines' will be an 85-unit mixed-use development for OPUS, located at the intersection of Elbow Drive and Southland Drive in Calgary’s Haysboro community. We are now on our way to providing the community with a six-storey building featuring 16,000 square feet of retail space below the 85 apartments. Our updated renderings below give you a sneak peek of what's to come!

The residential units, ranging from 450 to 1300 square feet, will span the second to sixth floors. They will be available in one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations, each offering private balconies accessible from the main bedroom and living room.

One challenge encountered in the design was integrating an underground parking structure into the constrained depth resulting from the site's slope from one corner to the other. Our objective was to ensure barrier-free entrances from both streets, along with creating an inviting streetscape for both the main entrance and the retail areas facing the public streets.

We’re proud to be a part of a team providing more housing for Calgarians and opportunity for businesses.

As construction on 'The Nines' gets out of the ground, we'll continue to showcase its progress. To learn more about how we tackled the design challenges and explore the project’s unique features, click the button below!

University Towns Development Permit Submitted!

Gravity is delighted to share that we have submitted the development permit for the University Towns!

The University District Towns is a 40 unit townhome development for Crystal Creek Homes set out to provide empty nesters looking to downsize more housing options that won’t compromise their lifestyle. Each of the six buildings has between four and eight units and all offer a mix of two-to-three-bedroom configurations each just under 2,000 square feet.

Directly west of the site there will be a future park planned for residents to have direct access to. There will be an additional access point between two of the buildings that leads directly to the City’s regional pathway. Once the park to the west is complete, the townhouses will be surrounded by park space on three sides offering residents a beautiful green space to enjoy as their backyard.

To address the University District's request that this project not mimic the existing surrounding buildings, we chose darker and moodier exterior tones that still respond the modern aesthetic of the community. We complemented these tones with a long reddish brick, adding a sophisticated and classic touch to the contemporary massing.

The interior paved laneway grants residents access to 80 parking stalls inside private garages, and is accessible for visitors to walk through to reach the green space to the north from the street to the south. Additional parking for guests is available on the street.

Our clients recognized the importance of aging in place— therefore, each home has an elevator that goes to every floor. This represented a significant design challenge, but it wasn’t something Crystal Creek wanted to compromise on so we were able to successfully address this throughout the design process.

The development permit has just been submitted. We couldn’t be prouder to be the design team behind these inclusively designed homes.

Click the link below to read more and follow our socials to keep updated on University Towns progress!

Architectural Technologies Industry Night!

Our team had an exceptional time at SAIT’s AT Industry Night, hosted by the Architectural Technologies Student Association.

Last Thursday Gravity had the opportunity to speak with students about all things architecture and were able to answer some important questions they had. We know transitioning from school to the workplace can be an intimidating endeavour, so we were honoured to have the chance to ease some students’ minds and spark inspiration for their future careers.

We had select team members attend—all SAIT graduates—who poured their hearts into the event. Chris brought his energetic personality as he shared Gravity’s work and his experience as a Project Manager. He was joined by Intern Architect Maureen with her diverse industry background who is currently pursuing her registration as an architect, and by our passionate junior AT, Julianne who has adjusted to working at Gravity seamlessly since graduating from SAIT’s AT program in May 2023. There’s no doubt students were in good hands voicing their anxieties and excitement about this field.
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Students mentioned a few specific projects of Gravity’s that they used as inspiration for their own projects throughout the semesters—some including our Mission 19, Opus Nines, and Shaganappi Multi. This was very humbling to hear and we are grateful to see how our work can inspire new generations of students.

We thank SAIT for providing students with essential networking events like these and look forward to next year. It’s an easy yes for Gravity to attend when we get the chance to talk about what we love most!

Moving in to Mission Flats!

Gravity is pleased to share that residents are now calling Mission Flats home.

Mission Flats is a five-storey, 67 unit residential development by NAI Advent that was designed to fit in with both the traditional and modern brick apartment blocks that form the immediate context of this site. We also designed the building to have symmetrical massing to complement the adjacent older buildings. In addition, our team designed a thick roof that appears to float above the top floor, adding a contemporary element to the composition.

While residents are currently moving in during the winter, we are looking forward to springtime progress so the residents of the eleven garden suites can take advantage of the beautiful landscaped areas that will surround the building!

We thrive on finding solutions that add value for both our clients and the communities that we work in. One of our goals with this project was to efficiently offer Calgarians more housing options in the high-density community of Mission, and Mission Flats has achieved this. We are deeply passionate about addressing the housing needs of Canadians and take great satisfaction in witnessing the spaces we’ve designed being occupied with new residents.

To learn more about Mission Flats click below.