Our 2023 Year in Review

January 31, 2024 in Calgary, Vancouver

Gravity is proud to announce occupancy of 268 residential units and 10 commercial units last year.

These numbers are meaningful to us as they represent both the businesses and the individuals who now call these spaces home. Our ongoing transition from designing small-scale projects to being the architect for larger and more complex developments indicates our growing commitment to address the housing crisis that is having major impacts on all the communities we work in.

We recognise the housing challenges faced by many Canadians, and our goal is to continue to acknowledge this and find solutions that allow developers to produce high-quality, livable housing as efficiently as possible. As architects, we have a social responsibility that goes beyond just quantities. While we continue to work with developers to solve their practical problems with their projects, we are also focussed on design solutions that squarely meet each community needs.

Major cities like Vancouver are also facing hardships from a loneliness epidemic—meaning it is crucial that organizations seek out compassionate solutions to help support these efforts. Gravity is passionate about pushing the boundaries of what housing looks like, and the well-being of those who reside within it. With this in mind, our team is dedicated to contribute intuitive designs that offer residents not only spacious and light-filled rooms, but accessible and people-centred community that allow for human connection.

In addition to our commitment of addressing housing concerns, we are committed to designing more NetZero developments. It is important for our clients to know that we are not just thinking about the climate crisis, but taking action when it comes to sustainable housing.

We are proud of the achievements we made in the last year and motivated to continue to expand this work. Our 2024 approach will remain the same, as these challenges are not something that can be solved overnight but require an ever-evolving approach that aims to foster community engagement, encourage economic growth, support client success, and involve neighbourhoods in a more sustainable future.

We’re looking forward to 2024!

Seton West Phase 2 DP Approval

January 22, 2024 in Calgary, Permit

Development permit approved for this forward-thinking transit oriented development

Seton West Phase 2 is a three-building multi-residential project designed for Logel Homes on the south edge of the community of Seton. The development has three buildings with a total of 238 units and features two 4-storey buildings and one 5-storey. Bordered by a stormwater pond to the north and the future Green Line LRT platform to the east, making this an important development for small to medium sized families who value sustainability and accessibility. The landscape design offers exterior gathering spaces for opportunities to connect with neighbours and gather with friends and family via a shared pathway system. Additionally, off-leash dog areas are accessible from the walking paths allowing residents the freedom to explore with their furry companions. This LRT Line is highly anticipated by Calgarians, and Seton West’s convenient access—along with its impressive landscape—allows first-time home owners, families, or retired individuals to enjoy these amenities with ease and comfort.

Each building, housing 1- and 2-bedroom units, features large black frames that integrate the balconies into the façade, creating a striking visual effect. These frames are consistent in height across all the buildings, establishing a cohesive horizontal datum that is complemented by a clean, uninterrupted roofline. The entrances to each building are marked by distinct rectangular white arches, supporting canopies that accompany the black frame elements. The buildings have been designed for maximum sun exposure, therefore units will have light-filled spaces, open floor plans, and large balconies.

We are thrilled to share this Development Permit approval and further modernize residential design, with the added benefits of nature, convenience and community. Click here to find more information on this project.

Inspiring Conversations at Vancouver's Fireside Housing Conference

January 18, 2024 in Vancouver, Events

We are at a pivotal moment in addressing the housing crisis in British Columbia and Alberta, and the recent Fireside chat event hosted by ULI BC with Minister Ravi Kahlon is a testament to this. A significant takeaway from last Thursday night's dialogue was Housing Minister Rav Kahlon's emphasis on resilient communities starting with robust housing solutions.

Minister Kahlon's discussion on the government's initiatives to build homes near transit, enable small-scale multi-unit homes, and reform outdated zoning practices, reflects Gravity’s objectives. Our recent work with Avalon Master Builder has been aimed at creating NetZero energy and NetZero energy-ready townhouse developments that are forward thinking and give multi-generational and middle-income earners an opportunity to participate in the journey towards sustainable housing.

We are motivated to continue this type of work as is are crucial for democratizing sustainability and accessibility without compromising quality of life. As design professionals our role is to proactively make our buildings future-proof in a meaningful way, offering more choices to individuals and families.

Despite the recent snowfall in Vancouver causing some delays, the turnout at the event was impressive. The inclement weather did not discourage many eager professionals and was a fantastic opportunity for our team to learn and collaborate on future innovative housing solutions. Thank you for having us ULI BC!

You can find more information on this event here.

Zen Mahogany NetZero Towns & Care Facility DP Approved!

January 17, 2024 in Calgary, Permit

Our team is thrilled to announce the DP approval for the Zen Mahogany NetZero Residential & Care Facility!

Situated in Calgary's southeast community of Mahogany, this project an example of sustainable and family-oriented development. It features a mix of residential buildings, including several townhome typologies offering a total of 144 residential units with 1-3 bedroom configurations.

A key aspect of this development is its integrated Care Facility, which provides 24/7 support for individuals with diverse care needs. Our goal with this design is to help keep multi-generational families together and to help curb the loneliness epidemic. We ensured to foster a connection with the outdoors, as that is essential for mental health and well-being, especially for those with limited mobility.

Responding to the client’s design brief, this building’s exterior imbues a sense of warmth with durable materials reflecting a wood-grain metal cladding, white board and batten, and black metal siding, accented with mass timber elements, maximizing the allowable glazing on each side to achieve airy, light-filled rooms. In addition to residential spaces, the development includes outdoor amenities like landscaped patios and covered porches with built-in seating.

We are driven by the challenge to continually address zoning, density, and accessibility issues and are excited with the progress achieved alongside Avalon Master Builders in taking steps towards creating more sustainable and inclusive living environments.

For more information on this project click here.

Welcome Julianne, our New Architectural Technologist!

January 09, 2024 in Calgary, Studio

Julianne Brewer is a talented and focused technologist who has demonstrated sensitivity in her understanding of the creative and practical elements of architectural design. She began her architectural career with a specialisation in Architectural Technologies, and joined Gravity after graduating from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in 2023. Her education featured notable achievements like winning the 2022 Offsite Design Competition and earning the Pacific Capital Properties Corp. (PCRE) SAIT AT Capstone Award for a mixed-use modular construction project.

Known for her collaborative and amiable predisposition, Julianne possesses the requisite technical education and background that endows her with fundamental skills for creative problem solving—her desk is always organised!

As an integral part of our production team, Julianne works closely with the Principals, Project Architects and Project Managers to ensure that the technical aspects of each project align with the client’s vision with accuracy and integrity.

In her spare time, she reads and draws, loving to explore the intersection between art and science. A true knowledge-seeker and an innovative thinker, Julianne is steadily working toward becoming a registered architect and aspires to push the boundaries of residential design, making it more sustainable, accessible, and beautiful. She is also interested in other typologies, such as care home design and supportive design for vulnerable persons. We are thrilled to have Julianne become part of Gravity’s growing family.

Richmond Fourplex Rowhouse Complete!

December 15, 2023 in Calgary

Optima has now completed the Richmond Fourplex, located in the vibrant southwest community of Richmond. Drawing influence from the Rocky Mountains, the project features a dynamic roofline and strategic stepped architecture to address the challenges of its steep site.

Consisting of four units, each with a basement suite, the Richmond Fourplex prioritizes spacious, light-filled interiors, utilizing large west-facing windows to maximize natural light, creating inviting living spaces. Recognising the importance of privacy in multi-family housing, the design includes private above-grade rear patios, sunken patios, and detached garages for each unit.

We employed a stepped design, adapting to the slope and forming a visually appealing, slope-adaptive building to address the challenge of creating a spacious rowhouse on a steep site. The innovative use of the garage as a retaining wall reduces the need for additional structures between the houses, resulting in a well-massed building that accommodates 4 livable homes and 4 generously spaced basement suites.

Keep your eyes peeled for this mountain-inspired building next time you're visiting the community of Richmond! For more information on this project, click the button below.

Learn more

Advent's Killarney Multi DP Approval

November 29, 2023 in Calgary

The Development Permit for Advent’s Killarney Multi has just been approved!⁠

We are pleased to announce there is more housing coming to Calgary! Characterized by a facade with an alternating pattern of white aluminum and charred wood-toned cladding, this 78,000 ft², 6-storey building will contain 96 units along the 37th Street SW “Mainstreet” corridor, providing convenient access to transit and amenities. We are very grateful (and pleasantly surprised!) for the overall excitement and acceptance of this project from the community of Killarney into their established but evolving neighbourhood, as their support made the Development Approval process constructive and quick.

Offering 1, 2, and 3-bedroom configurations spanning 470 ft² to 1300 ft² layouts, units boast generous oversized balconies, underground parking, and rooftop amenity spaces that are contextually responsive to views and sun exposure. This design aims to enhance the quality of life for occupants and offers opportunities for social collisions and deeper engagement with neighbours in the fully landscaped, interior courtyard.

Since the DP submission, we’ve made some changes to the façade: The Killarney Multi’s exterior will now be complimented by a soft white corrugated metal siding, which will provide a deeper contrast to the wood and metal elements found elsewhere on the exterior design.

Find out more here.

Introducing Aivee Gososo, our BC-based Project Manager

November 28, 2023 in Vancouver, Studio

In March, while driving around West Kelowna looking at upcoming project sites, we were also on the phone negotiating with Aivee Gososo to join our team. Our portfolio in BC was (and is) growing, and we needed an experienced project manager to help with the workload.

Aivee was bringing over a decade of professional experience with her. Aivee’s portfolio featured an extensive array of project types such as residential, industrial, commercial and institutional. As well, she had strong knowledge and experience in securing municipal/city approvals for different types of development in and around the Lower Mainland.

Aivee is a graduate of the Architecture program at Technological University of the Philippines. Immediately after completing this program, she embarked on her career and worked with one of the sought-after firms in the Philippines. Immersing herself in both architectural design and project management, working with different teams of consultants and engineers for commercial, healthcare and institutional projects.

In 2011, Aivee achieved her professional certification as an Architect in the Philippines. In the same year, she moved to Canada where she started working with MQN Architects in the Okanagan.

Born and raised in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, Aivee missed the liveliness of the big city and decided to move to the Lower Mainland in 2015 where she then worked with Aplin & Martin Consultants as one of the pioneers in the Architectural Department.

Luckily the negotiations went well and Aivee signed up with Gravity as a Project Manager! She’s been spearheading a wide range of Gravity’s BC projects ever since.

Hey Vancouver, we've moved!

November 20, 2023 in Vancouver, Studio

Hey Vancouver, we've moved!⁠

You can now find our team working on your projects in our new Coal Harbour office.

Gravity has been operating in British Columbia since 2019. It was challenging to start up in a new market during the pandemic, but we nevertheless managed to meet some great clients and have some exciting BC projects underway. With our growing BC team, we decided it was time to invest in a new office.

With thanks to Cam Bertsch at JLL, we were able to find a perfect space at #820 1199 West Pender Street! Furniture was delivered last week and the network was set up over the weekend. There are still some finishing touches to take care of, but we're up and running there this week.

Hopefully the team can get some work done without getting distracted by the view of Coal Harbour!

OPUS's The Nines DP Approval

October 02, 2023 in Calgary

The Development Permit for OPUS's The Nines has just been approved!⁠

‘The Nines’ project is a mixed-use development Gravity designed for OPUS at the intersection of Elbow Drive and Southland Drive in Calgary’s Southwood community (just south of Haysboro). This six-storey project features 16,000 sqft of retail space facing the streets and 85 apartments above. We designed the retail space to be subdividable into three bays. The structure of the commercial ground level is concrete while the residential levels above are wood-framed. The primary cladding of this development is textured glass-fibre reinforced concrete panels set against the warmth of wood-toned metal siding.

Find out more here.

Welcome Maricris!

September 18, 2023 in Calgary, Studio

We are very happy to announce that Maricris Ussher joined the Gravity team as a Project Architect in 2023.

Maricris received her Bachelor of Design from the University of Alberta in 2005. In 2007, she was hired at Rockliff Pierzchajlo Architects (now Rockliff Pierzchajlo Kroman Architects), and she worked there for over four years where she gained experience in building design and the construction process. The people and the work experience inspired her to pursue further education in architecture.

In 2013, Maricris graduated from the Master of Architecture program at the University of Calgary. As part of the program, she studied in Barcelona for a semester and took courses in the Netherlands and California. She enjoyed studying in Spain and travelling to neighbouring countries where she experienced the local architecture and design in person.

Maricris worked at various firms both large and small and gained valuable design and construction experience in commercial, institutional, continuing care, office, industrial, residential, mixed-use, and community projects. Clients and colleagues have appreciated her care and attention to detail with every project.

With over 16 years of experience, Maricris joined Gravity Architecture in early this year as a Project Architect. She is currently overseeing projects in all phases of the architectural process.

Centre Street Commercial

September 11, 2023 in Calgary

This 14,393 SF, single-storey retail building was completed in the summer of 2023. It is located in the Highland Park neighbourhood of Calgary, filling the block end from 42nd Avenue to 43rd Avenue along Centre Street N.

The building represents a modest increase in the intensity of land use, replacing five mid-twentieth century bungalows with nine commercial retail units. The building is slope adaptive, with four different slab levels to meet the street as it slopes down to the south.

The massing is constrained by the parking lot on the west side, the road widening setback on the east side, and the corner view triangles at the northeast and southeast corners of the site. Rather than allowing for the view triangles by cutting the conventional 45 degree chamfers out of the plan, we accommodated these setbacks by subtly angling part of the east wall and all of the north wall. We then took these gentle angles and applied them to the parapet walls. This slight adjustment transformed what could have been a plain box into a dynamic form that appears to have the potential to spring.

Most of the entries and protected by a broad eave, but the two units the project the most towards the street share a glass and steel canopy.

All the parking is hidden in the back accessed from the rear lane allowing the street frontage to be a landscaped and uninterrupted pedestrian area. Regularly spaced street trees will shade the broad sidewalk encouraging outdoor uses in the summer.

With long term plans for the Green Line transit route running up Centre Street, this project is the beginning of the transformation of this arterial street into an urban commercial corridor serving both local and regional needs. This project is located just three blocks north of the future 40th Avenue N Green Line station.

Bryce Baker at Clasual photographed this project for us.

We're Seeking a Contract Administrator

September 07, 2023 in Calgary, Studio

Gravity is currently hiring for a variety of roles across our Vancouver and Calgary offices, including a Senior Contract Administrator.

In this role, the selected candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring the successful execution of our architectural projects by overseeing contract administration and construction administration processes. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in contract management and construction administration within the architectural field.

To learn more about additional roles we are currently hiring for, please visit our careers page.

Congratulations Maureen!

September 05, 2023 in Calgary, Studio

Congratulations to Maureen Carrigy on becoming registered as an Intern Architect with the Alberta Association of Architects!

Maureen joined Gravity Architecture in early 2023 with nearly a decade of experience in the architectural world as an Architectural Technologist. She graduated with honours from SAIT’s Architectural Technology program in 2014. Then Maureen enrolled at the University of Calgary to broaden her perspective and expand on her design skills. She completed a Bachelors of Arts in 2017, majoring in ancient history, followed by the completion of her Masters in Architecture in 2022.

We’re thrilled to have her on the team!

Crescent Heights Commercial Completion

August 28, 2023 in Calgary

Construction has been completed on this two-storey commercial building we designed for 1105 Edmonton Trail NE in Calgary’s Crescent Heights neighbourhood. As more of Edmonton Trail matures into a commercial main street, the owners of this residential property saw the opportunity to capitalize on this change. This modest commercial building now provides nearly 5,900 SF of office space on two floors. It is wood frame, and clad clad in durable yet stylish Hardie panelling and pre-finished corrugated steel siding. The upper floor massing is broken into two principal elements, and either projects or recedes from the main floor. The projection on the north facade protects the walkway that runs parallel to the adjacent lane.

We’re excited to continue our contribution to the ongoing redevelopment of Edmonton Trail by helping bring this modest commercial building to the the community of Crescent Heights.

Thanks go to Bryce Baker at Clasual for the photography of the completed project!

Meredith at Edmonton Trail Construction Update

August 17, 2023 in Calgary, Construction

This summer has seen the project we designed on Meredith at Edmonton Trail start to take it’s final form.

The original building on this site was addressed to Meredith Road, however the main entrance for the new building faces east, so the new address is 63 Edmonton Trail NE.

As a mixed use building, the structure is a combination of reinforced concrete and wood frame. The uppermost concrete floor is the second floor, creating a fire rated assembly between the retail and residential uses. The third floor and roof are wood frame. With the framing complete earlier in the year, and most of the upper floor windows in place, the cladding is currently being installed. In these construction images taken by Bryce Baker, the playful wave of variegated metal panels is taking shape.

Learn more about this project.

Mission Flats June 2023 Construction Update

July 31, 2023 in Calgary, Construction

Advent’s five-storey Mission Flats multi-residential in Calgary’s Mission neighbourhood has been fully framed and the installation of membranes and cladding are underway!⁠

This five-storey residential development was designed by Gravity for NAI Advent. The contractor, Trimount, has completed the framing and roofing, has installed the windows, and is currently working on the interior and exterior finishes.

The building contains 67 residential units, including 11 garden suites, above a two-storey underground parkade. Parking is accessed from the lane to ensure an uninterrupted pedestrian environment along the stately, tree-lined street the building faces. This apartment-style condominium building was designed to fit in with the neighbouring modernist brick apartment blocks by borrowing both their brick materiality and symmetrical aesthetic. In a more traditional gesture, the roof playfully floats over the top floor.

We asked Bryce Baker to take these new images of construction progress. Learn more about this project.

Ascension Block Townhomes

July 24, 2023

We are excited to share a new townhome development in central Edmonton that Gravity designed for Cantiro. Ascension Block by Cantiro is an eleven-unit townhome development located in the central Edmonton neighbourhood of Westmount. This project is a two-building development on an irregularly shaped parcel. “Ascension” was chosen as the name because the site of the development was once a meeting spot for people as they came up from the adjacent ravine. These townhomes are also “moving people up” from the suburban lifestyle to a more central and urban location.

The odd shape of the property provided a challenge when considering the density increase, parking, vehicle access and overall unit efficiency. However, by having the North Building follow the West property line and the South Building step along its West property edge, we were able to best utilize the irregular parcel. This configuration allowed for the density increase Cantrio was looking for, in addition to creating units that meet and exceed market expectations for this built form.

The exteriors of the development are clad with a mix of brick, stucco, metal siding and corrugated metal panels. Incorporating the use of perforated metal panels adds a layer of pattern to the facade, but also provides screening and privacy. The geometric pattern of the perforations provides the illusion of 3D cubes and this complements the linear characteristics of the base material choices. The use of the panels is echoed throughout the design and further utilized as privacy screens between units.

The eleven homes are all three storeys in height and range in size from 2,098 sqft to 2,484 sqft. Each home features three bedrooms and a den and has a private, attached double-car garage. Ascension Block provides both at-grade and upper patio spaces on the front facade to promote a more integrated connection to the residential context to the west.

Construction started on Ascension Block just a few weeks ago. Find out more here.

Sage Walk Towns DP Approval

July 17, 2023 in Calgary, Permit

We are excited to announce that the development permit for the Logel Sage Hill townhouse development in the northwest community of Sage Hill has been approved! This project was design by Gravity for Logel Homes and features 52, three-storey townhomes across ten buildings. The exteriors are clad with a combination of James Hardie panels and TrueGrain Series siding. We designed the homes to each be identifiable through the massing of the building.

pLAnt Studio designed the landscaping including the private and common outdoor amenity space. The common space is defined by a central pergola. The majority of the units have private fenced-in patios, and all of the units have their own balconies. Because these balconies are inset into the buildings, residents have private outdoor spaces.

The grading of this parcel provided the opportunity to create two distinct entry styles. One entry is lowered and is below the level of the garage entry. The other is more like a split level, where the entry is elevated at a landing between the garage and main living levels. The floor plans have been designed with three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and a flex space that could be used as an additional bedroom. Homeowners will have the option to upgrade the bedroom level to a two-bedroom, two-suited bathroom layout.

A public pathway was coordinated to connect the City's sidewalks in the community to the north with the adjacent environmental reserve pathway that runs along the west property line.

Find out more about this development here.

The Nines

May 12, 2023

This proposed development is situated on a largely vacant lot beside the Southwood branch of the Calgary Public Library. Homes on the second to sixth-floor range in size from 470 to 1300 sqft and are available in one, two and three bedroom configurations. Every unit has a private balcony which are expressed as an egg-crate grid on the building facade. For the three-bedroom units, a larger balcony is separated into two zones with part accessible from the main bedroom and part from the living room. Parking for this development is provided by a single-level of underground parking, some surface parking, and secure bike storage on the main floor for residents. There are rooftop amenity spaces for both commercial and residential tenants.

One of the project challenges was burying an underground parkade within the limited depth available given the topographical slope from one corner of the site to the other. The goal was to achieve barrier free access from both streets and a welcoming streetscape for the main entry and the retail spaces along the public streets.

This project was submitted for development permit application in May of 2023.

To learn more about this development, please visit OPUS’ website.