Project Description
Located in the heart of Toronto's infamous and eclectic Kensington Market district, this 3-storey, mixed use building was borne out of the Owner's desire to create a new landmark within a neighbourhood that he has been fond of since childhood. It consists of a new home for the Kensington Brewing Company on the ground floor, a commercial office on the second, and four executive rental apartments on the third. The facade is composed of materials that suggest a dichotomy reflective of the struggle between Kensington Market's past and future, married to one another within a relatively narrow lot frontage; two-thirds consists of contemporary, high-iron content brick accented with crisp, clear anodized aluminum awnings above each storey, while the final third harkens back to the Market's gritty and more organic history by virtue of a sculptural, Cor-Ten steel-clad elevator shaft with backlit perforated letters spelling out the Market's namesake. This in effect creates a subtle beacon, now familiar to visitors and residents of the neighbourhood alike. Perforated black steel guards on the second and third floor Juliette balconies echo this language of industrial materials, also utilised on nearby buildings. The apartments incorporate many space-saving design solutions, including murphy bed units that collapse onto couch bases, instantly transforming living rooms into bedrooms without moving furniture, and kitchens equipped with highly organized storage solutions and concealed appliances, like an under-sink dishwasher drawer. Several lighting options fitted to high, coved ceilings add to the illusion of a much larger suite, each of which contains its own washer/dryer. The building was also designed to recycle harvested rainwater collected from the roof for use in flushing toilets and incorporates materials, finishes and energy efficient technologies.