The three residences are located at each corner of the triangular shape of the structure. It makes the unit more compact in such a longitudinal space. Also, this would provide interaction of space and enhance the spatial experiences of the residents. This design introduces a private roof top garden, a large atrium and a skylight for each family to the building. The cantilever structure provides entrance to the courtyard, a communal space, in the center of the site, which increases the chance of interaction between neighbors.

The narrow longitudinal units allows sunlight penetrate in the interior and illuminate the space. It also optimizes the ability of the units at the north side receive sunlight during the winter when the sun angle is low. The structure is very different from the adjacent building but since the part at the north it is suitable like a landmark at the site. The interaction of space in the project promotes the interaction of communication between neighbours and at the same time allows residences to have private moment.

Pedestrian road is provided toward the community park at the North of the site. The space underneath acts a gate indicates the transition from public to less public space. The exterior wall is covered with wood so that it fits into the context building in terms of aesthetic sense. (The façade of adjacent buildings are natural materials, either wood or brick) There is no garage in the design because the project is promoting the use of public transits, bicycle and foot travel. It will also allows more chance for interaction between neighbours. (research diagram refer to phase 1 - Context) The nearest bus stops are 5 minutes walk from the site. Roadside parking is available for visitors.

The programmatic design follows a set of rule but at the same time modified according to specific family needs. Two people family has a wide-open plan for energy efficiency and flexibility of space. Children’s rooms in four and six family residence are built with a loft to provide more space for two or more children and possibility to separate different function. Working and sleeping spaces are separated as each residence has a study. The six people family is designed with elevator for seniors. Other residences also have enough space to have an elevator installed when needed. The interior walls are not structural walls so that the space is flexible to make change in the future as needed.

We introduced active technology, solar panels and wind turbines, to power the house. Average usage of one family in North America is 600W/h. To powered three residences it required 23,200W/day. One solar panel could generate 70 millwatts per square and average sunlight hour is 5 hour in Toronto, the three residences required at least 78 square meters of solar panels. Also, the average wind speed in Toronto is 16.86 Km/h, which is not enough as a main power source but more than enough as an alternative power supply system. Since the maximum sunlight hour is long in the summer and wind is stronger in the winter, the two systems together are capable to provide sufficient electricity power for the residents.

Also, passive technology is very important to the environmental strategies. The insulation of materials are essential because of Toronto’s long and cold winter. The glass is insulated with low heat conducted gas in between two panels of glasses and the concrete is filled with insulated material in between two panels. Then insulated materials help to protect the house from cold air outside and keep the inside warm. There are large differences between temperatures in the morning and at night, so the thermal mass could absorb heat during the day and release heat at night. There are deciduous trees planted on the south of the building so they could block some of the sunlight in the summer and allows sunlight to penetrate into the interior in winter when it lose its leaves in winter. The sun shadings on the south side glazing have similar function. Sunlight is blocked when the sun angle is large in summer. Upper part is denser than the lower part to optimize the penetration of sunlight during winter times. Air conditioning is not installed in the house because of the good ventilation of the house.