Avani is the 5th condominium tower at the brilliant master planned Metrogate Community. Using extreme measures to remediate possible contaminants, the original 17 acre brownfield site was transformed into a mixed-use development, and a vibrant new residential community. Historic in its undertaking, this landmark "green neighborhood" integrates the principles of smart growth, new urbanism and sustainable development into a new international standard for urban design.
In partnerships with Tridel: a Toronto builder known for their commitment to building LEED® certified communities and setting the Canadian standard in producing more LEED certified units than any other builder within the GTA.
The main objective in the client briefing was to ensure that the community planning encompassed green inspired living. The primary design focus for Avani was place on contemporary and unique design that complemented the existing buildings within the community. The design would take advantage of the views to the central community park and be harmonious in look and feel.
Ultimately, with a sense of community being one of the core frameworks for design and with the need to create a family friend environment - a solution was proposed to include, an onsite-centre for day-care placed strategically to overlook the 1.65 acre central park.
With the goal of producing a sustainable environment; a native landscape was implemented, a rainwater collection system that replenishes and restores ground water and a green roofing system was place in the Avani I residences. This aspect of the design reinforces the identity of the local community and residences. During the construction process it was agreed that 25% of construction and demolition waste was recycled to reduce landfill loads.
The innovation behind the design has enabled Avani I at Metrogate to become another addition to one of Canada's first LEED®-ND communities. LEED®-ND takes green certification beyond individual buildings and it is applied to the entire neighbourhood creating communities that are healthier and more holistic environments to live in. Avani was also awarded LEED® Silver in stage two of the LEED® Neighbourhood Development (ND) pilot project, under the Unites States Green Building Council (USG-BC). Avani I fosters a green approach to living and blurs the boundaries between sustainability and architecture and how vital it is to create a relationship between the two.
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