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Reimagine Southdale
Reimagine Southdale
London, Canada
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Other Projects by CGS | Curran Gacesa Slote Architects
Reimagine Southdale
London, Canada
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2025
SIZE
25,000 sqft - 100,000 sqft
BUDGET
$10M - 50M
Designed by CGS | Curran Gacesa Slote Architects Inc., this project exemplifies thoughtful gentle intensification on a prominent affordable housing site in London, Ontario. Occupying a large parcel with existing low-density townhouses, the development marks a significant step forward in addressing the housing needs of the community.
As the first of three planned phases, the six-storey, 53-unit building brings much-needed new housing stock to London & Middlesex Community Housing’s (LMCH) portfolio—its first new construction in over fifty years. Strategically located along Southdale Road, a major traffic corridor, the project involved the thoughtful removal of a select number of townhouses to create space for the new structure. Remaining townhouses serve as a density transition to neighboring single-family homes and have been revitalized through re-cladding and landscaping to enhance the overall site aesthetic.
Designed with community at its core, the project offers several inviting amenities, including landscaped parkettes, communal outdoor terraces, and interconnected pedestrian pathways. These features serve both residents and the surrounding neighborhood, fostering greater connectivity and social interaction. A prominent gateway pergola at the main pedestrian entrance clearly marks a welcoming point of access, reinforcing the connection between the site and the broader community.
The architectural approach includes thoughtfully articulated facades, featuring a curated mix of materials, expansive windows, and nuanced details that contribute to a high-quality aesthetic. Parking and service areas are discreetly positioned behind the building and screened from public view, maintaining good urban design principles. Large wood and steel canopies at the Southdale entrances create a sense of arrival, while benches and landscaped spaces encourage residents to gather and interact, cultivating a vibrant street life.
The exterior cladding employs a rich palette of red, buff, and charcoal brick to articulate the façade and reduce the building’s perceived scale, complemented by colorful fiber cement panels that enliven the overall composition. Inside, the ground floor spaces reflect a community-oriented ethos. The Community Kitchen fosters shared meals and gatherings, with direct access to an outdoor seating terrace. A large Community Partner Space—complete with a dedicated entrance, washrooms, and flexible meeting areas—provides a venue for outside agencies offering programs such as health clinics, adult day programs, and youth activities, actively serving the broader community.
Common areas have been thoughtfully crafted to be warm and welcoming, featuring high-quality finishes such as wall tiles, custom millwork, and carefully selected lighting. Special attention was given to entry and elevator lobbies as the spaces residents will see and interact with the most.
The majority of units are designed to accommodate families, with over two-thirds offering three to four bedrooms and two bathrooms—an uncommon feature in affordable housing, underscoring LMCH’s dedication to creating housing for families. The remaining units are predominantly two-bedroom layouts and overall, more than 20% are fully barrier-free accessible.
Environmental sustainability is central to the project’s vision. It is projected to achieve over 25% reductions in total energy use and more than 40% in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the 2020 National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings. These measures will yield significant operational savings and exemplify a commitment to environmentally responsible design.
While cost considerations are inherent to affordable housing, CGS Architects has infused this development with creativity and care, resulting in a building that fosters community pride and provides families with a safe, high-quality home for years to come.
As the first of three planned phases, the six-storey, 53-unit building brings much-needed new housing stock to London & Middlesex Community Housing’s (LMCH) portfolio—its first new construction in over fifty years. Strategically located along Southdale Road, a major traffic corridor, the project involved the thoughtful removal of a select number of townhouses to create space for the new structure. Remaining townhouses serve as a density transition to neighboring single-family homes and have been revitalized through re-cladding and landscaping to enhance the overall site aesthetic.
Designed with community at its core, the project offers several inviting amenities, including landscaped parkettes, communal outdoor terraces, and interconnected pedestrian pathways. These features serve both residents and the surrounding neighborhood, fostering greater connectivity and social interaction. A prominent gateway pergola at the main pedestrian entrance clearly marks a welcoming point of access, reinforcing the connection between the site and the broader community.
The architectural approach includes thoughtfully articulated facades, featuring a curated mix of materials, expansive windows, and nuanced details that contribute to a high-quality aesthetic. Parking and service areas are discreetly positioned behind the building and screened from public view, maintaining good urban design principles. Large wood and steel canopies at the Southdale entrances create a sense of arrival, while benches and landscaped spaces encourage residents to gather and interact, cultivating a vibrant street life.
The exterior cladding employs a rich palette of red, buff, and charcoal brick to articulate the façade and reduce the building’s perceived scale, complemented by colorful fiber cement panels that enliven the overall composition. Inside, the ground floor spaces reflect a community-oriented ethos. The Community Kitchen fosters shared meals and gatherings, with direct access to an outdoor seating terrace. A large Community Partner Space—complete with a dedicated entrance, washrooms, and flexible meeting areas—provides a venue for outside agencies offering programs such as health clinics, adult day programs, and youth activities, actively serving the broader community.
Common areas have been thoughtfully crafted to be warm and welcoming, featuring high-quality finishes such as wall tiles, custom millwork, and carefully selected lighting. Special attention was given to entry and elevator lobbies as the spaces residents will see and interact with the most.
The majority of units are designed to accommodate families, with over two-thirds offering three to four bedrooms and two bathrooms—an uncommon feature in affordable housing, underscoring LMCH’s dedication to creating housing for families. The remaining units are predominantly two-bedroom layouts and overall, more than 20% are fully barrier-free accessible.
Environmental sustainability is central to the project’s vision. It is projected to achieve over 25% reductions in total energy use and more than 40% in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the 2020 National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings. These measures will yield significant operational savings and exemplify a commitment to environmentally responsible design.
While cost considerations are inherent to affordable housing, CGS Architects has infused this development with creativity and care, resulting in a building that fosters community pride and provides families with a safe, high-quality home for years to come.
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