ECOLOGICAL DENSIFICATION: Four  Townhouses
Eric Scott

ECOLOGICAL DENSIFICATION: Four Townhouses

SHAPE Architecture Inc. as Architects

A small single-family house was replaced with a four unit building, housing 13 people. Maximizing density was the key strategic decision, underwriting a viable pro forma in a neighborhood where investment in quality, sustainable housing could still be met with skepticism. With highly energy and water efficient housing as a baseline, SHAPE sought to create a unique housing type which resulted in a complex, intertwined, configuration which provides each unit access to light and air from at least 3 sides and supports passive ventilation and lighting strategies while maximizing desirable views to Vancouver’s North Shore Mountains. Giving equal attention to the building’s exterior interaction with the site and the streetscape, the project contributes to neighborhood regeneration, while demonstrating to visitors the potential for new housing types in a market flooded with homogenous products.


With 97% of the occupied floor area within 7m of an operable window, the floor plans are organized such that all living spaces are situated on the perimeter with access to natural light and cross ventilation. In addition, five skylights with angled light wells bring daylight deep into the plan in three of the four units; a middle unit without access to the top floor still benefits from generous top lighting. An advanced lighting package includes energy star fixtures and lamps throughout, and airtight pot lights to prevent air leakage into unconditioned space.

Project Credits
Product Spec Sheet

Project Spotlight
Product Spotlight
News
Detail: sliding panels of natural pine protect a residential complex from the Mallorcan sun
29 Mar 2024 Detail
Detail: sliding panels of natural pine protect a residential complex from the Mallorcan sun

Spanish architecture firm OHLAB has recently completed Paseo de Mallorca 15, a residential complex o... More

Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo
28 Mar 2024 News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo

Global transdisciplinary architecture and design practice Snøhetta has designed a new entranc... More

10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete
27 Mar 2024 Specification
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete

Precast concrete is made by casting concrete in a reusable mold. These molds are made of various mat... More

Sameep Padora and Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India
26 Mar 2024 News
Sameep Padora & Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India

Mumbai-based Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+a) has completed Hampi Art Labs in Toranagallu, a vi... More

Introducing Partner Thermory AS
26 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Thermory AS

Thermory AS offers a diverse product range that includes durable exterior cladding, decking, interio... More

Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality
25 Mar 2024 News
Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality

Brooklyn Tower, standing an impressive ninety-three stories tall with a unique neo-deco crown, is al... More

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury
25 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright have been announced as Archello Awards 202... More

Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon
22 Mar 2024 News
Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon

The Eugénie Brazier school project in Lyon, France, undertaken by regional architecture studi... More