The newly unveiled design for Canada’s largest net-zero carbon residential community includes two towers that will create a new destination within Ottawa and form a striking gateway into LeBreton Flats. The development will be transit-oriented, mixed-income, mixed-use, and include unprecedented sustainability targets. Dream LeBreton is a partnership between real estate companies Dream Asset Management, Dream Impact, and local non-profit MultiFaith Housing Initiative.
The 2.5-acre Library Parcel site will become one of the first developments in the growing neighborhood that is part of the National Capital Commission’s Master Concept Plan. Consisting of two towers, 31 and 36 stories, the buildings will include 601 rental units, 41% of which will be classified as affordable.
The 247 affordable units will be earmarked for five target populations in need: Indigenous communities; women and children; immigrants/newcomers; veterans; and adults with cognitive disabilities. Of these, 132 will be operated and owned by MultiFaith Housing Initiative.
Perkins and Will and KPMB Architects designed the towers’ façade in collaboration with renowned Canadian artist Margaret Priest. Inspired by the Laurentian Forest and the historic red brick homes in neighboring communities, the façades will be cloaked in a vibrant red.
As the towers rise, the colors lighten, creating a slender appearance and drawing the eye to the sky. Taking advantage of the site’s location, the towers are intentionally rotated and offset to one another, ensuring all units benefit from beautiful views of Ottawa’s key landmarks, including Parliament Hill, Gatineau River, and Dow’s Lake.
Six-story podiums that terrace down will reveal a large active ground level that pays homage to indigenous principles and histories. Envisioned as a central gathering place, the all-season ground level offers opportunities to host ceremonies, events, public art, and serves as a vibrant destination for socializing and meeting.
Through a deep engagement process led by Innovation Seven with Indigenous elders, youth, and community members, the team will further develop and incorporate sacred and culturally significant features.
The community will be operationally net-zero carbon, LEED Gold, and One Planet Living accredited. To achieve these ambitious sustainability targets, the team will employ a high-performance building envelope, integrated photovoltaic solar panels, and natural daylight harvesting enhanced by the buildings’ orientations. In addition, natural plantings and non-toxic, regionally sourced materials will be used throughout the design.
On the project team:
Owner and/or developer: Dream LeBreton
Architects: Perkins and Will, KPMB
MEP engineer: Smith+Andersen
Structural engineer: RJC
Civil engineer: TY Lin
General contractor/construction manager: ElisDon
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Apr 9, 2015
Multifamily development and transactions haven’t taken a breather yet
Despite predictions about an impending softening in multifamily construction, builders and developers continue to expand their market reach and portfolios.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 8, 2015
Roof air leakage issues in multifamily buildings isn’t just 'hot air' talk
Paladino's Robert Hayes talks about venting regulations in New York and how air leaks can cost residents upwards of $3,000 a year.
Mixed-Use | Apr 7, 2015
$100 billion 'city from scratch' taking shape in Saudi Arabia
The new King Abdullah Economic City was conceived to diversify the kingdom's oil-dependent economy by focusing more in its shipping industry.
High-rise Construction | Apr 6, 2015
Melbourne tower will light up depending on weather
The tower will be illuminated by 164-foot-tall beams of LED light based on weather updates from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 2, 2015
Historic Cabrini Green church to be demolished for tech-focused multifamily development
The infamous neighborhood’s Saint Dominic’s Church “was instrumental in taming a part of the city that grew up from the swamps as a lawless district of vice and poverty,” according to the Chicago Architecture blog.
Modular Building | Mar 31, 2015
Phoenix apartment complex will be made from recycled shipping containers
The eight-unit complex, called Containers on Grand, was inspired by the need for affordable and sustainable housing near the city's core.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 31, 2015
Plans for a new condo tower in New York create a ‘communal ecosystem’ for residents
The conceptual plans for a 700-foot-tall, 65-story condominium tower in New York City were unveiled in early March by its architect, Perkins+Will.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 27, 2015
Bathroom fixtures get a starchitect makeover by Bjarke Ingels
This Danish starchitect elevates the toilet paper holder (and other bathroom accessories).
High-rise Construction | Mar 24, 2015
Timber high-rise residential complex will tower over Stockholm waterfront
The four towers, 20 stories each, will be made entirely out of Swedish pine, from frame to façade.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 24, 2015
High tech automation is one new condo development’s calling card
The Sterling Collection in Arizona will include the first robotic parking garage for a West-Coast residential community.
