The Ontario Architects Association has announced its prize winners for the year, with two GTA projects standouts among them.
"I really liked the
Cedarvale Ravine House,” says
OAA president Bill Birdsell of the
Drew Mandel Architects-designed infill house. The house sits along Toronto's Cedarvale ravine and features floor to ceiling windows, allowing ample light to flow through its open concept design. "It works very closely with its context and the urban forestry, and it maintains sustainability for that site. That, and the really striking cantilever really stands out for me."
The other project, among eight GTA winners, that Birdsell wanted to call attention to was
MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects’ Regent Park Aquatic Centre, which opened along Dundas East late last year and features a pool, large windows and wood accents viewable by street. "I just love that," he said. "Again it comes back to sustainability. It was created on a very tight budget, which I appreciate, and I like the way it brings light down into the pool area."
Birdsell says the winners are chosen each year for the clarity of their architectural language. "If
the jury can really understand them," he says, "and the project gets its message across, that’s how they win."
The awards will be presented in May at the
OAA annual conference.
Writer: Bert Archer
Source: Bill Birdsell
Do you know of a new building going up, a business expanding or being renovated, a park in the works or even a new house being built in the neighbourhood? Please send your development news tips to [email protected].