The cost-effective retrofit ensured that much-needed affordable housing options were maintained in the neighbourhood.
CityHousing Hamilton’s vision for inclusive and socially sustainable housing has helped meet projected long-term growth in demand for affordable seniors’ housing that will support tenants and the surrounding neighbourhood.
ERA Architect’s design followed a highly integrated approach resulting in Ken Soble Tower, which contains 146 residential units, achieving a 94% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and an 89% reduction in thermal energy demand intensity.
The 18-storey building showcases a set of strategies to support Canada's climate and housing renewal goals, according to the Tower Renewal Partnership, a non-profit research and policy initiative co-founded by ERA that aims to preserve and enhance ageing housing across Canada.
Analysing and referencing 2050 temperature projections to mitigate against extreme climate events, the tower features a high-performance envelope, with exterior and interior insulation that meet stringent air tightness requirements, triple-glazed windows and an interior HVAC systems replacement. Maintaining the iconic white façade, ERA has re-cladded the building with new stucco panels.
Each unit was fitted with kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and lighting, and is provided with a fresh air supply through efficient direct-suite ventilation. All materials and finishes used produce lower pollutants to improve indoor air quality. At its peak, the total energy required to heat and cool units would be equivalent to three incandescent light bulbs.
Also central to the design is accessibility, with 21% of the units reconfigured to be barrier-free. To achieve this, partitions were removed, and large, operable Juliet balconies installed, offering views of the waterfront, natural light and increased airflow.
To ensure seniors can access services and programming, and to foster social opportunities, all community spaces and outdoor gathering areas have been redesigned. The penthouse laundry room has been reimagined into a solarium with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views. A new ground floor laundry room and community room connect to an outdoor terrace and garden, encouraging social cohesion.
Comfort-first metrics are at the core of the Passive House certification, achieving the same goals as an energy-first model, but with a human-centric approach. This retrofit has enabled us to enhance the building’s intrinsic value, maintain its original thoughtfulness, and also build an ecosystem of best practices.
Ya’el Santopinto, Principal, ERA Architects