Beech House is a mixed-use, 7-storey development with 91 residential units and a ground floor YMCA of Greater Toronto space, combining health, wellbeing, and sustainable living. The project implemented several innovative approaches to sustainability in the residential sector, including the inclusion of a solar photovoltaic (PV) array generating clean electricity on site, low flow water use fixtures, an extensive green roof, no permanent irrigation for landscaped areas, bicycle parking facilities, and a 40 per cent window to wall ratio providing daylight and views of the lake without compromising energy efficiency. The light-coloured stone and brick materials support integration of the building into the existing community. As part of the wellbeing approach, all residents of the building have access to the fitness facilities in the YMCA.
Project Details
Total Gross Area (Size) – 11,900 m2
Building Type – Residential Mixed Use
Building Location – 907 Kingston Road / 365 Beech Avenue
This Toronto Green Standard Tier 2, Version 2 project includes:
Energy Savings
Modelled 1,085,650 kWh from SB-10 Baseline (29 per cent savings from SB-10 baseline)
Energy Efficiency Measures
High performance glazing
96 per cent efficient instantaneous domestic hot water (DHW) boilers
Efficient interior lighting design with reduced lighting power density
High-efficiency VRF system with heat recovery
96 per cent efficient condensing boiler for heating and hot water
In-suite energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) with 60 per cent sensible heat recovery
Ventilation controls in parking garage controlled with CO/NOx sensors
Low flow plumbing fixtures
On-Site Renewable Energy Generation
On-site Solar PV array generating 65 MWh of electricity annually
Water Efficient Fixtures and Fittings
Low-flow plumbing fixtures were selected for installation to reduce potable water consumption by 38 per cent
No permanent irrigation installed for landscaped areas
Bike Storage
102 long term and 28 short term bicycle parking spaces located both indoor and outdoor
Green Roof and Heat Island Reduction
An extensive green roof and landscaped planter areas combined with high-albedo at grade pavers to reduce the urban heat island effect and manage stormwater onsite
