Kitchener ON / 2023
WINSTON.
Nestled in the middle of a low-rise residential block and directly facing Knollwood Park, Winston was a response to the clear mounting housing demand and paired with the scarcity of available urban land. The project introduced a contemporary mid-rise form into an established context, complementing rather than replicating the neighbourhood’s character.
The design divides what might have been a single, monolithic structure into a collection of smaller, interlocking volumes. Heights step down toward the site’s edges, easing the transition to adjacent homes and softening the building’s presence on the street. These varied forms generated landscaped courtyards, terraces, and walkways that invite light, air, and social interaction throughout the development.
A restrained palette of white concrete and dark grey brick defines the architectural expression. The contrasting tones and textures articulate the building’s massing, breaking it into legible components while establishing a confident, modern identity. Glass balconies and generous windows open residences to the surrounding landscape, emphasising views toward the park and reinforcing a sense of connection between private and public realms.
While distinctly modern in appearance, this project is grounded in contextual sensitivity — introducing density and architectural clarity to a traditional neighbourhood in a way that is both respectful and forward-looking. ◣
