LGA Architectural Partners

🚀 Another step forward for gentle density housing as BC allows single stairwells in buildings up to six storeys! At Small Housing, we've long advocated for the introduction of single egress stairs. This change could provide the design flexibility needed to make these projects more financially viable. The two-egress requirement made sense back in the 1940s when the National Building Code was developed—wood frame buildings were more combustible, and fire safety features were less advanced. However, our research shows that modern innovations like advanced fire alarms, automated sprinklers, fire-resistant separations (walls, doors, ceilings), and updated firefighting practices have made the two-egress model outdated for low-rise buildings. Today, it's possible to design multi-unit wood frame buildings with a single egress that are just as safe, if not safer, than the two-egress buildings of the past. For a deeper dive into this topic, check out our full report on the work of LGA Architectural Partners and David Hine Engineering, who have really led the movement on this important topic: https://lnkd.in/gathe7DG Daniel Winer Akua Schatz Aina Adashynski Vienna Braux Jeff Waters, P.Eng. David Sisk #housing #policysolutions #gentledensity

Bark to school. Project: McEwen School of Architecture Photo Credit: Bob Gundu Architect: LGA Architectural Partners Have a wood project you want us to share? Send us a DM!

"The push to increase the allowable height of residential buildings with a single exit stairwell illuminates the tangled intersection between safety, housing affordability, building codes, and politics." https://lnkd.in/dDzK2U7B

As provinces and cities begin to embrace increased density, it's crucial to reconsider outdated regulations that are standing in the way of homes being built. Single-stair buildings represent a promising housing type that could quickly flourish with the right support. This topic is explored in today's The Globe and Mail, with details on BC's intentions to update building rules to unlock the potential of gentle density homes. It highlights the need to relax the requirement for multi-unit residential buildings in Canada over two storeys to have two separate exit staircases. Small Housing's recent Case Study report delves into this very topic, showcasing the emerging movement across Canada to amend the National Building Code for single-egress residential buildings. Leading this movement are LGA Architectural Partners and David Hine, advocating for the allowance of single-egress buildings up to six storeys above grade. At Small Housing, we’re keenly observing this space. Greater design flexibility could be pivotal in making gentle density housing projects financially viable. Explore this case study and others on various gentle density topics in our Gentle Density Toolbox: https://lnkd.in/gathe7DG https://lnkd.in/gfStrn8x Aina Adashynski Vienna Braux Akua Schatz Jeff Waters, P.Eng. David Sisk #housing #missingmiddle #gentledensity #solutions #britishcolumbia

🏆 It's the last week for #HTawards2024 nominations! More info: https://ow.ly/RKsS50StOfq ⭐ Today, we look back at last year's Adaptive Reuse Award - recognizing #builtheritage projects that meet current needs while maintaining the integrity of the original design vision. The award went to the Albert Campbell District Library for revitalizing a 1970s modernist building and transforming it into a contemporary, integrated, and inclusive community space. 📷 LGA Architectural Partners and team, winner of the Adaptive Reuse Award, October 30, 2023. Image by Ashley Duffus. Inset: Photo by Doublespace photography. Image courtesy of LGA Architectural Partners.

Our design for the University of Toronto Indigenous House recently won the Canadian Architect Award of Merit, and is part of the rapidly expanding new section of the campus. the Indigenous House offers student a “home away from home,” creating a strong connection to their heritage while facilitating cultural exchange with the community. A key feature of this building is the Elders Lounge, envisioned as a gathering place for community members to engage with students. This lounge will facilitate meaningful interactions, bringing together traditional knowledge with contemporary academic pursuits. Designed by @Alfred Waugh, FRAIC, Matthew Hunter, Henry Dyck, Nik Lnagroudi in collaboration with LGA Architectural Partners, Janna Levitt, Drew Adams. Consultants: Structural Engineer: Equilibrium Consulting Inc. Mechanical Engineer: Integral Group Electrical Engineer: Integral Group Civil Engineer: MTE Landscape: Public Work Wayfinding: Adams + Associates Foodservice: Kaizen Code: LMDG #reconciliation #archdaily #canadianarchitecture #pnwarchitecture #masstimber #uoft #universityoftoronto #torontoarchitecture #vancouverarchitecture

Conrad Speckert, our Intern Architect, will be speaking with ULI Toronto on May 21st, virtually, to review the current Building Code requirements, drawing insights from international jurisdictions about their design approaches. The panel will explore the feasibility and impact of incorporating a single stair in mid-rise buildings, and discuss the ongoing efforts to implement this change. Registration link in the original post below:

Join our intern architect Conrad Speckert at the Ontario Association of Architects conference where he will be speaking about a proposed building code change to allow for single stair design of small multi-unit residential buildings. This is a recommendation of the 2023 National Housing Accord, the 2022 Ontario Housing Affordability Task Force, the 2019 OAA Housing Affordability Task Group and the 2010 City of Toronto Mid-rise Performance Standards Reports. Attendees will learn how the proposed building code change balances fire and life safety with affordability, sustainability, and accessibility for missing middle housing types.   The session will be held from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm on May 24th at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre. Additional seating has been added due to high demand.

We take pride in the meaningful conversations our team engages in! Conrad Speckert, our intern architect, is doing an exceptional job leading the discussion on single staircase design alongside LGA.

Hot off the press, the current April 2024 issue of Canadian Architect magazine includes an editorial on single egress code reform. Thank you Elsa Lam for the interview! Jamie Harte Sam Dufaux LGA Architectural Partners David Hine PUBLIC Architecture Urbanarium <https://lnkd.in/gyYP3_Jw> Editorial: Code Shift (canadianarchitect.com)