Hanna Road Multi-Unit Residence

Overview

A compact multi-family infill project designed to deliver six efficient residential units within a narrow urban lot.

Located on a 40 × 125 ft site, the development introduces gentle density into an established residential streetscape—balancing rental performance, livability, and a cohesive architectural expression.

The Challenge

• Maximizing unit count and rental yield within a constrained footprint

• Organizing efficient layouts across multiple unit types and levels

• Integrating contemporary design within a traditional red-brick context

• Providing shared and private outdoor space within limited building area

The project required a strategy that could optimize density and income potential while maintaining spatial quality and contextual fit.

The Approach

The building is organized as a vertically stacked multi-unit system, anchored by efficient circulation and clear massing.

Key moves include:

• Compact Planning: Six units carefully arranged to maximize usable area within a tight envelope

• Centralized Circulation: A scissor stair system efficiently serves upper-level units

• Layered Façade: Integration of wood louvers to provide privacy, shading, and visual depth

• Contextual Alignment: Maintaining the rhythm and scale of adjacent brick homes

This approach allows the project to achieve high efficiency without sacrificing architectural clarity.

Design Strategy

The project reinterprets the typical small-scale rental building as a high-performance, livable housing model.

• A mix of 1-bedroom, 1-bedroom + den, and 2-bedroom units supports diverse occupancy

• Layouts are optimized for functionality, daylight access, and flexibility

• Upper-level units benefit from private terraces, enhancing livability

• A shared rooftop terrace provides a collective outdoor amenity

The result is a building that balances density, comfort, and long-term usability.

Unit Distribution

The six units are configured to support both owner occupancy and rental income:

• Unit 1: ~58 sqm (Level 1, West)

• Unit 2: ~64 sqm (Level 1, East)

• Unit 3: ~70 sqm (Level 2, West)

• Unit 4: ~64 sqm (Level 2, East)

• Unit 5: ~86 sqm (Level 3, West)

• Unit 6: ~90 sqm (Level 3, East)

This mix creates a range of unit sizes while maintaining overall efficiency.

Envelope & Material Expression

The façade reinterprets the surrounding context through a contemporary lens:

• A base expression that aligns with the rhythm of neighboring brick homes

• Warm wood louvers introducing texture, depth, and environmental control

• Carefully proportioned openings to balance light, privacy, and articulation

The building reads as both integrated and distinctly modern.

Outcome

• Six-unit intensification within a narrow residential lot

• Efficient layouts optimized for rental performance and livability

• A balanced model supporting both owner occupancy and income generation

• A context-sensitive addition to an established Toronto neighborhood

Project Type

• Multi-Unit Residential

• Urban Infill

• Small-Scale Rental Housing

Key Takeaway

This project demonstrates how compact planning and clear architectural strategy can deliver high-performing multi-unit housing—maximizing value while maintaining livability and contextual integration.

PROJECT DETAILS

Client: Private

Stage: Schematic Design

Architect: Iman Raeisi

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Area: 432 sqm