Beresford Avenue Multi-Unit Residence

Overview

A multi-unit residential development designed to maximize density and long-term value within a compact urban lot.

Located on a 38 × 149 ft site, the project is organized as a pair of semi-detached homes incorporating multiple unit types—including basement suites and laneway housing—creating a layered and highly efficient residential system.

The Challenge

• Maximizing unit count and income potential within a constrained footprint

• Integrating multiple housing types within a cohesive architectural framework

• Balancing owner occupancy with rental flexibility

• Maintaining clarity of access, privacy, and livability across all units

The project required a strategy that could unlock density while maintaining functional and architectural coherence.

The Approach

The development is conceived as a stacked and distributed housing model, combining primary dwellings with secondary and ancillary units.

Key moves include:

• Layered Density: Integrating basement units, primary residences, and laneway suites within a single site

• Semi-Detached Organization: Dividing the mass into two primary volumes to maintain a residential scale

• Independent Access: Clear and efficient circulation for each unit type

• Site Utilization: Activating both front and rear conditions, including laneway access

This approach transforms a typical residential lot into a multi-dimensional housing system.

Design Strategy

The project rethinks the semi-detached typology as a high-performance, income-supporting housing model.

• Main units span three levels, providing generous family-oriented living spaces

• Walkout basement units benefit from light-filled garden courts

• Laneway suites introduce additional density while maintaining privacy

• Each unit is designed for independence, flexibility, and long-term adaptability

The result is a development that balances density, livability, and financial performance.

Unit Distribution

The project delivers six residential units across multiple typologies:

• Basement Units (2): ~82 sqm each with sunken garden courts

• Main Units (2): ~243 sqm each (Levels 1–3, 4-bedroom layouts)

• Laneway Suites (2): ~42 sqm each above garages

This mix supports both owner occupancy and diversified rental income.

Envelope & Material Expression

The architectural language combines clarity with warmth:

• Light grey brick establishes a durable and contextual base

• White stone accents introduce contrast and refinement

• Wood louvers provide texture, privacy, and environmental control

The façade maintains a cohesive identity while articulating individual components of the development.

Outcome

• Six-unit intensification within a compact urban lot

• A flexible model combining primary and secondary housing types

• Strong income-generating potential with owner-occupant integration

• A balanced response to density, livability, and neighborhood scale

Project Type

Multi-Unit Residential
Semi-Detached Development
Laneway Housing

Key Takeaway

This project demonstrates how layering multiple housing typologies within a single site can unlock significant density and value—while maintaining clarity, livability, and architectural cohesion.

PROJECT DETAILS

Client: Private

Stage: Schematic Design

Architect: Iman Raeisi

Location: Toronto, Canada

Area: 734 sqm