Bayview Avenue Townhouses 

Overview

A townhouse infill project designed to introduce gentle density within a traditional Toronto residential streetscape.

Situated on a 120 × 125 ft lot, the development delivers six family-oriented units, balancing contemporary design with a calm and contextually integrated presence along Bayview Avenue.

The Challenge

• Introducing multi-unit density within a low-rise, character-rich neighborhood

• Maintaining a residential scale while increasing built form intensity

• Providing generous family-sized units within a compact site

• Creating a cohesive identity while allowing individual unit expression

The project required a strategy that could enhance density while preserving the rhythm and scale of the existing streetscape.

The Approach

The development is composed of six articulated volumes, unified through a consistent roof geometry and controlled massing.

Key moves include:

• Rhythmic Massing: Breaking down the overall form into legible townhouse volumes

• Sloped Roof Geometry: Reinforcing a residential silhouette while introducing a contemporary expression

• Integrated Outdoor Space: Carving terraces and balconies within the roof form

• Cohesive Composition: Maintaining unity across the façade while subtly defining each unit

This approach allows the project to read as both contextual and architecturally distinct.

Design Strategy

Each townhouse is organized as a three-level family dwelling, prioritizing spatial quality and long-term livability.

• Approximately 205 sqm per unit across three levels

• Third-floor balconies integrated within the roof volume

• Large, carefully positioned openings to maximize daylight and views

• Subtle façade shifts to articulate entrances and unit identity

The result is a housing model that balances density with comfort, light, and spatial clarity.

Public Realm Integration

At grade, the project reinforces a strong relationship with the street:

• Clearly defined entrances for each unit

• Landscaped setbacks that soften the transition from public to private

• A pedestrian-friendly frontage aligned with the surrounding neighborhood

Despite its density, the development maintains a human-scale, residential presence.

Envelope & Material Expression

The architectural language is defined by clarity and restraint:

• A consistent material palette that reinforces cohesion

• Controlled variation in façade depth and alignment

• Sloped roof forms that unify the composition and define its silhouette

The envelope balances contemporary identity with contextual sensitivity.

Outcome

• Six-unit intensification within an established residential context

• Family-oriented housing with generous interior and outdoor space

• A cohesive streetscape contribution aligned with neighborhood scale

• A replicable model for sensitive urban infill in Toronto

Project Type

• Townhouse Development

• Urban Infill

• Missing-Middle Housing

Key Takeaway

This project demonstrates how thoughtful massing and roof geometry can introduce density while maintaining a strong relationship to context, scale, and everyday residential experience.

PROJECT DETAILS

Client: Private

Stage: Schematic Design

Architect: Iman Raeisi

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Area: 1,230 sqm