Case Study III
The Grove Residence
The Grove Residence is a student housing project designed for George Brown College’s Casa Loma Campus, with a strong emphasis on accessibility, code compliance, and long-term usability. The project was developed in close alignment with the Ontario Building Code (OBC), focusing on barrier-free design strategies to ensure inclusive and equitable living environments for all students.
Rather than prioritizing complex formal expression, the design process concentrated on zoning regulations, property line constraints, fire and life safety requirements, and efficient circulation systems. By integrating these regulatory frameworks with nature-driven design principles, such as natural light, ventilation, and landscape integration, the project seeks to balance technical rigour with student well-being. The Grove Residence proposes a practical yet humane approach to student housing, where regulatory precision and quality of life are treated as complementary design objectives.
Details
4 Floors
Student Residence Building
2025 / Toronto, Canada
Barrier-free Building Design
The site plan was designed based on zoning regulations and property line constraints, ensuring full compliance while maximizing functional outdoor space. Barrier-free pedestrian circulation was prioritized across the site, creating continuous and intuitive movement routes for all users. Landscape elements were used to soften the built environment and provide moments of rest and gathering.
These strategies allow the site to function as both circulation infrastructure and shared outdoor living space. In addition, planting and open spaces were arranged to visually connect the residence with the surrounding campus and park context, reinforcing the identity of the site as part of a larger green network.
Architectural planning was driven by a detailed interpretation of the Ontario Building Code, with accessibility requirements applied consistently throughout the building. Entrances, corridors, vertical circulation, and shared facilities were designed to support barrier-free movement without spatial segregation. Unit layouts were also planned to accommodate diverse physical abilities over time.
This code-based approach ensures the building remains inclusive and functional throughout its lifecycle. By prioritizing accessibility at the planning level, the project minimizes the need for future retrofits and improves long-term operational efficiency.
Fire safety planning was developed in accordance with OBC requirements for exit distribution, travel distance, and fire separation. Egress routes were organized to be legible and direct, reducing confusion during emergency situations. Stairwells and exits were strategically positioned to support efficient evacuation.
These safety systems were carefully integrated to maintain spatial clarity and architectural continuity. As a result, life safety requirements strengthen the overall spatial organization rather than limiting design flexibility.

North Elevation
The south elevation addresses the intensity of sunlight and urban exposure through deeper facade articulation and curvature.
These design moves help moderate solar impact while maintaining a coherent architectural expression across the building envelope.

South Elevation
The east elevation employs a more transparent façade treatment to frame views toward adjacent open spaces and the surrounding urban context.
Controlled glazing proportions balance openness and privacy while allowing consistent daylight penetration along the building edge.

East Elevation
The north elevation is oriented toward Joel Weeks Park and is designed to establish a strong visual and spatial relationship with the surrounding landscape.
Its softened geometry and strategic openings create a welcoming facade that responds to pedestrian scale and reinforces the building’s connection to the park.

West Elevation
The west elevation responds to the adjacent highway and vehicular movement with dynamic, flowing curves that express motion and infrastructure-driven forces.
This facade acts as a protective and expressive layer, establishing a strong landmark presence when viewed from a distance.
Project Info
This academic project was developed as a conceptual mixed-use building study exploring the relationship between architecture, public space, and environmental performance.
The project focuses on how building form, facade articulation, and sectional strategies mediate between urban density and an adjacent park condition. Emphasis was placed on integrating natural light, air movement, and landscape continuity to create a user-oriented architectural proposal.
Academic Project
Completion: November, 2025
Project Type: Mixed-Use / Office & Public Interface
Architects: Jin Choi
Project Sustainability
- 65% Sustainable Materials
- 80% Energy Self-Sufficient
- 30% Less Construction Waste
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