1120 Ossington. Photo credit: Doublespace Photography “As Canada approaches a federal election, the future of deeply affordable, supportive housing will depend on sustained investment and coordinated leadership,” says Naama Blonder of Toronto-based Smart Density. The firm, together with mcCallumSather serving as Architects of Record, recently unveiled 1120 Ossington, a new 25-unit supportive housing development which aims to deliver affordable, rent-geared-to-income homes for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. The rapidly deployed modular project was delivered by Assembly Corp. Blonder says that 1120 Ossington is “proof that when funding, policy, and thoughtful design come together, exceptional housing outcomes are not only possible—they’re scalable.” The project, developed by St. Clare’s Multifaith Housing Society, aims to demonstrate how permanent supportive housing can be delivered without compromising on design quality or integration within the existing urban fabric. 1120 Ossington. Photo credit: Doublespace Photography The project is located on a surplus portion of land adjacent to a previously converted church, and is owned and operated by St. Clare’s. The goal for the project was to “make the land work harder,” says Blonder, by increasing the site’s total unit count as well as improving operational efficiency, while addressing a need for supportive housing in the city. It uses mass timber and a panelized, tilt-up construction method, which allowed the structure to be assembled in 17 days. This offsite approach reduced build time, minimized disruption, and improved energy and cost performance. The building is modeled to perform 40 per cent better than the NECB baseline, with an R40 nominal envelope and a Passive House-rated slab from Legalett. A building automation system (BAS) will monitor energy use in real-time to measure performance against TEDI and TEUI targets. 1120 Ossington. Photo credit: Doublespace Photography Each unit is a private micro-unit with a kitchenette and bathroom and supports autonomy and dignity for residents who have experienced chronic homelessness. Shared spaces also provide access to on-site services, and an exterior corridor improves natural ventilation and energy efficiency. The design constraints of modular, mass timber construction were addressed through integrated architectural art. Wind Garden, by artist Leo Krukowski, features perforated metal panels mounted outside the windows. These screens provide shading and privacy while also casting shifting patterns of light and shadow. The installation, which was inspired by the forms of native plants, enhances the building façade and reinforces the idea that supportive housing contributes meaningfully to the public realm. 1120 Ossington. Photo credit: Doublespace Photography The project was made possible through funding and support from all levels of government, including the City of Toronto’s Open Doors and Concept 2 Keys programs, CMHC, the Province of Ontario, and private donors. All 25 units are rent-geared-to-income, with most tenants paying $582; the shelter component of ODSP. The post This is what deeply affordable housing success looks like. Can it endure after the election? appeared first on Canadian Architect.