Blackwell

Have you checked out the Structural Report by Blackwell Engineering and ReHousing? This is one of our earlier reports, and it takes a look at common structures in 13 of Toronto's most typical houses, and the opportunities and challenges they present for multiplex conversions. The report also contains a glossary and FAQ section to help you have more informed conversations with contractors and engineers. Read it at rehousing.ca/Projects-Structural-Report @blackwellengineers

Construction is well underway on the Academic Wood Tower at the University of Toronto, which will soon claim the mantle of Canada’s tallest wood building. Following a feasibility study we conducted in 2016, the Tower's structural system was changed from steel to engineered timber. Its glulam columns, beams, and perimeter bracing range in size from a modest 315 × 380mm to a monumental 1216 × 520mm, with each tailored to the structural demands it bears. Floors are built using 175mm-thick glulam slabs, designed to span wide distances while naturally providing a two-hour fire resistance rating. These slabs also offer a warm, exposed wood finish in the Tower's academic spaces. Pictured above: a 1:100 scale model of the Academic Wood Tower, built for the National Research Council and now housed in Ottawa. . . . #UofT #MassTimber #EngineeredWood #Glulam #Toronto #YYZ #Model #Design #Architecture #ArchitectureDesign #Collaboration

Building on the edge of the Atlantic isn't just about the view—it’s about survival. 🌊 Tide Bound, designed by Peter Braithwaite Studio, is a masterclass in coastal resilience. Perched on the rugged Nova Scotian coast, this home doesn't fight the ocean; it works with it. By sitting on slender stilts, the structure allows storm surges to pass safely underneath. It was even "field-tested" by a hurricane during construction and emerged completely unscathed! Why This Project Stands Out: Elevated Resilience: The stilt design is a functional nod to local maritime wharves. Off-Grid Innovation: A sophisticated rainwater collection system is integrated directly into the concrete core. Modern Vernacular: Two gabled volumes inspired by traditional fishing sheds separate work from rest. The Interior View: Minimalist white walls and polished concrete act as a quiet frame for the shifting tides outside. This isn't just a house; it’s a poetic dialogue between architecture and the wild Atlantic. #Architecture #CoastalLiving #SustainableDesign #NovaScotia #ModernHome #PeterBraithwaiteStudio #ResilientDesign #FormaTheMagazine #Forma

Throwing it back to warmer days (and warmer waters!)  This contemporary post-and-beam cottage sits among the water and boreal forest of the Canadian Shield. Crafted from Douglas fir and local timber, its main living space cantilevers over Burritts Inlet with infinity views from sunrise to sunset, anchored by a monumental granite fireplace. A quiet retreat where architecture and nature come together, with sleeping and bathing spaces nestled in the forest.  #CottageDesign #SustainableDesign #TorontoArchitecture #BuildingEnvelope #EnergyEfficiency #DewsonArchitects #WoodDesign

Milestone alert at University of Waterloo new Math 4 building where we signed the final steel beam marking the completion of the structural frame, an important milestone for the project. Well done team! The ceremony was an opportunity to recognize the collective efforts of our project partners, including the University of Waterloo and Moriyama Teshima Architects, trades and consultants who have significantly contributed to achieving this milestone. To commemorate the event, attendees were invited to sign the beam before it was hoisted into place.  Gillam is the construction manager for the 142,000-square-foot, five-storey Math 4 building, which is designed to seamlessly connect the existing Math & Computer Building with the Davis Centre. Gillam looks forward to working with our project partners towards successful completion, which is slated for summer 2027. #gillamstrong #universityofwaterloo #math4 #facultyofmathematics #daviscentre @thelochampions @moriyamateshima aclsteel @torontoconstructionassociation bca @barrieconstruct @gvca.news @ogcainfo @blackwellengineers

NEW FEATURE - Catchacoma Cottage - link in bio. 🔗 It’s officially cottage season! Designed for an extended family of three generations, this one-storey cottage is situated on a peninsula with a panoramic view over Lake Catchacoma. Defined by its three volumes, the cottage coexists within an opening of a mature forest where a previous structure once stood. Continue reading full feature- link in bio. * Catchacoma Cottage is the recipient of 5 design awards and has been featured in Wallpaper (UK), The Wall Street Journal (US), Yuzu Magazine (Turkey), Enki Magazine (UK), Archello (NL), and Cottage Life Magazine (CA).* Architect: @dubbeldamarch Contractor: Ortolan Building Design Ltd. Structural engineer: @blackwellengineers Photography: @riley_s_photo . . . #moderncottage #modernarchitecture #modernhomemag #interiordesign

We can’t wait to see everyone tonight! As we wait eagerly, we want to give a big shout out to our event sponsors. Today’s celebrations wouldn’t have been possible without them!

A big thank you to Blackwell for their continuous support of BEAT! They are our generous bar sponsor for the 10 year anniversary celebration! They have proudly supported us since 2019, as they share our mission to create a more equitable and innovative future for women in our design community. Please join us on April 16th, as we celebrated our 10th anniversary. Link in bio to register! Photos courtesy of Blackwell. Photo Credits: Centennial College Downsview Aerospace; Architects: MJMA; Photographer: Doublespace Photography Aurora Cultural Centre; Architect: RAW Design; Photographer: James Brittai Go Home Bay Cottage; Architect: Ian MacDonald Architect; Photographer: Tom Arban Armstrong Island; Architect: Peter Braithwaite; Photographer: Doublespace Photography

Exciting progress at the Gibbard District in Napanee, Ontario. Construction of Tower 1 is well underway, with concrete work nearly completed. This adaptive reuse development, built on the historic foundations of the old Gibbard furniture factory, continues to reclaim the riverfront as a vibrant community destination. Stay tuned for more updates as we watch this project come to fruition! In collaboration with Doornekamp Construction, @blackwellengineers , @theaquilagroup , @fotennplan . Look out for this upcoming project next time you travel along the Toronto-Ottawa VIA Rail route! #GibbardDistrict #ConstructionUpdate #MixedUseDevelopment #AdaptiveReuse #Community #UrbanDevelopment #Napanee #ArchitecturalInnovation

The redevelopment of the historic industrial lands of Canada’s oldest furniture factory, Gibbard Furniture, revitalizes and expands the urban boundary of downtown Napanee while reclaiming the riverfront for the public with a central communal outdoor piazza. The design embraces the site's rich history and incorporates sustainable technologies such as geothermal and hydroelectric energy generation from the adjacent Napanee Falls. With walkable pathways and a public park reconnecting the river trail, the Gibbard District is designed for both people and the planet. In collaboration with Doornekamp Construction @gibbarddistrict @blackwellengineers , @theaquilagroup , @fotennplan #StudioJCI #GibbardsProject #SustainableDesign #HeritageRevitalization#DowntownNapanee

Happy to announce that our unCover / reCover house is named as a finalist in the upcoming 2024 ARIDO Awards! The project is a full renovation of an 1890 Victorian semi-detached single-family dwelling in the west end of Toronto, Ontario. The house was layered with several modifications over its one-hundred-and-thirty-year history and had most recently sustained damage due to a small fire. The interior was peeled away to the exterior load bearing masonry walls, and a reconfigured set of contemporary spaces tailored for a married couple with two active young boys was layered within this existing envelope. The interior demolition uncovered many hidden spaces and opportunities to reshape the volume and recover space within the building shell. The project intertwines historical artifacts, contemporary interpretations of the past, with contemporary living, construction, and materials. #largemediumdesignoffice #largemdo #torontoarchitecture #torontointeriordesign #victorianrenovation #500post @2spacephoto @blackwellengineers