Low-rise communities do not need to follow the conventional subdivision model. For this 22-acre residential master plan, we explored how edge parking, shared open space, and a diverse mix of housing types could support a more walkable and community-oriented form of low-rise development.
Rather than organizing the site around internal roads, driveways, and garages, the master plan places parking at the edges and gives the centre of the site back to people. The result is a residential community structured around shared open space, pedestrian connections, and a broader range of housing options.
CLIENT:
ELEVATE LIVING
STATUS:
MASTER PLAN
PROJECT DURATION:
2022
Despite being located in a generally low-rise residential area, the site’s size and proximity to the city centre created an opportunity to introduce something different: a more walkable residential community with a mix of housing types, edge parking, and a car-free central shared space.
With the city interested in exploring design approaches beyond what is typical for the area, we developed a proposal that supports a safer and more enjoyable pedestrian environment. The goal was to create a neighbourhood where future residents can walk comfortably through shared open spaces, while still accommodating practical vehicle access.
Challenge 1: Creating value through neighbourhood layout
The real opportunity on this site was using the layout to increase long-term value.
We structured the neighbourhood around a car-free central open space, with parking located at the edges. This move does three things:
A network of pedestrian paths leads directly to this central space, making it the natural meeting point for residents. Homes front onto this car-free core, increasing safety, visibility, and daily interaction.
The result is not just a residential area, but a compact, walkable neighbourhood with a defined centre, achieved through layout decisions.
Challenge 2: Delivering the right mix of home types
Value in a neighbourhood comes from offering real choice, not repeating the same product.
On this site, we structured a mix that works for different households and price points:
Parking is handled in a way that avoids front-facing double garages dominating the streetscape. Instead, homes address public space with doors, windows, and activity.
In the apartments, the design focuses on efficient unit layouts, shared circulation, and common spaces that encourage interaction without driving up costs.
The result is a neighbourhood that supports families, downsizers, renters, and small businesses through the structure of the housing itself.
Challenge 3: Supporting safe and convenient movement without making driving a necessity
Taking inspiration from pedestrian-focused street design, our challenge was to reduce the prominence of cars on the site and minimize the need for garages and curb cuts as much as possible, given the site’s location.
Our solution involved creating a landscaped looped boulevard with pedestrian amenities.
This boulevard serves as an access route for private and emergency vehicles, while also providing efficient perpendicular parking spaces on both sides. This accommodates most of the parking needs on the site while keeping the central open space focused on people.
