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Housing

25 Sewells Road and 260 Brenyon Way

At the corner of Sewells Road and Brenyon Way in Malvern, two affordable rental buildings offer a thoughtful model for intergenerational community living. The 200-unit family building and 117-unit seniors building create interconnected spaces where neighbours of all ages can thrive together, supported by flexible amenities and carefully crafted outdoor environments that weave seamlessly into the existing suburban context.
project Type
Housing
location
Toronto, Ontario
client
Brenyon Way Charitable Foundation
dates
2018 - present
expertise
Urban Design, Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture
Architectural rendering of modern residential development featuring two white residential towers and landscaped public space.
Housing

25 Sewells Road and 260 Brenyon Way

Architectural rendering of modern residential development featuring two white residential towers and landscaped public space.
project Type
Housing
location
Toronto, Ontario
client
Brenyon Way Charitable Foundation
dates
2018 - present
expertise
Urban Design, Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture
At the corner of Sewells Road and Brenyon Way in Malvern, two affordable rental buildings offer a thoughtful model for intergenerational community living. The 200-unit family building and 117-unit seniors building create interconnected spaces where neighbours of all ages can thrive together, supported by flexible amenities and carefully crafted outdoor environments that weave seamlessly into the existing suburban context.

Our design approach prioritizes aging in place and intergenerational connections among residents. Rather than separating different life stages, we've created buildings that recognize the value of connection while respecting distinct needs. The 117-unit seniors building features three types of accessible suites, allowing residents to move within the building as their mobility needs change. Subtle design details like handrails disguised as chair rails, benches in every corridor, and recessed entry doors with contrasting colours, support independence without feeling institutional.

Architectural rendering showing a modern residential development with white high-rise apartments and a central community green space with autumn trees.

Strategic building placement emerged from solar analysis, ensuring the central courtyard receives maximum daylight while determining where activities unfold throughout the day. Morning light illuminates quiet spaces for reading, while social areas capture late afternoon warmth. This attention to natural rhythms shapes daily life across both buildings and informs the landscape design.

Natural rock garden and landscaping design integrated with residential apartment building, featuring mature trees and gathering spaces for residents.
A new wetland habitat along the northwest edge provides both environmental and social benefits. This secluded landscape manages stormwater naturally while offering residents a quiet space to explore and connect with nature, creating biodiversity within the urban fabric.
Architectural site plan showing residential complex with central courtyard garden, surrounding living units, and adjacent parking areas.

The site features interconnected open spaces that honour the existing suburban fabric while introducing new urban edges. A north-facing plaza serves as both generous pedestrian space and welcoming gateway. At the community's heart, a central lawn provides space for children's play and seniors' exercise, away from cars, while connecting residents to Malvern Library and Wickson Trail Park. A new wetland habitat along the northwest edge manages stormwater while offering a secluded landscape for exploration.

Mostly located on the ground floor, flexible amenity design ensures spaces serve multiple generations effectively, including a games room that doubles as a café during the day. Reading rooms for seniors can also be used as study spaces for teens. Physical activity rooms are designed as studios, allowing use for individual exercise or group classes. A large kitchen will allow cooking for large groups and offer a direct connection to the exterior for barbeques. A generous children’s play area has a visual and direct connection to the laundry room, allowing parents to tend to chores and still keep an eye on their children.