Medicine Hill - Block J
Located in the community of Medicine Hill, Block J has a vision centered around providing affordable rental housing. The project comprises 20 multi-residential buildings along Na'a Drive SW, totaling 128 units. The goal of the project is to provide a response to the currently constrained housing market by creating affordable, purpose-built rental unit types suitable for students, seniors, and families. The urban design of block J respects the adjacent environmental reserve and pays recognition to the use of the area for thousands of years by the blackfoot people, with special care taken for the plant selection and landscape design. The siting of the buildings has enabled large setbacks from the environmental reserve which has allowed for an increase in open space and outdoor amenities for all demographics.
The urban design of Block J seamlessly integrates with the sloped terrain, featuring 2- and 3-storey townhouses and 2-storey villas that adapt to the site's contours while maintaining a low-scale profile. Each building is strategically positioned to maximize accessibility, provide walkouts for residents, and offer sweeping views of the nearby environmental reserves. The townhouses create a well-defined street wall along Na'a Drive, while the villas frame a large central park amenity featuring a playground, community gardens, and a fruit orchard, emphasizing both community and open space. The development places a strong emphasis on legibility, ensuring well-defined residential entries, varied cladding, and peaked roof framing, creating a pedestrian-friendly environment.
The project prioritizes resilience by responding to the urgent need for affordable rentals, incorporating solar-ready units, EV charging stations, and high energy efficiency standards. Block J emerges as a culturally reflective, environmentally conscious, and socially vibrant development catering to the diverse needs of its residents and the broader community.
Project Location
Client
1201 Na’a Drive SW, Calgary AB
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Kalamoir Group
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Status
Typology
2023 - Present
Sub - Town