Governor General's Medals in Architecture - 2024 Recipient - 31 Scarsdale Road | Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

 

Governor General's Medals in Architecture - 2024 Recipient - 31 Scarsdale Road

31 Scarsdale Road
North York,
ON
Award Category: 
Governor General’s Medals in Architecture

Suulin Architects Inc.

Owner/ Client: Withheld
Interior / exterior area, in square metres: 3,989 sqm interior area
Exact construction contract value / building cost of the project: Withheld 
Date of Occupancy: February 1, 2017

31 Scarsdale is an adaptive re-use of an existing warehouse complex. Sustainability was the underlying thread to elevate these spaces and use these elements to tie the three original buildings which had formed an ungainly group. These spaces were designed like outdoor spaces or light-filled courtyards so that the sunlight could be soaked in and the view to the beautiful old pine trees surrounding the building can be taken in. The passive strategies for reducing the building’s energy requirements were expressed as the primary architectural features integrating the three buildings into a harmonious whole. 

Abridged Project Credits:
(see Architecture Canada publication out in Fall 2024 for more details)

Structural Engineer - Blackwell Structural Engineers 
MEP Engineer - BK Consulting 
Energy Model - Technosim 

 
Jury Comment(s): 

The jury appreciated 31 Scarsdale Road foremost for its important recognition that the preservation and renovation of existing building stock is one of the most important choices societies can make when considering sustainable building.  Putting forward sober means and passive bioclimatic strategies, the project is well executed with straight forward details that create a light filled environment.  

2024 Jury

Click for full version: 
Slender vertical wood screens meet the underside of the Douglas Fir decking

PHOTO - Anton Kisselgoff

The office interiors are open concept and filled with light

PHOTO - Anton Kisselgoff

The screened entry facade visually unites volumes

PHOTO - Anton Kisselgoff

Before and after - varied forms united through detailing

PHOTOS - Suulin Architects / Anton Kisselgoff

Before and after of the second story addition

PHOTOS - Suulin Architects / Anton Kisselgoff

Before and after of the center warehouse

PHOTOS - Suulin Architects / Scott Norsworthy

Before and after of the structural expression in the main office area

PHOTOS - Suulin Architects