Phase 2 of Gladstone Village will add up to 975 new affordable homes across three buildings on a 2.41-acre portion of the site. Located beside the Corso Italia LRT Station in the heart of Ottawa, this next stage will contribute to the continued evolution of a connected and inclusive urban community.

Gladstone Village Phase 2 marks the eighth, and the largest project to date to be designed by Hobin Architecture for Ottawa Community Housing and its predecessor organizations, providing a combined 1,700+ affordable homes to residents and families in Ottawa since 1988.

“Hobin Architecture brings a combination of experience and creativity needed to deliver buildings that are functional, sustainable, and welcoming. Their thoughtful design approach will help create homes and shared spaces that foster community connection and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive neighbourhood.”

— Cliff Youdale, Chief Development Officer, Ottawa Community Housing

“Designing Phase 2 of Gladstone Village is an extraordinary opportunity to shape one of Ottawa’s most impactful affordable housing developments. We are excited to bring thoughtful, innovative design to a vibrant, inclusive community that will transform downtown living and create a lasting positive impact for residents and the city.”

— Barry Hobin, Principal, Hobin Architecture

Gladstone Village is an 8-acre development in downtown Ottawa, planned to deliver upwards of 1,300 new affordable homes across multiple phases. Phase 2 represents a significant portion of this multi-year development, expanding OCH’s contribution to affordable housing while enhancing the city’s urban fabric. The development is aligned with Ottawa’s 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan and will provide homes for a diverse range of tenants, including families, seniors, and individuals with varying abilities.

Quick Facts – Gladstone Village Phase 2

• Location: Gladstone Village spans 8 acres in a prime urban setting, bordered by Somerset Street to the north, the O-Train Trillium Line to the east, Preston Street to the west, and Oak Street to the south.
• Development Scale: Phase 2 will deliver up to 975 new affordable homes across three buildings on a 2.41-acres of the site.
• Transit-Oriented Design: The community is anchored by the Corso Italia Light Rail Station, supporting a sustainable, transit-connected lifestyle.
• Citywide Impact: Gladstone Village occupies an 8-acre parcel in downtown Ottawa and is planned to deliver upwards of 1,300 new residential homes over multiple phases. This large-scale, multi-year development will significantly expand OCH’s contribution to affordable housing citywide.
• Alignment with City Goals: Phase 2 supports the City of Ottawa’s 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan

About Ottawa Community Housing

Ottawa Community Housing offers approximately 15,500 homes to about 33,000 tenants, including seniors, families, individuals, and people with disabilities. These homes are located in various communities throughout Ottawa and house a diverse population with different languages, cultures, and ethnicities. OCH is Ottawa’s primary community housing provider, managing two-thirds of the city’s housing portfolio and ranking as the second largest in Ontario. In 2025, OCH earned recognition for the eighth consecutive year as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers.

The post Hobin Architecture Awarded Design Contract for Phase 2 of Gladstone Village  appeared first on Hobin Architecture.

In an OAA news release this April, Barry J. Hobin was named the recipient of this honor for 2024, sharing the title with past recipients such as A. J. Diamond, George Baird, Bruce Kuwabara, Raymond Moriyama and Eb Zeidler (shown below, left to right).

Barry is described by longtime friend and classmate Dave O’Malley, as “an Ottawa Architect who spent half a century committed to building a successful practice based on design excellence, workplace equity, creative collaboration, social responsibility and, above all, a sense of belonging to and contributing to a wider community.”

Friend and peer Eliseo Temprano commented in his letter of support for the nomination, “Barry is known for being a great team player and someone who can bring people together. Barry’s dedication to teamwork is the foundation of the enterprise he built, drawing on the ideals and methods he started back in the ’80s.”

Wendy Brawley, principal at Hobin, offered in her letter of support, “[Barry] has been humbled by his success and has always been committed to sharing it, giving back through his commitment to philanthropy – both personally and through his ability to bring forth key people from within the community whom together can make a difference.”

The essay prepared for Barry’s nomination submission follows.

Barry J. Hobin // Passion for Teamwork + Catalyst for Change

50 Years of Design Excellence

by Steve Clifford and Gord Lorimer

Visionary designer, urban revitalizer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and family man, Barry J. Hobin has demonstrated design excellence throughout his career in Architecture.

2025 will mark 50 years since Barry Hobin graduated from Carleton University’s Architecture program in 1974. Over nearly five decades, he has left his Architectural mark on the Nation’s Capital, the province of Ontario as well as the Country. Barry is best known for design initiatives that become catalysts for community growth. His buildings, while beautiful, have an immediate impact on the development of community.

Barry has transformed Ottawa’s architectural landscape for the better. The tools he has used to fuel his success remain unchanged to this day: Design, Collaboration, and Community.

IllumiNATION LeBreton Flats Proposal, 2014

Design and City Building

Barry’s design achievements speak for themselves. His projects have been recognized by local and international awards programs. They are commonly referenced within the City of Ottawa’s design guidelines as examples of design excellence. Critics, neighbours and—most importantly—building users laud the designs that Barry and his team create in their Ottawa-based studio.

“If you look at all our projects you will see a modulation of form to avoid oversized blocks, the use of windows in an aggressive fashion for light and views both in and out, and an attempt to create unusual, invigorating interior spaces.” —BJH

575 Old Prospect Road, Rockcliffe Park, 2020
> Copper Development Association Inc., North American Copper in Architecture Award, 2020
> Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association, Design Excellence Award — Housing Details, 2021
> Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association, Design Excellence Award — Exterior Living Space, 2021

“His work, embodying an eclectic but often skillful blend of historical and modern forms, the use of rich and varied materials, and a strong respect for context, often seems connected to the past yet comfortably situated in the present. It is this ability, to create housing and institutional building designs that are at once recognizable to the average person yet still fresh, that underlies his success.” —Rhys Phillips, Architecture Critic

Advocacy is central to Barry’s philosophy. He has been an active supporter of his alma mater, Carleton University’s School of Architecture, being instrumental in the reinstatement of the monthly Forum Lecture Series. The lectures, which are typically open to the public, are described by Barry as a “catalyst for better design in the Ottawa area.”

“We’re very committed to what we’re doing, making every building different and unique, and enhancing understanding of what an Architect can do. We are in the design business, creating buildings that will make Ottawa a better place.” —BJH

Beaver Barracks Non-Profit Housing, 2012
> Canadian Housing & Renewal Association Awards, Sustainability Award, 2014
> Canadian Urban Institute “Brownie” Awards, Award of Excellence in Project Development – Building Scale, 2012
> World Habitat Awards, Finalist, 2013

 
Housing Diversity — While Barry’s work has encompassed a broad range of sectors, from spiritual to industrial and almost everything in between, he has developed a unique specialization in housing. By entrenching himself in the housing marketplace since his first day on the job, he has built a knowledge and skill base unmatched in Ottawa.

This housing skill has been applied to the full range of housing typologies, including modest and large custom homes, developer tract housing, high-rise multi-unit apartment buildings, and urban mixed-use developments. Barry is an advocate for homeless shelters, Habitat for Humanity and affordable housing providers like Ottawa Community Housing and Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corp. Barry’s firm has become known for its expertise in supportive housing projects such as long-term care, respite homes and residential outreach programs.

Barry has an understanding of what the market wants and what the community needs, as well as how developers think. He has learned how and when to challenge the municipal regulatory framework. Being ahead of the curve, many of Barry’s projects have inspired the creation of new by-law provisions on mixed-use urban high-rise development within the City of Ottawa.

“Barry has excellent design flair. He understands how to build and design economically, and has excellent business judgment. For someone in the private sector having a firm with all three of those qualities is very endearing.” —Robert Greenberg, Minto Developments Inc.

Lansdowne Park Redevelopment, 2016
> City of Ottawa Urban Design Awards, Special Jury Prize for Tall Building Design Excellence (The Rideau), 2017
> Canadian Home Builders’ Association, Finalist–Attached Homes Mid-to High-rise, 2017
> RAIC National Urban Design Awards, Certificate of Merit–Civic Design Projects, 2016
> City of Ottawa Urban Design Awards, Award of Excellence–Visions and Masterplans, 2015
> City of Ottawa Urban Design Awards, Award of Merit–Urban Infill Mid-High Rise (The Vibe), 2015
> Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association, Design Excellence Award–High-Rise Building 50 units or more (The Vibe), 2015

“The typology of this project is done extremely well. The Jury felt that as a building type, this project exemplified a level of design and detailing which was an exemplar for other tall buildings to follow.”
—Jury of the 2017 City of Ottawa Urban Design Awards

Westboro Station, 2012
> Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association, Design Excellence Award–High-Rise, 2010

“We think he’s a terrific architect and a good firm to work with. Barry has a good, mature, sensitive designer. He comes up with some really unique themed architecture for our developments.” —John McDougall, Uniform Urban Developments

Farm Boy, Ottawa Trainyards, 2020

 
Custom Homes — Barry has held dear to his heart a special connection to home design, an area that gave him his start in the industry following his Architecture training. Over the years, Barry has accepted notable custom home commissions for clients the likes of Harry Mews, Harley Finkelstein, Dr. Caroline Tosoni, Michael Potter, Yves Tremblay, Sandra Blaikie, Ron Zambonini, Tony Graham and the Canadian Ambassador to Iran.

In each case, whether an urban or rural setting, Barry’s designs consider the forces of context and heritage to develop the form, articulation and layout in conjunction with the owner’s lifestyle and future needs.

512 Island Park Drive, 2012 (left), 3405 Carling Avenue, 2007 (right)

“To Barry, innovation becomes more than a service to the Client. It becomes a catalyst for making things better for the community.” —Gord Lorimer, FRAIC, Partner Emeritus, Hobin Architecture

130 The Driveway, 1985
> Canadian Housing Design Council, Governor General’s Award, 1985
> Ottawa Carleton Home Builders Association, Award of Excellence, 1984
> Ontario Masons’ Relations Council, Award of Excellence, 1985

“Barry and his team were able to develop a vision and design for our projects through consultations with a wide variety of stakeholders. He led us through the development process and we are extremely pleased with our facilities and how they have enhanced our community.” —Mitchell Bellman, Jewish Community Council of Ottawa/Vaad Ha’Ir

A Culture of Collaboration

“Architecture is an interactive and collaborative form of art. We never win business on price, but because we engage with the client and help them think about what it is that they want to achieve. We become part of their team and add value by helping them to define their vision before a shovel ever hits the ground.” —BJH

By embedding this attitude into all his projects, Barry has earned a reputation as a team player and consensus builder. He’s not afraid to provoke critical input into his ideas and those of his team from all players around the table.

Barry has been known to draw comparisons between practicing Architecture and playing organized sports.

“What do these two things have in common? Teamwork. Teamwork is so essential in recognizing that within your team someone has talents you don’t have.” —BJH

James Bartleman Archives & Library Materials Centre (w. Shoalts & Zaback), 2011
> Ontario Association of Architects, Design Excellence Award, 2012
> City of Ottawa Urban Design Awards, Award of Merit–Public Places and Civic Spaces, 2011

 
It is Barry’s dedication to teamwork that has allowed him to build an enterprise around the ideals and methodologies that he pioneered in the 80’s along with his small initial design team. Barry believes in nurturing a team atmosphere by creating a healthy work environment and promoting activities that allow his team to think and play together outside the walls of their Little Italy office. Sports teams, fundraising events, cottage retreats and international field trips are all ways they engage with one another and with the community.

“We really focus on individual achievement in our society. Today, I stand here as a person in context. I’m a son, a husband, a father, a teammate, a friend… each relationship has shaped who I am.” —BJH

Some of the most significant works produced by Barry’s firm have involved an expanded talent base of Architects. Examples are the Landsdowne Park Redevelopment with bbb Architects, James Bartleman Archives & Library Materials Centre with Shoalts & Zaback, and David Azrieli Pavilion & Lecture Theatre with Moriyama & Teshima. Each of these relationships made for a better project by providing a wider base of experience and increased production resources.

“Barry is a selfless promoter of others who never fails to recognize the contributions and skills of his staff and other members of the development team.” —Wayne Jennings, Doran Contractors

Greystone Village, 2022
> Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association, Design Excellence Award–New Community Underway, 2020
> Canadian Urban Institute “Brownie” Awards, Renew: Development at the Community Scale, 2018
> City of Ottawa Urban Design Awards, Award of Merit–Visions and Master Plans, 2017

“The plan knits into the fabric of the established neighbourhood and is respectful, keeping the grand alley, forecourt and Deschâtelets building. It understands the sensitivity of the area and recognizes the river’s edge. The project creates a new vibrant community that recognizes the heritage of the area.” —Jury of the 2017 City of Ottawa Urban Design Awards

David J. Azrieli Pavilion and Lecture Theatre, Carleton University (w. Moriyama & Teshima), 2002

“What I respect about them the most is their persistent commitment to filling in the blank spaces of Ottawa and transforming it from a city of gaps and isolated buildings into a much more cohesive and urban experience.” —Ben Gianni, Carleton University

Community at the Centre of Everything

While Barry’s collaborative approach is applied to projects in all sectors his firm undertakes, the approach does favour projects that serve the community. In many ways, Barry treats all his projects as community projects. He possesses a natural ability to discover ways that a building or planned community can embed social, cultural and economic benefits that reach beyond its property lines.

“Internally, the firm believes very strongly in philanthropy in the sense that we are born in community, we are nurtured in community, we owe our success to the context of the community. Community is really important.” —BJH

Philanthropy Barry’s philanthropic endeavours take on many forms. In its early days, his firm adopted a tithing approach to giving back, allocating a portion of revenues to charitable donation before taking any profit. This has evolved to include an annual program called “You Give, We Give”—which was designed to inspire the firm’s peers, clients and followers to donate as well, expanding and compounding the benefit to the community organically through media and online platforms.

With deep gratitude and emotion, Barry accepted a Philanthropy Award from the Ottawa Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals on behalf of his firm in 2023.

“Our challenge moving forward is mentoring that next generation about participating and thinking about what you would do to make Ottawa a better place.” —BJH

The Haven Affordable Housing, 2017
> Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association, Design Excellence Award–New Community Built, 2018

“Hobin Architecture is known for designing beautiful spaces and for their client experience but did you know that Barry Hobin has also fostered a culture of philanthropy in his staff. Leading by example, they are making a difference in our community. How appropriate that they are being awarded the Ottawa Philanthropy Award for Outstanding Small Business Philanthropist.” —Jacqueline Belsito, Senators Community Foundation

Pedagogy In the spirit of giving back, and with a deep seated belief in the power held by the younger generations to make positive changes in our community, Barry is a loyal volunteer and a generous donor of his alma mater, Carleton University. He has personally supported students and served on both the Advisory Board of the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism and the Board of Governors.

In 2019, Hobin Architecture introduced the “Hobin Prize in Architecture and City Building,” encouraging fourth-year students at Carleton University’s Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism through monetary reward. The fourth-year housing studio focuses on topical issues such as affordability, diversity of housing typologies and community engagement.

“These are the themes of our times. Architecture has a more complex role than it ever has in the past. It’s not just about buildings. It’s about building places and trying to respond to things like the LRT and how we plan to live around it.” —BJH

Social Works Barry’s portfolio is notable for its long list of projects for non-profit clients. Organization such as The Salvation Army, The Ottawa Mission, BGC Ottawa, The Ottawa Rotary Home, Multifaith Housing Initiative, National Capital Y and Ottawa Jewish Community know Barry’s firm well, and trust his ability to respect their values and funding capacity.

The Salvation Army Centre of Hope Ottawa, 2026

“Barry is one of the top architects in this city. Normally we would not be able to afford an architect of Hobin’s calibre. What both he and his staff did for us was exceptional. They were very dedicated and concerned. The design was aesthetically pleasing and practical, and useful for the homeless. We cannot speak his praises high enough. He’s a wonderful, wonderful man.” —Laird Eddy, The Ottawa Mission

Rochester Heights Redevelopment Phase 1, 2022
> City of Ottawa Urban Design Awards, Award of Excellence–Urban Infill – Mid to high rise, 2023
> Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association, Design Excellence Award–Not-for-Profit Project, 2022

“The Jury celebrates the project’s ability to achieve increased density and the contribution it makes to the public realm. The Jury noted the exemplary submission successfully addresses grade changes, implements a successful amenity courtyard, and takes a strong approach to building materiality. The Jury sees this type of project as a positive step in city building and encourages similar approaches to integrating affordable housing into existing communities.” —Jury of the 2023 City of Ottawa Urban Design Awards

Mutchmor Public School Addition, 2015
> City of Ottawa Urban Design Awards, Award of Merit–Urban Infill Low Rise, 2017

“School typologies have been under designed in the past, but this is a good example of what can be achieved. The project creates highly successful architecture and public realm spaces that sensitively deals with the Heritage of the building. The jury was very impressed.” —Jury of the 2017 City of Ottawa Urban Design Awards

The Glebe Community Centre, 2004
> City of Ottawa Architectural Conservation Award of Excellence, 2005
> City of Ottawa Accessibility By Design Award, 2006

“Nobody would argue that Barry Hobin’s office is a fantastic architectural firm. It’s community and charity minded. I feel good working with people who give back to the community.” —Barbara Farber, Leiken Group

The post Barry J. Hobin to Receive OAA Lifetime Design Achievement Award appeared first on Hobin Architecture.

“The Jury sees this type of project as a positive step in city building and encourages similar approaches to integrating affordable housing into existing communities.”

—Jury of the 2023 City of Ottawa Urban Design Awards

Located at 811 Gladstone Avenue in Ottawa, Rochester Heights Redevelopment Phase 1 (aka “Mosaïq”) is an affordable and sustainable urban community owned and operated by Ottawa Community Housing.

In its first phase, the redevelopment of Rochester Heights redefines this urban site by carefully addressing the scale and building articulation at each of its street fronts while placing emphasis on creating vibrant and inviting exterior gathering spaces. As the first residential Passive House project of this scale in Canada, the building’s innovative design adheres to strict Phius standards resulting in a defining aesthetic. The project serves as a catalyst for a thriving, sustainable and socially inclusive development within a safe and durable environment while instilling pride and a sense of place for its inhabitants.

The project was completed in 2022, and our team is now preparing the construction documents for the second phase of redevelopment.

The distinguished panel of jurors consisted of Brigitte Shim (Shim-Sutcliffe Architects), Graeme Stewart (ERA Architects) and Anne Bordeleau (Director of the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism at Carleton University).

“This exemplar project is an example of how to provide increased density and affordable housing within an existing neighborhood through the use of appropriate height, scale and site design. The energy performance and resiliency targets were also exemplary.”

—Jury of the 2023 City of Ottawa Urban Design Awards

Hobin Architecture was the only team to receive an Award of Excellence in both 2023 and 2021. Rochester Heights Redevelopment Phase 1 marks the eleventh Ottawa Urban Design Award to be received by Hobin. As an Award of Excellence recipient, Rochester Heights Redevelopment Phase 1 will automatically be considered for an RAIC National Urban Design Award in 2024. To learn more about Rochester Heights Redevelopment Phase One, please visit the 811 Gladstone Avenue project page.

Award of Merit – Greystone Village

Greystone Village also received an Award of Merit in the Public Places and Civic Spaces category, recognizing the project’s pathway connections along the Rideau River waterfront between the new community and its neighbours to north and south. Greystone Village was master planned in 2014 through a collaborative effort by Hobin Architecture, Novatech and eQ Homes/Regional Group.

The post Ottawa Urban Design Award of Excellence: Rochester Heights Phase 1 appeared first on Hobin Architecture.

Focus on Leadership

Hobin Architecture has always held high the importance of transferring knowledge to the next generation of leaders within the firm. As our growing team reached nearly 50 people this year, it was critical that we adopt a structure to ensure this flow of information throughout the entire team, while providing a more refined management and administrative framework. The new structure ensures that each member of our team has the appropriate level of mentorship involvement based on their degree of experience and areas of specialization.

Pictured above are members of our leadership group at the annual Philanthropy Awards (left), and our team field trip to Philadelphia (right). Photo credit: Jonathan Hobin.

We would like to take this opportunity to recognize our current leadership:

Watch our social channels and website over the coming months for spotlights on our team leaders.

A Humbling Award from AFP Ottawa

In November, we were humbled to be named Outstanding Small Business Philanthropist by AFP Ottawa. AFP describes the recipient: “This company exhibits outstanding civic and charitable responsibility and its generosity encourages others to take philanthropy leadership roles.” Founding Principal, Barry Hobin accepted the award on behalf of the team, reflecting on his personal journey to philanthropism and asserting the importance of mentoring the next generation. Click here to watch Barry’s acceptance speech. Photo credit: Caroline Phillips.

You Give, We Give

This year’s annual fundraising initiative focused on the Ottawa Mission’s “Summer of Hope” campaign. We made a pledge to triple-match donations made over a two-day period, up to $20,000, at the slowest time of year for charitable giving—the middle of summer. Our commitment inspired the generosity of hundreds of other donors, totaling $87,380.

Our firm believes strongly in giving back, and we hope that others in our industry and beyond will be inspired to find ways to leverage their own communities to support important causes. You Give, We Give is Hobin Architecture’s way of mobilizing a force greater than we are on our own to support charities in need.

Foreign Trained Architect Internship Program

Hobin Architecture is pleased to welcome Shivangi Sinha, B.Arch. for her 6-month placement under the Foreign Trained Architect Internship Program (FTAIP), working closely with our partners and gaining exposure to Canada’s regulatory framework and design standards. Shivangi is Licensed under the Council of Architecture in India, and as a LEED Green Associate, has a keen interest in sustainable design.

A collaboration of Hobin Architecture Inc., Architecture49 Inc., Fotenn and CSV Architects, the FTAIP offers an internship opportunity to skilled individuals with Architectural training from outside of Canada. The program is designed to give candidates work experience in a Canadian firm, assisting them in achieving their career goals outside their country of training and/or accreditation. The participating firms offer a 6-month placement to four candidates, providing each with 24 months of relevant Canadian architectural work experience in total.

Todd Duckworth Appointed to Holland Properties Board

The Holland Properties Association (HPA) has announced the appointment of Todd Duckworth to its Board of Directors. An Associate with Hobin Architecture with more than ten years of housing design experience, Todd’s volunteer role will become valuable to the Holland Properties team. The vision of HPA is to provide safe and affordable housing for survivors of homelessness while integrating them into existing stable communities. The Board looks forward to working with Todd as they explore new opportunities in the years ahead.

Todd’s wealth of experience in the residential and non-profit housing sector will offer unique insight to the board’s initiatives.

Field Trip to Philadelphia

This year’s annual field trip brought the team to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania via chartered bus. Tours included the Navy Yard, Charles Library at Temple University, The Barnes Foundation and finally, Cornell University on the way home. We were also pleased to be welcomed by DIGSAU – an architecture firm of similar size and values to those of our own – for a meet & greet and exchange of experience in their downtown office.

During the trip, our team was challenged to compete in a field trip photo contest, of which the top ten finalist entries are showcased above. The winning photo (top left) was taken by Jamison Duff, with runner up going to Jennifer Heaney (bottom left).

Design Awards

In November, the City of Ottawa presented the Urban Design Award of Excellence to the team behind Mosaïq Phase 1 (top). The Passive House affordable housing project at 811 Gladstone Avenue was completed last year, with the second phase now approaching construction. We proudly share this recognition with Fotenn Planning & Design, CSW Landscape Architects and Grant+Henley Design Group. Project Team: Barry Hobin, Gord Lorimer, Doug Brooks, Marc Thivierge, Shawn Leduc, Leila Emmrys.

Our team also brought home three trophies at GOHBA’s Annual Housing Design Awards (bottom row, from left):

Project Highlights

Mosaïq Phase 2 — Formerly known as “Rochesterville”, this Passive House affordable housing project for Ottawa Community Housing broke ground in October. The project adds 273 affordable and sustainable homes to the Mosaïq community which began with 811 Gladstone Avenue. Included is an onsite partnership with PAL Ottawa providing affordable living options for seniors working in the Arts.

Project Team: Marc Thivierge, Barry Hobin, David Anderson, Cameron Deans, Dan Boulanger.

Salvation Army Centre of Hope Ottawa – Now approaching the initial stage of construction, this important project has taken shape through an intense collaborative design and approval process. This first phase will house Family Services and a Café in a renovation of 325 Montreal Rd, and will form an integral component of the overall campus.

Project Team: Patrick Bisson, Dan Henhoeffer, Melanie Lamontagne, Sean O’Rourke, Fabiano Medeiros, Laura Clark, Hugo Latreille, Stuart Thomson.

G. Tackaberry and Family Home located at the New Maple View Landings is taking shape for the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville. The 192-bed Long-Term Care Home will offer specialized health care, behavioural support and palliative care in a safe and modern facility. Incorporating best practices and lessons learned through the pandemic, the new Home is slated for occupancy in mid 2025.

Project Team: Wendy Brawley, Reinhard Vogel, Melanie Lamontagne, Michelle Cataldo, Madelyn Byrtus, Ryan Fleming.

Dundas Manor Long-Term Care Home, where exemplary care is provided to the residents – Over ten years after our initial study work for the redevelopment, construction is planned to commence in the next few weeks. The project will replace the former 98-bed facility with a bright and welcoming new Home for 128 aging loved ones. The Home’s design incorporates best practices and lessons learned through the pandemic.

Project Team: Wendy Brawley, Doug Brooks, Melanie Lamontagne, Shona Dunderdale, Donovan Gifford, Ryan Fleming.

Woodvale Pentecostal Church — the new youth wing is progressing well towards construction. When completed, the renovation and addition will greatly expand the church’s programming for children and youth, while providing flexible spaces for community use. The addition will enhance the facility’s connection to the street while promoting Woodvale’s identity within the neighborhood by providing spaces that support the growth of the church, it’s congregation and the community.

Project Team: Marc Thivierge, Alison Legere.

Fire Station 45, serving the community of Kanata North, is now just weeks away from completion. The new three-bay facility will double the capacity of the former station to meet projected growth within the community. Its bold forms and contrasting colours provide a striking identity to the building, emphasizing its presence on the street. The LEED project is the collaboration of the Ottawa Fire Services, Morley Hoppner and Hobin Architecture.

Project Team: Doug Brooks, Hugo Latreille, Rheal Labelle, Noor Alqaaod, Maddy Byrtus, Nikolina Braovac.

Riverside South Town Centre – Immediately north of the Limebank O-Train Station is the future community core and main street area for Riverside South. The development – a partnership between Urbandale and Richcraft – will transform the greenfield site into a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented urban core, combining intensified housing, commercial and recreational amenities adjacent to the new transit hub. Our demonstration package was developed to establish a vision for the site and demonstrate compliance with the intent of the municipal Community Design Plan and general planning guidelines.

Project Team: Barry Hobin, Rheal Labelle, Hugo Latreille.

Hollyer House is nearing completion in Bells Corners. The building provides 35 units of affordable housing to a number of priority groups including women and children, refugees, and seniors. At ground floor is a community service hub, providing food and other services to both residents and the greater community. A collaboration between Christ Church Bells Corners, CAHDCO, Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre, FAMSAC, The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa and Cornerstone Housing for Women.

Project Team: Gord Lorimer, Doug Brooks, Alison Legere.

2026 Scott Street will introduce over 800 apartments in a variety of typologies, mere footsteps from the forthcoming Westboro LRT station. The pair of 40-storey buildings will embrace affordability, sustainability and accessibility as its main drivers, while encouraging interaction at the ground level. We look forward to bringing this exciting project to reality. A Morley Hoppner and Colonnade BridgePort development.

Project Team: Patrick Bisson, Laura Clark, Sean O’Rourke, Stuart Thomson, Fabiano Medeiros.

36 Robinson by TCU – Now complete, this project was a finalist in three categories at this year’s GOHBA awards. Clad in striking red brick and black glass, the Sandy Hill apartment building provides 153 rental apartments in studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom configurations.

Project Team: Doug Brooks, Karen Griffith, Hugo Latreille, Kurt Draper, Shawn Leduc.

686 Echo Drive – Nestled between Echo Drive and Riverdale Avenue in Old Ottawa South is this modern custom home overlooking the Rideau Canal. Dramatic views are celebrated with oversized windows and outdoor terraces at three floors. Finished inside and out are a balance between neutral tones and warm, natural materials, and The owners took occupancy earlier this year.

Project Team: Barry Hobin, Todd Duckworth, Wayne Fralic, Jennifer Adams.

131 Winding Way – Design of this custom home overlooking the Rideau River began in 2011, and is now just a few months from completion. The home features an L-shaped floor plan which is designed to maximize river views while enveloping a landscaped pool patio. Construction has advanced quickly thanks to a pre-fabricated wall framing system.

Project Team: Barry Hobin, Rheal Labelle, Wayne Fralic.

70 Richmond Road is a 9-storey condominium on the site of the Heritage-designated Champlain Oil Service Station, a circa-1934 Westboro landmark. The heritage building will be adapted for reuse as a retail unit, and is envisioned as a café or restaurant. The project has achieved Site Plan Approval is moving toward construction in the coming months. A Trinity Developments project.

Project Team: Rheal Labelle, Doug Brooks, Ammar Jaratly, Cristina Hoang, Stuart Thomson.

Stone Abbey in Old Ottawa South will offer 18 luxury condominium apartments and future freehold townhouses on the site of Southminster United Church. Now well into construction, the building’s terraced form can be seen from both sides of the Canal, an elegant and contextual response to a delicate site and neighbourhood. By Windmill Developments.

Project Team: Barry Hobin, Rheal Labelle, Kent Bugatsch, Alison Legere, Ammar Jaratly, Noor Alqaaod.

5 Fifth Avenue is a three-story custom home in the Glebe featuring crisp modernist design and accent lighting integrated throughout the exterior and interior. Materials include linear masonry, glass, aluminum and a prominent second floor balcony clad in copper panels which will patina with age. The owners are happy to be moving in before Christmas.

Project Team: Todd Duckworth, Sean Carty, Jennifer Adams.

335 Roosevelt Avenue – Uniform’s Westboro development received an Official Plan Amendment to proceed as two 12-storey blocks. A stepped form and separation between the buildings enable a public connection through the site to the Scott Street MUP and transit network. Just one block from Kìchì Sìbì O-Train station, now under construction, the site is an ideal candidate for transit-oriented development.

Project Team: Barry Hobin, Rheal Labelle, Doug Van Den Ham, Jamison Duff.

Deschâtelets Monastery at Greystone Village – Remediation of the 138-year old building is underway in preparation for it to be transformed into an elementary school, community centre, daycare and seniors’ housing. Envisioned as the collaboration between Conseil des Écoles Catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE), Ottawa Community Housing and the City of Ottawa, the project will form the centrepiece of Greystone Village when complete.

Project Team: Doug Van Den Ham, Jennifer Heaney.

The Spencer at Greystone Village by eQ Homes has made strides toward completion next year. The building will offer upscale condo living in the heart of the new community. With spectacular views to the Rideau River and downtown, the suites range from 316 sq.ft. “smart suites” to 2 bedroom + den suites and penthouses at over 1,400 sq.ft.

Project Team: Marc Thivierge, Jeff Chaput, Dan Boulanger.

Brighton Retirement Living with Mistral Land Developments, is a three-story retirement home with 124 suites in both Independent and Assisted Living options. Located 90 minutes from Toronto and just 5 minutes from the Lake Ontario waterfront, the project combines convenience with natural amenities in a supportive, home-like environment. Residents will move in this winter.

Project Team: Wendy Brawley, Reinhard Vogel, Melanie Lamontagne, Benoit Maranda, Madelyn Byrtus.

Ottawa Retirement Residence by Signature is in its final months of construction in downtown Ottawa. Overlooking the Garden of the Provinces and Territories and the Ottawa River beyond, the building will house 152 apartments with a range of supportive living options.

Project Team: Wendy Brawley, Rheal Labelle, Melanie Lamontagne, Shona Dunderdale, Dan Henhoeffer, Daniel Boulanger, Fabiano Medeiros.

Christmas Giving

Our team is putting together gifts for Cornerstone Housing for Women and The Salvation Army Booth Centre to help them through the year’s coldest months. New clothing and outerwear items, bedding and footwear are among the items needed. If you would like to support these organizations with their supply needs or to simply make a donation, please visit their website at:

Click to Support Cornerstone Housing for Women
Click to Support The Salvation Army Booth Centre

Christmas Card Contest Winner

Congratulations to this year’s Hobin Christmas Card Contest winner, Ryan Fleming!

The post 2023 Year in Review appeared first on Hobin Architecture.

Succession and Transition

As we plan for the future, important changes are taking place within the firm to ensure long-term continuity for our repeat clients and our own community.

Needing no introduction, longstanding employees Marc Thivierge and Reinhard Vogel were named Partners within the firm. Marc and Reinhard have both been with our team for 25+ years and now lead project teams as well as being central to the firm’s core management.

Additionally, three key Hobin Architecture team members became Directors in 2022. Melanie Lamontagne, RhEAL Labelle and Patrick Bisson have each been with the firm for over ten years, and have taken on leadership roles in their respective areas of specialization. They join Dan Henhoeffer as Directors.

As we celebrate these advancements, we also send our farewells with heartfelt gratitude to Gord Lorimer, Sandy Davis and Bryan Bonell, all of whom have been with the firm for over 30 years. We remind them that even though they have retired, they will always be members of the Hobin Architecture family.

Field Trip to Quebec City

Our team was delighted to get back to our annual field trip this year, having cancelled it due to the pandemic for the past two years. Quebec City was our destination, and the team was unanimous in their wonder at all the City has to offer.

Highlights of the trip were: An in-depth presentation at Lab-École—a progressive organization that set out to change the way we think about school design; tours of YMCA Saint-Roch, Le Diamant Theatre and Musée National des Beaux-Arts. The team celebrated together with a dinner cruise up the St. Lawrence River.

Thanks to Jonathan Hobin for the group photo at Maison de la Literature (right).

Ten GOHBA Awards

The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association holds two major awards programs annually: the Housing Design Awards and the Sales and Marketing Awards. This year, Hobin Architecture received ten awards between the two programs.

The Passive House affordable housing project at 811 Gladstone Avenue (Marc Thivierge, Doug Brooks, Shawn Leduc) received the Not-for-Profit Project award. A custom home at 52 Civic Place (Hugo Latreille, Kent Bugatsch) received awards in four categories with RELM Builders Inc. and Astro Design Centre.

Farmside Green (Todd Duckworth, Jennifer Adams) with RND Construction brought home awards in three categories including Green Production Home of the Year for the second year in a row. Greystone Village (Marc Thivierge, Noor Alqaaod, Michelle Cataldo, Jeff Chaput, Hugo Latreille, Alison Legere), with eQ Homes, was named Best Community and Best Condo at the SAM Awards.

Community Heritage Award Application

While we won’t know the results until early next year, we wanted to share with you the pride we feel having received endorsements from four key individuals in support of a Community Heritage Award application made to the City of Ottawa in November.

The nomination was made by Associate Professor Benjamin Gianni of Carleton University’s Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism, with letters of reference from: Sally Coutts, former Senior Heritage Planner; John J. Stewart, a founding member of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals; and well-known journalist and architecture critic Rhys Phillips.

In her reference letter, Sally comments, “preservation and adaptive re-use of heritage buildings are important parts of Hobin Architecture’s practice. […] the firm has contributed to the enhancement of the City’s public realm and lead to the preservation of important buildings for future generations.”

You Give, We Give

Hobin Architecture’s charitable giving program, “You Give, We Give,” continues through December and we are hopeful that it will be as successful as it was last year. Conceived in 2021, the “You Give, We Give” program strives to stimulate new support for community organizations in need.

The firm pledges to match new donations to four vital organizations in our community, up to a total of $10,000 per beneficiary.

It’s not too late to help us reach this year’s goal. Please visit:

https://www.hobinarc.com/news/giving/

to learn about these four organizations and show your support.

Two additional fundraisers for 2022 were The Mission’s “Summer of Hope,” raising over $62,000 for the homeless and needy, and Movember, a staff-organized fundraiser in support of Men’s health. This year’s “MHO-BIN” team raised an all-time high of $3,753.

Project Highlights

Block 208 and Kanaal are the first two buildings of Zibi’s Chaudière Island redevelopment to be completed and occupied. The buildings front onto Head Street Square, a public space intended to celebrate the site’s industrial history while honouring the traditional Algonquin Anishinabe territory on which it was built.

Project Team: Patrick Bisson, Doug Brooks, Ammar Jaratly.

BGC Ottawa’s Taggart Parkes Family Clubhouse was completed in March following an impressive construction phase of only 10-months. Situated in Ottawa’s Heatherington community, the new clubhouse enables BGC Ottawa to reach roughly 5,000 youths and children in need, giving them the skills and tools to grow and thrive in uncertain times.

Project Team: Barry Hobin, Doug Van Den Ham.

Luma is the first phase of the redevelopment of RioCan’s Elmvale Acres shopping centre. The 168-unit building’s stepped floor plan achieves a massing that reads as two buildings, and an outdoor passageway at the ground floor minimizes the building’s interruption to pedestrian flow.

Project Team: Patrick Bisson, Noor Alqaaod, Doug Brooks, Sean O’Rourke.

Amica The Glebe was toured by our team shortly before it welcomed residents this summer. The elegant retirement home located at 900 Bank Street boasts a continuum of care on one site with options for independent living, assisted living, respite care and memory care.

Project Team: Wendy Brawley, Noor Alqaaod, Doug Brooks, Kurt Draper, Melanie Lamontagne.

St. Thomas the Apostle School — Construction of this 46,300 sq. ft. addition to St. Joseph’s High School in Renfrew is soon to begin. It will provide 434 student spaces, 73 childcare spaces, 6 secondary classrooms, expanded cafeteria and learning commons, 4 childcare rooms and an EarlyON room. The build will replace an outdated school located on an adjacent site.

Project Team: Wendy Brawley, Madelyn Byrtus, Michelle Cataldo, Jeff Chaput, Shona Dunderdale, Melanie Lamontagne, Reinhard Vogel.

Salvation Army Centre of Hope Ottawa will offer vital services, community spaces and supportive housing serving local and city-wide needs. Described by the Salvation Army as a “place of hope and transformation,” the Centre is designed to provide a continuum of care to ensure the best chance for those who come there to get back on their feet.

Project Team: Patrick Bisson, Laura Clark, Melanie Lamontagne, Hugo Latreille.

Rochesterville — Hobin Architecture’s Passive House Design Team are hard at work on the second phase of Ottawa Community Housing’s redevelopment of Rochester Heights. The redevelopment will combine industry-leading sustainability measures with Hobin Architecture’s signature community design approach.

Project Team: Marc Thivierge, David Anderson, Scott Armstrong, Cameron Deans, Shawn Leduc.

Maple View Lodge, now under construction in Athens, will offer specialized health care, behavioural support and palliative care in a safe and modern facility. By introducing 132 new beds, the redeveloped Lodge will provide some much needed relief to the overpopulation and staffing crises in nearby hospitals.

Project Team: Wendy Brawley, Madelyn Byrtus, Michelle Cataldo, Ryan Fleming, Reinhard Vogel.

211 Centrum Boulevard is the first project to be built in Ontario by Montreal-based developer of seniors’ communities, Groupe Maurice. Expected to begin construction in 2023, the building will introduce nearly 400 senior apartments, surrounding a landscaped courtyard, to the community of Orleans.

Project Team: Wendy Brawley, Jennifer Heaney, Dan Henhoeffer, RhEAL Labelle, Shawn Leduc, Fabiano Medeiros.

The Regina custom residence was completed this summer. Its backyard is a haven for outdoor living, with swimming pool, spa, patio and three-season outdoor room. The 4-bedroom home also features a secluded home office overlooking an elegantly landscaped terraced front yard. The home received an RRHBA Master Award in 2021.

Project Team: Barry Hobin, Kent Bugatsch, RhEAL Labelle.

Echo Canal, by Uniform Developments, was topped off this fall at 115 Echo Drive. The building’s design draws inspiration from the lines of the adjacent Rideau Canal, to which residents will enjoy unobstructed views when complete next year.

Project Team: RhEAL Labelle, Noor Alqaaod, Daniel Boulanger, Doug Brooks, Barry Hobin, Alison Legere, Sean O’Rourke.

Au Coeur d’Ottawa Elementary School (K-6 plus daycare) for Conseil des Écoles Catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) continues to take share at Greystone Village. This project will introduce a multi-functional community and recreational facility at the heart of the new neighbourhood.

Project Team: Doug Van Den Ham, Jennifer Heaney.

The post 2022 Year in Review appeared first on Hobin Architecture.

Gord Lorimer: Over 40 Years of Design for Community

As Gord Lorimer, Partner, takes a step back from the firm’s leadership towards retirement, we give thanks for his contribution to the team. Gord’s role will shift now to “Partner, Special Projects” as he remains active with the firm on a part-time basis, and his commitment will focus on project types that are near and dear to his heart, such as City Building and faith-based work.

“You were my first employee. Over five decades, you have been the most collaborative person I have ever worked with, and that’s incredibly special…you are foundational to a lot of the core values of the firm,” comments Barry Hobin as the team bids farewell in a personal video presentation. Watch our website for an upcoming retrospective of Gord’s achievements and contributions over his 40+ years with Hobin Architecture.

Dan Henhoeffer Appointed Director

Hobin Architecture wishes to congratulate Dan Henhoeffer, Senior Technologist, on becoming a Director of the company. Dan joined our team in 2014, bringing with him a wealth of experience in the detailed design, construction documentation and project management of projects in a wide range of sectors. Notable achievements include the Bayview Yards design-build project for Invest Ottawa, The Annex Student Residence at uOttawa and Riocan’s City Park Drive Mixed-Use Village.

Along with leading a number of major projects through production and construction, Dan has championed our firm’s implementation of parametric building modeling using Revit software. This technology allows us to produce highly coordinated construction documentation very quickly, through the intelligence that is built into the 3D model.

Dan joins Directors Reinhard Vogel and Marc Thivierge.

GOHBA Awards Finalists | Cast Your Vote!

All six projects entered in this year’s Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association design awards have advanced to the Finalist stage. Online voting for the esteemed Peoples’ Choice Award takes place from Oct. 20 to 25 for custom homes categories, and from Oct. 27 to Nov. 1 for production homes and condos. Please cast your vote at www.gohbavote.ca. Winners will be announced at the virtual gala in November.

Bill Ritcey: Celebrating 12 Years of Leadership in Wood Frame Design

Over his twelve years with the firm, Bill Ritcey had the pleasure of working on projects with such clients as Uniform Developments, Springcress Properties, eQ Homes, Huntington Properties and Gemstone Developments. Bill has passed along a wealth of knowledge and skill to Hobin’s wood frame group, and his mark left on the firm’s portfolio is evidence of his dedication to quality and design excellence.

Recent Project Milestones

Ottawa Community Housing’s “Mosaïq” project at 811 Gladstone Avenue is Canada’s largest residential Passive House. OCH’s Robert MacNeil and Gordon Downes joined the Hobin project team for a group photo shortly after the project was topped off.

Project Team: Gord Lorimer, Doug Brooks, Marc Thivierge, Leila Emmrys, Scott Labrosse, Juan Gomez, Shawn Leduc.

This custom residence overlooking McKay Lake in Rockcliffe Park is now complete thanks to our wood frame team and builder Roca Homes. The 5,400 sq.ft home has been nominated for a North American Copper in Architecture Award.

Project Team: Rheal Labelle, Kent Bugatsch, Barry Hobin.

Zibi’s “Kanaal” is the first building to be occupied on the Ontario side of the Domtar Lands redevelopment which straddles the Ottawa River. As a One Planet Community, Zibi achieves the highest green building standards for materials, water, energy and indoor air quality, and is a zero carbon sustainability showpiece.

Project Team: Gord Lorimer, Doug Brooks, Patrick Bisson, Ammar Jaratly.

“Milieu,” the first phase of Greystone’s mixed-use complex topped off recently, with the second phase advancing not far behind. The project will knit 235 rental apartments and ground floor retail space into the master planned redevelopment of the former Oblate Lands on Main Street by Regional Group. Milieu will be the third apartment building at Greystone, with the River Terraces now nearing completion.

Project Team: Marc Thivierge, Alison Legere, Hugo Latreille, Jeff Chaput, Noor Alqaaod.

Reinhard Vogel, Project Director, tours the site of The Grove Redevelopment with Darrel O’Shaughnessy from the Men’s Shed in Arnprior. Construction of the new 96-bed long-term care home has advanced quickly through the summer months and is nearly enclosed.

Project Team: Wendy Brawley, Reinhard Vogel, Bryan Bonell, Melanie Lamontagne, Claudio Zhang.

At 31,855 square feet, Farm Boy’s largest store to date opened in Newmarket in September, featuring all new features such as a warehouse-inspired cafe, kombucha bar and a shipping container chip truck. The brand expansion includes new exterior identity elements that are being rolled out at new locations across the province.

Project Team: Rheal Labelle, David Anderson.

Bayview Yards – Green Building Award

Ottawa’s innovation centre, Cours Bayview Yards, has garnered a Canadian Green Building Award for excellence in building renewal. The project showcases the potential for the adaptive reuse of vacant industrial buildings, executed affordably and sustainably. The jury were impressed by how such a reinvention “can transform the dynamics of a neighbourhood, create a sense of place, and at the same time support social and cultural continuity.” They also noted that “the LEED Gold certification is exemplary for an adaptive reuse project.”

Pictured above are team members Leila Emmrys, Sandy Davis, Dan Henhoeffer and Hugo Latreille. The Bayview Yards Design Build Team includes Morley Hoppner, 4Té Inc, Adjeleian Allen Rubeli, Bouthillette Parizeau, CSW Landscape Architects, D. B. Gray Engineering Inc, Arborus Consulting, The Attain Group, Commonwealth Historic Resource Management.

Remembering Chip Piatti

Francesco (“Chip”) Piatti is remembered as being a soft spoken, good humoured gentleman, and a fountain of knowledge in architectural history and anthropology. This Thanksgiving, the Hobin team gives thanks for bringing us together with Chip over the years on office tours throughout the eastern USA; they have surely enriched us both professionally and personally. Please see the full tribute to Chip.

Barry J. Hobin Inducted into the Order of Ottawa

“The 2020 inductees into the Order of Ottawa are a group of tremendously accomplished residents whose leadership, creativity and hard work serve as an inspiration for us all,” said Mayor Jim Watson, who established this prestigious civic award in 2012. Barry proudly receives this honour along with his friends and mentors Rev. Dr. Anthony Bailey (pictured above in 2019) and Dave O’Malley.

Barry is the only practicing Architect to be granted this esteem. Biographies of all the 2020 inductees are available on the City of Ottawa website.

Planning for the Future

In September, members of Hobin Architecture’s emerging leadership group met with strategic planning consultants Innovia Partners to consider their path into the future as the company continues to spread its wings. Thanks to The Opinicon for hosting our meeting and the socially distanced celebration that followed.

The post Celebrating 2020 Awards, Milestones and Memories appeared first on Hobin Architecture.

Every design. Every project. Every growing community is part of a greater story, part of history. More importantly, they are part of the journey of the people who live within them – whether it be a luxury condominium or affordable housing – the pride of ownership, the appreciation of space and the beauty of design have always been driving factors in what we do. Our team has been fortunate to be able to work on urban development projects for 40 years throughout Ottawa, and as we look back on some of our biggest projects (literally), we uncover many of the same qualities and characteristics for each – an appreciation of history, heritage, community, and creativity.

Let’s not forget, these projects have one more thing in common: they are all top of their game, award winners in “Mid-Rise Development” categories at both local, and provincial levels of housing design excellence. We’re pretty proud. So, we’ve highlighted seven award winning projects across the city here.

In this article

1140 Wellington West – The Bethany Hope Centre Redevelopment
Yard & Station (12 Stirling Ave.)
First Patterson (27-33 First Ave.)
Westboro Station (401 Golden Ave.)
MacKay House (295 MacKay St.)
The Glassworks (29 Main St.)
268 First Ave. & 211 Second Ave.

1140 Wellington West – The Bethany Hope Centre Redevelopment

A unified composition

Double award winner for this project, our team was tasked with a multi-phased redevelopment in Ottawa’s Wellington Village for Tamarack. The first stage was the completion of 10 Rosemount Avenue, a 52-unit, six-storey mixed-use building at the corner of Wellington Street West and Rosemount Avenue. 1140 Wellington West, the second stage of the redevelopment, is a thirteen-storey, 184-unit apartment building set behind and adjoining the former Bethany Hope Centre, a circa-1924 institutional building preserved for historic significance.

Along Wellington Street, the front lawn of the Bethany Hope Centre had always provided a lively pedestrian landscape and urban green space. In order to preserve the public vitality of this space, leasable commercial space was incorporated at the base of both buildings, surrounding the revitalized green space. The top floor of 1140 Wellington provides access to amenity space and a rooftop terrace with incredible city views.

See full project description here.

AWARD WINNER

Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association Awards of Excellence, 2019:
1140 Wellington – Best High-Rise Apartment (Condo or Rental 10 storeys +)
10 Rosemount – Best Mid-Rise Apartment (Condo or Rental 5-9 storeys)

   
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Yard & Station (12 Stirling Ave.)

Transformation of a 1930’s schoolhouse

Built in the 1930’s, this four-storey schoolhouse in Ottawa’s Hintonburg neighbourhood was rezoned in 2013 for mixed-use development. The first phase was the re-use of the school building for upscale loft apartments, to be modernized while retaining its schoolhouse aesthetic.

Using the layout of the existing building, the original main entrance at the centre was re-invented as the garage entrance, flanked by individual lobbies providing access to each of the nine units. Upper level balconies were integrated into the symmetrical schoolhouse front. The innovative new layout was designed with no corridors since each of the nine units extended from the front to back of the building, and the interiors are filled with bright light thanks to large windows on both sides. While the building has a completely new use now, its schoolhouse character was successfully preserved as a legacy to the community.

See full project description here.

AWARD WINNER

Ontario Home Builders’ Association Award of Excellence, 2018:
Best Mid-Rise Building (4-10 Storeys)
Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association Award of Excellence, 2017:
Best Low to Mid-Rise Building (6-80 units)

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First Patterson (27-33 First Ave.)

Thoughtful infill design

The redevelopment of 27-33 First Avenue replaced a single house and semi-detached house with two duplex buildings facing the street and two triplex buildings on the rear of the property facing Patterson Creek.

Located within the Glebe, we were mandated to maintain the scale of the neighbouring buildings. Our team designed the new development in four distinct blocks, instead of one massive block. The street-facing units were treated in a different palette than the rear units, giving identity to each block. Four separate elevators provide direct access from the underground parking level to each unit, eliminating the need for a centralized lobby. The upper unit of each of the four blocks includes a second level with walk-out rooftop terrace and views of the creek and surrounding park.

We’re proud of how this project demonstrated thoughtful infill design in its massing and site planning, while providing a marketable product to developers.

AWARD WINNER

Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association Award of Excellence, 2010:
Best Low-Rise Condominium

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Westboro Station (401 Golden Ave.)

Gateway to Westboro Village

Westboro Station is the redevelopment of an entire block in Westboro Village – a pedestrian friendly mixed-use project that binds the village together.

Approaching the site from the west is an experience that is now transformed by the striking facade of the west tower. An iconic element was created in the acutely angled roof overhang and corner windows that define the southwest corner. A linear wing wall extends from the ground to the top floor, breaking the podium at the condo entrance. This is the only place in the development where the full height of the building is expressed as a single element.

As the shape of the property narrows toward the west end, so too does the tower, forming a wedge shaped block with a relatively narrow west facing exposure. The residential towers are set back from the property limits on all sides, giving the building a two-storey relationship to the sidewalk, in keeping with the one and two-storey facades that are predominant in the area. The residential towers step back vertically introducing garden terraces at multiple levels.

See full project description here.

AWARD WINNER

Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association Award of Excellence, 2010:
Best High-Rise Condominium

   
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MacKay House (295 MacKay St.)

Architectural excellence

MacKay House is a five-storey building located in New Edinburgh. The corner condition of the site allowed the introduction of a corner feature element facing towards the grounds of Rideau Hall. Resolved as a circular tower in stone, glass and copper, the volume serves as a visual icon for the project and a landmark within the neighbourhood.

The key to this design was context. The site is at the corner of two prominent streets that border the Governor General’s backyard. The presence of the church on the opposite corner gives a substantial architectural reference point that suggests a building of larger scale. Buildings are most often experienced while in motion, and to design a building on a corner lot from a single point of view would be especially trivial.

While the new structure is larger than many surrounding houses, the street elevations have been designed to reflect the small scale diversity while also reflecting the larger scale of both the church and the Crichton school on the other side of the street.

With its richness of materials and deliberate street-edge buffer, MacKay House is both an architectural and urban design success.

AWARD WINNER

City of Ottawa Urban Design Award of Excellence, 2009
Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association Award of Excellence, 2008

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The Glassworks (29 Main St.)

Revitalizing the urban edge

The long vacant site at the busy corner of Main Street and Greenfield was set in a transitional fragment of the city, cut off from its Ottawa East neighbourhood by the Queensway and isolated from the Rideau Canal. Along with the developer, our team saw an opportunity to build upon the proximity of the canal to create a distinctive building design.

The Glassworks’ facade is articulated horizontally to reflect the existing homes on the street, as well as to reflect the interior division of space. Vertically, the building is broken into three lifts of two-storey loft apartments set above a ground level of parking and retail to gain a better separation from the heavy traffic of Main Street. The retail use and apartment entrance lobby are set at the ends of the building, where they animate the corners with human activity. Architectural detailing and intense landscaping work together to maintain interest and mediate the urban edge.
The main lobby is contemporary minimalist, with a curved steel feature wall, wired glass, stainless steel elevator, Herman Miller benches and dramatic lighting.

AWARD WINNER

City of Ottawa Architectural Conservation Award of Merit, 2004

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268 First Ave. & 211 Second Ave.

Establishing the connection

This urban building in the heart of the Glebe consisted of two connected buildings. 268 First Avenue, a renovated 1914 five-storey Edwardian-style Heritage building, and 211 Second Avenue, a four-storey apartment building set above an underground parking garage.

The existing building’s renovation included preserving existing decorative wood soffits, brackets and trim, having the exterior clay brick and mortar cleaned, repaired and re-pointed, and the installation of new custom made pre-finished wood windows. The new building is more intimately scaled and has been designed to architecturally complement the renovated heritage building. The principal entries of both buildings have graceful foyers that hearken back to times gone by with moss green slate flooring, cherry wood doors, trim and paneling, feature lighting and stained glass. Some of the quality features incorporated into the living spaces include solid wood entry doors, fireplaces with slate hearths and wood mantles, and custom kitchen cabinetry.

This combination of elegant living with the benefits of an established neighbourhood was honoured by the City of Ottawa with an Award of Merit.

AWARD WINNER

City of Ottawa Architectural Conservation Award of Merit, 2000

 
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Our 40th year in full swing, #METAMORP40SIS continues to be filled with new projects, celebrations, and exciting announcements. To add to this year’s list of accomplishments, Hobin Architecture has been shortlisted for nine projects, in 7 different categories, at the 36th Annual Housing Design Awards presented by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association.

The awards take place on Saturday, October 19th at the Shaw Centre.

In the running are:

353 Winston Avenue
Custom Urban Home (3,000 sq. ft. or less) – Contemporary
Custom Kitchen (251 sq. ft. or more) – Contemporary $75,001 and over
Custom Bathroom (100 sq. ft. or less) – Contemporary
(with Astro Design Centre)

This distinctive Westboro home is a bold take on a traditional urban house. With a strong connection between house and yard, simple open planning with bold materiality and modern massing, this vibrant home makes a big statement.

10 Rosemount Avenue
Mid-Rise Apartment (Condo or Rental, 5-9 storeys)
(with Tamarack Developments)

The first of a multi-phased redevelopment of an underutilized site in Ottawa’s Wellington Village, 10 Rosemount is a 52-unit, six-storey mixed-use building, and is the cornerstone in the reinvented property. The building’s exterior is characterized by a bold pattern of window mullions which mimic an industrial feel, creating a sense of history and permanence. Its neighbour at 1140 Wellington Street West is a finalist in the High Rise category.

1140 Wellington Street
High-Rise Apartment (Condo or Rental, 10 storeys or more)
(with Tamarack Developments)

1140 Wellington is a defining thirteen-storey, 184-unit apartment building constructed behind the former Bethany Hope Centre in Hintonburg. This building completes the redevelopment of the 1.2 acre site, which includes 10 Rosemount as well as the renovated heritage building and landscaped forecourt.

A Human-Scaled Tower in Little Italy
High-Rise Apartment (Condo or Rental, 10 storeys or more)

This project, marketed as “Nuovo,” is a 20-storey tower on Rochester Street in Little Italy, just steps from vibrant Preston Street and serene Dow’s Lake. The building boasts impressive views in all directions and is made up of a wide range of unit sizes and layouts. The building’s facades are designed to reduce its perceived height and complement the neighbourhood.

eQuinelle
New Community (with eQ Homes)

eQuinelle, a community developed with eQ Homes and The Regional Group, is nominated for “New Community” of the Year. eQuinelle is very special in that it embodies a four-season experience for its residents, including an award-winning golf course, hiking and skiing trails, and an onsite Clubhouse with classes and adventures for both young and mature. Completely surrounded by nature, it’s a community lifestyle like no other.

536 Cole Avenue
Custom Urban Home (3,000 sq. ft. or less) – Traditional

Created as one half of a pair of customs, 536 Cole Ave is a unique and whimsical interpretation of an arts and crafts home, combining bold detailing with a simple, timeless 1.5 storey form. The home makes a strong urban statement by removing the car and garage from the front façade.

River Terraces II at Greystone Village
Mid-Rise Apartment (Condo or Rental, 5-9 storeys)
(with eQ Homes)

River Terraces II is the second phase of a mid-rise condo development at Greystone Village, located between Main Street and the Rideau River in the heart of Old Ottawa East. Purchasers will enjoy the many amenities that Greystone Village has brought to the neighbourhood, as well as those that already exist, such as walking paths along the river and the shops and restaurants of Main Street. Greystone Village was named Best Planned New Community last year at the awards, recognized both for its innovative land planning approach and its sustainable and contextual design.

The post 2019 GOHBA Awards Finalists appeared first on Hobin Architecture.

On Thursday, May 9th, our team proudly celebrated the last 40 years of projects with an event hosted at The Innovation Centre at Bayview Yards – perfectly apropos hosting in a building that our team completed just a short time ago. The new Bayview Yards (formerly a heritage-designated city works building from 1941) is now a source of community pride emphasizing Ottawa’s position as a technology hub, and centre of innovation and economic development.

Video: Metamorp40sis – Origins and Horizons

Our team wanted an opportunity to showcase our core values to our guests – which was presented in the form of a video (seen above and produced by Chris Mullington of TV Factory) featuring past projects and interviews from a number of our staff touching on the fundamental reasons why it all just… works! The wealth of knowledge, strengths and talents that fill our office continues to inspire us as we collaborate on new projects.

View the video by chapter:

When we look back at how the company has grown, we can proudly attest to the relationships we’ve built that have helped us grow, and continue to be successful. We want to thank all our clients and colleagues who attended on May 9th to help us celebrate our milestone anniversary. And a special thank you to the Ottawa Mission Food Services Program for catering, as well as entertainers, The PepTides and Lady Rouge for performing.

Photos from the event

Photo credit: Justin Tang

The post Celebrating 40 Years of Design appeared first on Hobin Architecture.

Here is a quick glance at the awards we so fortunately accepted this year.

Canadian Wood Council | Ontario Wood WORKS! Awards

November 2018

Ontario Wood WORKS! celebrated excellence in wood design with the presentation of its 18th annual Ontario Awards Program on November 20th in Vaughan, Ontario. At this event, Hobin Architecture was honoured to accept the “Commercial Wood Design” award for the showroom and design centre of OakWood Designers & Builders. Wood elements for this project, which was designed to achieve LEED Platinum, include cedar soffits, rough-hewn timber roof beams and brackets, reclaimed lumber, acoustic wall panels finished in natural oak and a series of large lattice screens. Members from our team were proud to celebrate this win with John Liptak, President of OakWood Ottawa. The project is featured in the 2018 Ontario Wood Works! Calendar.

In September, OakWood was named “Renovator of the Year” from the Ontario Home Builders’ Association. On behalf of our entire team, we want to congratulate them on a very successful year as well.

ConstructConnect reports.

Ontario Home Builders’ Association | Awards of Distinction

September 2018

At the end of September, the Ontario Home Builders’ Association held their annual Awards of Distinction – a gala event part of a 3-day OHBA conference which took place in Ottawa this year. The “Schoolhouse Lofts” aka Yard & Station – which previously won a GOHBA Housing Design Award in 2017 – took home the trophy for “Mid-Rise Building 4-10 Storeys”.

It was also runner-up in the High or Mid-Rise Condo Suite category, for these provincial honours.

Another proud partnership with Ottawa developer Morley Hoppner, the school building at 12 Stirling offered a sense of place, history and a visual landmark to the otherwise unassuming street. Its demolition would have erased an important part of the history and identity of the street and Hintonburg community, and while the redeveloped building has a completely new use and layout, its schoolhouse character was successfully preserved as a legacy to the street and to the greater community.

The Ottawa Citizen reports.

Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association | Annual Housing Design Awards

October 2018

On October 20th in our nation’s capital, members from Hobin Architecture attended the 2018 Housing Design Awards hosted by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association. We were honoured to accept the following Design Excellence Awards:

1. “Best Planned New Community,” for Greystone Village (with eQ Homes)
2. “Best Built New Community,” for The Haven Multifaith Housing Initiative
3. “Best Custom Urban Home (2,401-3,500 sq. ft.),” for 48 Civic Place
4. “Best Low-Rise Suite,” for The Vista at Richardson Ridge (with Uniform Developments and 2H Interior Design)
5. “Any Room in the House,” for 526 Kenwood Avenue (with 2H Interior Design & Cada Construction)

The Ottawa Citizen reports.

Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association | Sales & Marketing (SAM) Awards

November 2018

After winning big at this year’s GOHBA Housing Design Awards, the Hobin Architecture-designed Greystone Village development by eQ Homes scooped up the most trophies at the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association’s Sales and Marketing Awards (SAMs) on November 20th. Amongst a large list of awards their team took home, they received “Best Condo Project” for the River Terraces at Greystone Village.

Also a winner at the SAMs was Uniform Developments – who won for “Best Condo Model (Low Rise)” for the Vista model at Richardson Ridge. Another Hobin-designed project and proud partnership.

The Ottawa Citizen reports.

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