A zero-carbon design around a core of urban comfort and wellness
A forerunner for the progressive possibilities of zero-carbon residences and intensification in Canadian cities’ urban sprawl, the elegant mid-rise of 485 Albert (formerly 600 Princess) bridges the metropolitan with the environmental with a finely-tuned sustainable design that balances livability with sustainability.
A six-storey structure of clean and modern lines with a central address in Kingston’s Williamsville neighbourhood, 485 Albert comes from a mix of advanced mechanical, electrical, and structural strategies to form a project unlike any other in Ontario. These range from an ultra-efficient geo-exchange heating and cooling VRF heat pump system to being built from low-impact construction materials and enveloped with high-performance enclosure.
This climate-forward design feeds into its focus on the health and wellness of the people that call it home as well: A pedestrian-centered concept near the downtown core, 485 Albert is filled with 176 residential units and 150 square meters of corner retail on the ground floor, as well as five live-work units—workspace and living space hybrids ideal for start-ups and freelancers. Naturally ventilated and lit via operable windows and surrounded by trees, several of these units’ layouts are also future-oriented, flexibly laid out for family growth and other shifting needs in housing and capable of being merged with one another.
With its own social and sports areas on its common roof and unique dog-friendly courtyard, this project is a unique place of activity, connection and community. With adjacent parks, a nearby farmers’ market, local shops and dining all accessible by foot or bicycle, locals and businesses can develop deeper relationships with their immediate surroundings both inside and out.
