Junction Multiplex

Beginning with the duplex conversion of a single-family home in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood, Junction Multiplex seeks to provide quality rental housing while maximising the property’s overall income potential. In addition to the main house conversion is the design of two semi-detached laneway homes at the rear of this and the neighbouring property, currently underway.

An overarching goal of this development is to get maximum value from the property for our client, all while creating high-quality units that are spacious and luxurious, and all pulled together with our hallmark energy efficient, all-electric, and low-carbon emitting design expertise.

This project was conceived and delivered swiftly, efficiently, and entirely within the zoning bylaw. With careful calculation of suite sizes, density, and setbacks, we were able to secure all permits without any variances required, greatly speeding up the permitting process.

The duplex units were rented out instantly and met with an overwhelming response on the rental market. Design work is well underway for the two laneway houses, which are also slated for rental.

(Final photos provided by Brendan Fitzptrick, ReMax Professionals)

What was once a single-family residence is now two spacious apartments. Both units are two-bedroom, two-level suites with their own private entrance. The upper unit is accessed by the front door and occupies the second and third floors. The lower unit is on the main floor and basement and is accessed by the back door via a private walkway along the side of the house.

A third-floor expansion was required to accommodate extra space for the upper unit, which also enabled it to comply with the bylaw as the primary unit. This also allows for a larger laneway suite at the back, which will be the third unit on the property. Ultimately, the primary upper unit accounts for 55% of the total usable floor area of the house with an interior area of 1,140 square feet; and the lower unit makes up the remaining 45% with an interior area of 935 square feet.

Both apartments have an open concept great room, two bedrooms, den/office, main bathroom, powder room, private laundry, and dedicated mechanical room. The upper unit has an addition den/office.

In addition to high levels of energy efficiency and comfort, speed and efficiency are hallmarks of this project. In order to facilitate these goals in the construction process, we did meticulous planning, remained adaptable, and pivoted whenever circumstances required.

Firstly, the design itself threaded the needle of the zoning bylaw to avoid any variances. We then completed the construction documents and permitting in sequence so that construction could start immediately. Throughout the process we stayed ahead of construction pace and responded quickly to pandemic-related supply chain and labour issues.

The building now has a typical Solares high-performance envelope, designed for an all-electric home. The existing load-bearing masonry walls are insulated with spray-applied polyurethane foam, and the new third floor expansion is insulated with batt and exterior insulation.

Each unit is equipped with its own heat pump for heating and cooling, as well as its own ERV for ventilation. A separate mechanical room is part of each unit, so the tenants can control their environment individually. The entire development is all-electric and low-carbon-emitting.