Avana's Orchards is a 100-unit rental development, comprised of 8 individual buildings.
The project brings a focus on human connection, with a central courtyard and inspired socially oriented design decisions. It contains affordable-housing units seamlessly integrated into the development, promoting equality among all residents.
Avana Orchards
Located in Edmonton, Alberta, Orchards, is built on the foundational principle of creating something inspired. It is a project that is different, and precedent setting for an emerging neighbourhood in a rapidly densifying area.
The project conceptually challenges typical suburban housing models, plans, and streetscapes. The final form creates desperately needed rental housing, through the respectful introduction of one-hundred stacked townhomes.
The homes are distinctive from their surroundings, bringing an internal courtyard and a design ethos rooted in social equality and neighbourly living. The project thinks big, and goes beyond the typical anonymous sprawl, where neighbourhoods blur into one another, and neighbours live side-by-side, but do not interact with each other.
The design team envisioned a large outdoor common space with a playground and open park-like environment at the heart of the community. This idea sparked the concept that the courtyard could be metaphoric and physical focus of the site. It is the space around which all housing is centered. This public area encourages interaction among neighbours, fostering connections across different generations and promotes a social mixing of people, around the places they call home.
Conceptually, this also brings the established urban planning concept of “eyes on street” to life, allowing for passive security and a sense of safety to all. It is noteworthy that everyone is welcome at Orchards, which is especially important for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, whether due to their sociodemographic, economic, or socially vulnerable conditions. Please note that some suites are designated as affordable housing, they are equally blended into the project, avoiding any stigmatization.
The focus on respect and individual dignity is also very evident in the design of the buildings themselves. Daylight is carefully integrated into each unit, the plans allow for windows on both sides of every suite, which is becoming increasingly rare in today’s markets. Additionally, the design ensures that all homes are accessed at the same level, with side-by-side front doors, regardless if the unit is upper or lower level. It was incredibly important to ensure that no one felt like they lived above or below anyone else: there is no implied social hierarchy. The result is dignity, and the ability for all to take pride in walking through a front door with equality. The shared landings and entries also bring an urban, “walk up” feel, encouraging daily interaction among neighbours.
Stylistically, the design of Orchards was inspired by the 'Craftsman’ style. A nature-inspired look that became very popular in Edmonton between1910-1930, and the defining character of many prairie communities. The availability of materials, plans and approachable aesthetic led to its commonality. The design of buildings at Orchards is reflective of this era and the character of many established Edmonton communities. From the refined colour palette to the use of symmetry, with a restrained use of architectural details, the built form, although a modern typology, intentionally feels like a classic home.
This site demonstrates both architectural and design expertise paired with humanity and humility creates a true home.
