Summerhill Offices Successfully Demonstrates the Importance of Reducing Embodied Carbon

The retrofit of the 1133 Yonge Street building successfully demonstrates the importance of reducing embodied carbon while at the same time modernizing the architectural expression from the 1980’s. In addition to notable sustainability interventions that are part of this revitalized structure, the Summerhill Offices is an exemplar of heritage conservation and transition to a contemporary era. With a new modern form, the building reflects a refreshing renewal of the heritage fabric that it is a part of and that defines this stretch of Yonge Street. It complements the adjacent railway station retrofit, together contributing to an assembly of iconic heritage assets along the street that are visibly dynamic both day and night. This building transformation is simply a beautiful example of how to capture the architectural essence of what was and bring it into a new time.

The building provides a new weightlessness to its adjacent twin building, but the architectural translation and transformation does so in a respectful way. It is not a “better than” but a new “addition to” in terms of architectural expression and contemporary contribution. The existing height, massing, and prominent horizontal lines are maintained so that it continues to belong to the group of related buildings along the street. Even the solid character of the building has been maintained, but in a different way. The solid expression is now a transparent solidity, each floor held together by the strong horizontal lines. The exterior sustainable design interventions are visibly showcased in an innovative and attractive way but are positioned so that they do not detract from the renewed front façade. The greening of the lower south façade brings the aspect of nature to the building, which further exemplifies the sustainability commitment and adds to softening of the architectural language and the adjacent parking lot. The retail street datum line is maintained and the new café at the lower ground level helps to animate the street and mitigate an often-awkward grade change. Although, it is unfortunate that a more suitable and animated use is not part of the prominent building corner and pedestrian experience at grade.

Project Information

Architect: Studio JCI

Structural Engineer: WSP

Mechanical Engineer: The Aquila Group

Electrical Engineer: Scheinman Group

Developer/Owner/Client: Clifton Blake Asset Management Oldstonehenge Development Corporation

General Contractor: Silvercreek Commercial Builders

Photographer: Michael Muraz Scott Norsworthy