York zoning
regulation.
“The reverse
setback
strategy can
be modified
according to
specific site
constraints.
Rather than
serve as a
model for
maximizing
built up
area with
a receding
floorplate,
the reverse
approach
emphasizes a minimized footprint and expanding upper floors,” explains
Karim Fakhry. The massing approach allows a minimum built up area on
the ground level and hence maximum public space. This allows for extensive
viable communal areas on the scale of the neighbourhood and city and
establishes inter-neighbourhood connections and expansive multi-purpose
outdoor areas for social interaction.
The awarded project emphasizes economical sustainable concepts easily
replicated with minimal financial impact on project budget. With a reduced
building footprint (less than twenty percent of horizontal coverage), the
natural landscape is preserved. Unbuilt surfaces allow for excess rainwater
absorption and the expansion of lush gardens. The innovative massing
transforms the building into a volumetric brise-soleil. The project responds
to specific site orientation and naturally shades itself from the tropical sun on
the western and southern façade. A dual layer of vegetation, flexible louvres
and natural ventilation based on site orientation minimize the project’s
ecological footprint and the reliance on mechanical systems for cooling.
“This is an exciting community project that we hope will set the standard
for sustainable future development,” said Mansfield Developers CEO Helen
Oshinusi. “The building is truly unique and its impact will hopefully be felt
not only in the immediate neighbourhood but across the capital.”
Domaine Public Architects was founded in 2012 by graduates from Harvard
University. A diverse portfolio of work includes projects in the United States,
Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Spain, Mexico and the Middle East. Projects range from
galleries, apartments, private houses, hotels, to large scale residential projects
and master-plans. The practice is driven by an analytical approach, rather
than a specific architectural style. AD
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