Commissioned in 1989 and completed in 1992, this 10 storey commercial office building set many firsts. This project was the first building to go through the new Site Plan Agreement process that was just being introduced for downtown projects in Toronto. This enabled us to create zoning provisions that allowed a live/work occupancy not found elsewhere in Toronto. We included 8 plumbing stacks (basically a waste pipe) in the typical floor plate, which gave the unique opportunity to add washrooms and kitchens to future residential units. To this day, 477 Richmond is approx. 50% commercial tenants (high-end advertising, fashion, financial) and 50% residential occupancy.

HEALTHY BUILDING

477 Richmond was designed to have a controllable and beneficial interior environment. Heating and Cooling is provided by water-source heat pumps, delivering 100% fresh-air to 104 individually controlled climate zones. This is the first office building built since 1953 with opening windows that are integral to the control of the building environment. The 465 operable windows (1 per 225sf floor space) has also encouraged residential occupancy. We deleted 60% of the ductwork normally used, all ceiling plenums were removed and the underside of the concrete floor slabs were finished smooth. We deleted all carpet finishes, and polished the concrete tenant floors and put stone finishes in all the public areas. These decisions resulted in considerable savings… a healthier, more sustainable interior environment… 11ft ceilings and beautiful floors.

THE BUILDING HAS FOUR DIFFERENT FACES

We believe that buildings should be responsive to the site context, orientation and local climate. The orientation of each facade has different challenges and opportunities to benefit the occupant and the neighbours. The four faces of 477 Richmond have complimentary but different proportions, window sizes and materials that were determined by heat gain, views, interior light levels and the neighbourhood context. We achieved unprecedented window areas by using new curtainwall sprinkler systems on the expansive windows close to other properties.

What you don’t see is the 4 1/2 level underground parking garage, the greatest challenge to provide enough parking for a multi-storey building on a small 80 x 140ft lot. Our solution was the first, the deepest and most efficient continually sloping parking structure in Toronto.

645 KING ST. Toronto 1992 King-Spadina Heritage Conservation District

The original commission to design a building at 645 King St. in Toronto’s west end was for a 3 storey walk-up on a 25ft x 110ft lot. Our suggestion to build a 6 1/2 storey building was based on lessons learned in Amsterdam and Paris, where tall, narrow buildings had proven their feasibility for centuries. The typical floor plan, though barely 2500sf/floor, is incredibly efficient and the electric heat pumps allows this small building to boast 12 climate zones. The first drawing was so close to the final building, it’s hard to believe. Construction was completed in 9 months. Unfortunately, the owner (who still occupies the building) cut crucial features such as operable windows and radiant heat for relatively trivial capitol cost savings.

SHAW PLACE 92 QUEEN ST. Niagara-on-the-Lake. 1996

PRINCE of WALES HOTEL 92 PICTON Niagara-on-the-Lake c.1864 Renovation 1999

233 KING ST. Niagara-on-the-Lake 2002 Greene’s Livery Stable c. 1928

LOCK STREET BREWING COMPANY

INDUSTRIAL PALE ALE

CRYSTAL BEACH BREWING COMPANY

QUEENSTON ESTATE WINERY. Queenston 2006

The office of Victor Tarnoy Architect has been fortunate to be involved in commercial projects located in rural settings, off the grid, and often within agricultural zoning. There are few design guidelines in rural areas, and too often we see evidence of this in clumsy warehouse-style buildings in pastoral settings. The Queenston Estates Winery borrowed from the rich tradition of heritage agricultural buildings in the Niagara area.

NEWVILLE CANDLEFACTORY Niagara-on-the-Lake 1996

These projects present unique opportunities to formally enhance the experience of the landscape. Whether located on Revelstoke Mountain or a flat field, our projects blend in, and stand out. The Candlefactory proposal was a state-of-the-art candle-making facility, the largest in North America… but also a tourist attraction.