Project Facts
Client
Hullmark
Location
Toronto, ON
Status
Completed 2022
Size
15,790 Sq. Ft.
Partner
Twelve Ossington Avenue is a rare example of a new, low-rise commercial building in downtown Toronto. Its intimate scale and design are informed by the patina of historic lower Ossington Ave. in dialogue with a highly sustainable future.
This four-storey structure provides a visually engaging juxtaposition of old and new materials, textured and transparent surfaces and a contemporary interpretation of arches that recalls the vernacular of the street’s past. Architectural features and details enrich the specificity of this building as an authentic and honest response to both blend in with the busy streetscape and also stand alone.
Historic image of Ossington Avenue looking south towards Queen St.
Project Facts
Client
Hullmark
Location
Toronto, ON
Status
Completed 2022
Size
15,790 Sq. Ft.
Partner
“...There’s a kind of simplicity, a matter-of-factness. It feels approachable and honest. This is what I was really hoping for with this project. Like a good work of art, it should be both quiet but at the same time engaging.” - Siamak Hariri, Lead Project Architect
“...There’s a kind of simplicity, a matter-of-factness. It feels approachable and honest. This is what I was really hoping for with this project. Like a good work of art, it should be both quiet but at the same time engaging.” - Siamak Hariri, Lead Project Architect
Playful syncopated arches and alcoves animate the lower two stories and anchor the building with inviting entries while the fully glazed and fritted, light-as-air upper two floors blend with the sky.
Playful syncopated arches and alcoves animate the lower two stories and anchor the building with inviting entries while the fully glazed and fritted, light-as-air upper two floors blend with the sky.
To the busy, buzzy street scene of lower Ossington Ave., it sits comfortably and discreetly among its neighbours, providing visual interest and appeal in a varied cityscape.
To the busy, buzzy street scene of lower Ossington Ave., it sits comfortably and discreetly among its neighbours, providing visual interest and appeal in a varied cityscape.
“There is a texture to this neighbourhood that is unpretentious, down-to-earth. It has a patina. The materials we’re using are not precious, to the point where they repel you with their ostentatiousness.” - Siamak Hariri, Lead Project Architect
“There is a texture to this neighbourhood that is unpretentious, down-to-earth. It has a patina. The materials we’re using are not precious, to the point where they repel you with their ostentatiousness.” - Siamak Hariri, Lead Project Architect
The aspirational quality of the design leverages the tenants’ own ambitions to be a part of this vibrant setting.
The aspirational quality of the design leverages the tenants’ own ambitions to be a part of this vibrant setting.
Twelve Ossington draws contemporary design inspiration from the commercial buildings on Ossington Ave. from the late 19th century.
Twelve Ossington draws contemporary design inspiration from the commercial buildings on Ossington Ave. from the late 19th century.
"There’s a kind of simplicity, a matter-of-factness. It feels approachable and honest. This is what I was really hoping for with this project. Like a good work of art, it should be both quiet but at the same time engaging. This is really what we tried to do with this small little jewel on Ossington, which at the same time had to be a commercial project. And that’s the challenge I took on with zeal and ardour.” - Siamak Hariri, Lead Project Architect
"There’s a kind of simplicity, a matter-of-factness. It feels approachable and honest. This is what I was really hoping for with this project. Like a good work of art, it should be both quiet but at the same time engaging. This is really what we tried to do with this small little jewel on Ossington, which at the same time had to be a commercial project. And that’s the challenge I took on with zeal and ardour.” - Siamak Hariri, Lead Project Architect
