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Windmill Apartments

Ottawa, Canada

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located in Ottawa, Canada
design proposal from 2017

The development consists of a three-storey apartment building on Riverdale Avenue in Ottawa.
The building is conceived as a single, simple volume sculpted at the top and bottom to create shadow lines and terraces. The interplay of surfaces is emphasized through contrasting materials: the main volume is clad in light grey metal, while the carved-out areas are rendered in masonry. This treatment makes the metal volume appear to float like a pixelated cloud. The masonry, which serves as a backdrop for amenity areas, introduces warmth and texture while helping the building integrate into its surroundings. The windows are arranged in a staggered pattern, reinforcing the pixel-based design concept—each opening is treated as a single or composite “pixel.”
The underground parking ramp is located outside the building to reduce the visual mass at ground level and open up views into the depth of the site. In the front yard, the cantilevered upper volume creates a sheltered, welcoming zone at the main entrance, in conjunction with adjacent functions. With the exception of the parking ramp, the surrounding exterior space is dedicated to amenity areas and pedestrian/bicycle circulation. Bike parking is located in the front yard beside the main entrance for greater accessibility. Outdoor seating elements are strategically placed in the front and rear yards to foster resident interaction and activate the street.
Inside, each of the three floors is organized around a central corridor serving apartments that range from studios to large two-bedroom units. The top-floor units span two levels, with mezzanines offering access to generous private terraces. All apartments benefit from ample natural daylight through large windows.