|
5 King Street West, Toronto* This project is a renovation and
restoration of a 4-storey Published: The Globe and Mail, August 1996 |
| *Project by Quadrangle Architects Limited. Gordon Pape, Project Architect. |
brick
and sandstone building, constructed in 1892 for retail and office
use. We were required to stabilize and restore the deteriorating
masonry and sandstone components, restore original glazing and
wood framing, re-roof the entire building, provide open leasable
space on the upper floors, and renovate part of the ground floor
for the owners retail currency exchange.The design strategy was
to insert a large symmetrical bay window into the base of the
existing historical building, respecting the building's historical
character while maximizing the high visibility demanded by retail
use.The result was a glazed storefront contained within a sandstone
archway, with two stainless steel entrance canopies; one leading
to the currency exchange, the other to the upper storeys.The
currency exchange space consists of a high ceilinged
public room separated from
the administrative office by a wood and steel cash wicket. A
wood and steel cheque writing table is treated as a sculptural
element within the space. Materials and elements are limited
to reinforce the clarity of the design.Chapel and Banquet Hall Renovation
Beth Tzedec Synagogue, Toronto
Beth Tzedec Congregation
Currently in the design phase, this project is a renovation to
two of the principal spaces in the synagogue. 
A
critical aspect of the design approach is to respect the building's
existing architectural principles and the design intentions of
the original architect.The design approach is based on an understanding
of the organizing principles which govern the existing building:
staggered planes, articulation of structural systems, the use
of screens, and the use of clear, coloured and obscured glass
to differentiate between types of spaces. Through interpretation
of the original organizing principles, the new work will create
a connection to and a dialogue with the other spaces in the building.
Renovation to Jesse Ketchum Child
Care Centre,
Toronto*
Metropolitan Toronto Community Services Department
Children's Services Division
A child care facility - the oldest one in Toronto - was first established in 1954 in this free-standing building located in a school yard. The long, rectangular two-storey industrial building was constructed in 1912 as a WWI munitions factory.
The centre accommodates 90 children from all age groups, from infants to school age, and is staffed by 20 child-care workers. The design evolved as a response to staff requests and comments, and the constraints of working within the existing shell with a limited budget.
The design strategy takes advantage
of the east-west orientation of the building, situating all children's
program spaces towards the south to bring in natural light. Circulation
is located to the north, with a service core of washrooms, change
rooms and storage in between. 
On
each floor, program spaces are visually and physically connected
to maintain a sense of openness and to permit children to see
and occasionally visit children of other age groups.
The basement contains the kitchen, staff room, and the program space for older children. Infants, toddlers and preschoolers inhabit the ground floor, with kindergarten through school age children on the third floor.
A varied palette of materials is used to encourage the children sense of discovery and to take advantage of the qualities of the existing structure. Heavy wood columns, beams and floors, as well as the interior brick walls are exposed; ducts are revealed to encourage curiosity about how buildings work.
Published: The Canadian Architect, May 1996
* Project by Peter Hamilton Architects. Gordon Pape, Project Architect.
Private Residence
Richmond Hill, Ontario
This house was designed for a family
who wished to recapture the spirit of the homes they 
knew
from their youth, while growing up in rural Ontario.Although
the 4,500 sq. ft. house has generously sized living spaces and
high ceilings, through careful attention to proportions and judicious
use of appropriate detail, the home projects a modest and comfortable
presence to the street.