AffordableHousingDemonstrationProject

ACCESSIBLE ARCHITECTURE: BEYOND THE RAMP – OCTOBER 2016
The above color-rendered site plan drawing highlights the landscaping and color contrast around
and between buildings. The project houses an inner south-facing outdoor courtyard space
measuring approximately 24’-0” by 24’-0” onto which each dwelling looks. Everyone is free to utilize
this space, a move designed to promote social interaction, bringing people together rather than
keeping them apart.
Local architects and homebuilders were invited to design affordable, innovative housing for a cityowned
lot at Baldwin at 12673 – 72 Street, allowing more flexible land use. Each housing unit had
to be priced below $86,000. At least one unit had to be suitable for families with children. Eight local
teams of architects, designers, and builders submitted proposals that included two or three units of
housing on the site. The five-person jury considered each entry’s affordability, effective design,
livability, neighborhood fit, and innovation. In the project’s jury report, Edmonton architect David
Murray noted “the two-building concept allows more light to reach the neighbor’s yard.”
85