Toronto Tree Tower
In 2017, Penda architects teamed up with the Canadian timber consultants Tmber to design a modular high-rise tower for Toronto.
The Toronto Tree Tower is intended to be a catalyst for future residential buildings that are more efficient to construct and more ecological than some more common construction methods. The 18-storey tower will stand 62 m high and will provide 4,500 sq. m of residential space and 550 sq. m of public space.
Canada has a long tradition of timber construction and was one of the first countries in the world to change their building codes to use timber in vertical structures. It was also a forerunner for a modular, prefabricated construction which was both efficient and visually interesting, a primary example being Moshe Safdie’s Habitat 67.
Inspired by the Habitat, The Tree Tower proposes using pre-fabricated and pre-cut cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, assembled into modules off-site at an indoor facility.
The modular, prefab process is faster, less noisy, reduces waste and allows a high degree of quality control as most parts of the building are assembled in a controlled indoor environment. The structure of the building is mainly massive timber panels with a hybrid of CLT, concrete and steel-elements where needed and makes a statement about the use of engineered wood products in vertical structures. The tower not only uses massive timber panels as its main structural elements, but also has timber-clad panels on its facade.
Large outdoor areas provide a space for herb and vegetable planters for the residents. The botany on the terraces offer a private garden for each apartment, which creates a degree of privacy within the density of the city. The trees also provide shade in the summer and help to keep the temperature low on warm days.
Content and images courtesy of Penda.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Comments
Can we have comments on actual living conditions encountered by residents compared to their previous living?