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  • McQuesten Lofts











    McQuesten Lofts

    Hamilton, ON.

    INSTITUTIONAL  //   AFFORDABLE HOUSING

    PHIUS Passive Projects Design Competition | Best Overall Project | Co-winner

    ASLA Landscape Architecture Magazine | “A Garden Comes Together in Layers

    Nature-Based Design in Landscape Architecture | “Towards Solving for Homeless and Indigenous Populations” | p.252-259 | Bruce Sharky (FASLA)

    McQueston Lofts (Parkdale Landing) is a four-storey new building designed by Invizij Architects is the completing phase of an urban infill redevelopment transforming a long-neglected, landmark site. Owned by Indwell Community Homes, the building was designed with wood construction, for its cost effectiveness and carbon sequestration properties, the building includes 50 one-bedroom apartments and is certified with PHIUS (the Passive House Institute US).

    In 2021 the project was awarded co-winner Best Overall Category Passive House Projects in North America. The building’s overall design aesthetic references stacked shipping containers, reflecting its nearby industrial neighbourhoods in East Hamilton. The shape of the building creates a protected courtyard between the two buildings, with large south-facing communal balconies. On the street-facing portion of the ground floor is the Parkdale Branch of the Hamilton Public Library. The site plan also includes a private dog-park for tenants, as the complex is pet-friendly.

    The project is developed in conjunction with local Indigenous organizations to address issues of Indigenous homelessness. To reflect this priority, the landscaping is designed with twelve traditional Indigenous plantings in the four directions including sage, tobacco, cedar, and sweet grass around a central symbolic fire gathering area.

    Photos courtesy of Invizij Architects + Indwell.

    Learn more:

  • Meet SDG’s New Office Dog!

    Meet Ollie, the newest member of the SDG family! 🐾

    Everyone wants to be a landscape architect, and it’s never too early to start learning. Ollie is already bringing joy and wagging tails to our office. Welcome, Ollie!

  • SDG attends Ribbon-cutting Ceremony for Niagara-on-the-Lake’s new Entry Gateway Feature!

    The SDG team attended the exciting ribbon-cutting ceremony for Niagara-on-the Lake’s new entry gateway feature. This incredible project was made possible by the generosity of the Gerald Kowalchuk Family Fund.  The project first initiated in 2019. Kowalchuk’s vision of a gateway to the historic district, a symbolic representation, a striking first impression, and landscaping excellence has come to life.

    SDG was honored to provide the final design, inspired by Niagara-on-the-Lake’s rich history and heritage. SDG’s Brad Smith said “the inspiration for the long limestone wall with a distinctive arch and the town’s name surrounded by native plants is a nod to the nearby Fort Mississauga and Fort George”.

    A special thanks to the donor, the mayor, and the city staff for making this vision a reality.

  • Haig attends the Toronto Botanical Garden’s Annual General Meeting

    Haig had a wonderful time at the Annual General Meeting for the Toronto Botanical Gardens, where he proudly serves on the Board of Directors. Doris Chee a long time OALA member and past president, opened the meeting with a heartfelt land acknowledgement. It was also inspiring to see the second-year TMU students present their creative work for the entrance to the TBG visitors’ centre.

  • Haig is presenting at the Pillar & Post Garden Tour

    The Pillar & Post Garden Tour

    Join us on July 23rd from 11am to 2pm in Niagara-on-the-Lake for the Pillar & Post Garden Tour!

    Haig Seferian will be giving an exclusive presentation on the design, approval, and construction phases of the stunning gardens at the Pillar & Post.

    Special presentations by Oakridge Landscape Contractors, Unilock, Jackson Ponds and the LO Designer Sector Group will also be featured!

    Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn from the best in the industry and discover the secrets behind how this incredible garden came together!

    Register now at the Landscape Ontario website. Tickets are $50 per person, and lunch is included. Secure your spot today!

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    #GardenTour #HaigSeferian #PillarAndPost #LandscapeDesign #NiagaraOnTheLake #LandscapeOntario

  • The landscape design at Wallingford Hall residence at McMaster University is complete!

    Exciting news from SDG! The landscape design for Wallingford Hall residence is now complete, the first implementation of the McMaster University Campus Housing Master Plan we started in 2018. This unique, all-female residence houses 75 students across four floors, offering shared washrooms, cozy common rooms, kitchenettes, laundry facilities, and even a charming tearoom. We are proud to see Wallingford Hall flourishing in the Residence West Quad!

  • Alyssa graduates from the University of Guelph!

    A huge congratulations to our talented landscape designer, Alyssa McDonald, for graduating from the University of Guelph last week! Alyssa has earned her Bachelor of Landscape Architecture along with a certificate in Environmental Citizenship.

    We’re incredibly proud of your hard work and dedication, Alyssa! Your passion for creating beautiful, sustainable landscapes is truly inspiring. Here’s to many more green and innovative projects ahead!

  • SDG Participates at the 2024 Bishop’s Charities Invitational Golf Tournament at Glen Abbey

    Brad Smith teeing off at Glen Abbey
    Brad and Oakridge, Ira McDonald Construction and Toms + McNally Design golfing team

    Brad Smith teed off at the 2024 Bishop’s Charities Invitational Golf Tournament at Glen Abbey on June 5, joined by partners from Oakridge Landscape, Ira McDonald Construction, and Toms + McNally Architects—the same talented team behind the Hamilton Golf and Country Club’s stunning patio design. A special thanks to Oakridge for the invite!

  • Affordable Housing Renovations at St. Mark’s Church are complete!

    We are proud to share our latest project with Indwell: the redevelopment of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Kitchener into 43 affordable apartments! This innovative project preserves the historic sanctuary for community events, while creating new living spaces distributed across the building’s lower, ground, second, and third floors. The church’s original facades remain intact, with new windows meeting Passive House standards for sustainability.

    SDG designed a beautiful landscape featuring a community garden, planters, public spaces, and preserved trees to enhance the environment for tenants.

    This transformation supports St. Mark’s ongoing vision for community outreach and offers much-needed supportive housing, addressing the current encampment and homelessness crisis. Together with Indwell, we’re building a stronger, more caring community.

  • Waterloo Park featured in ASLA Landscape Architecture Magazine.

    landscape architecture magazine
    Decluttering the Park article

    We are excited to announce that our project, Waterloo Park, has been featured in the ASLA Landscape Architecture Magazine!

    In the article “Decluttering The Park,” Zach Mortice dives into our journey of transforming this historic green space. From removing urban clutter to introducing naturalized bioswales along Silver Lake, our goal was to bring back the park’s tranquil charm.

    Check out the online article at www.landscapearchitecturemagazine.org to see the beautiful before-and-after shots and learn more about our mission to create a peaceful retreat for all to enjoy.