West Bend Multiplex

West Bend Multiplex is owned and inhabited by a forward-thinking developer with a keen interest in sustainability. With an east end multiplex already in his roster, he wanted to create a sustainable, all-electric multiplex for his own family where they live the west end.

Situated just around the corner from the subway and High Park, this multiplex is a great example of how much density you can provide on a typically sized Toronto lot. The concept is a 2-storey family suite above two single-floor rental units (main floor and basement) in a three-story plus basement house. The property also has a fourth unit in a new laneway suite at the back: our West Bend Laneway Suite project.

This triplex was designed before the Toronto multiplex bylaw amendment was approved, so there was an involved permitting process to create two units in addition to the primary unit. We worked closely with the city and neighbours to ensure that the design did not significantly affect the character of the street. We designed the units in such a way that the 3^rd storey is essentially tucked under the roof – even without a dormer – and the basement apartment walkout is located out of sight at the rear.

Today, this type of project will have a much faster approval process, as multiplexes of up to four units (plus laneway or garden suite) are now permitted across the city.

The goal of the design was to make the primary unit feel like its own single-family home while also having two other units for rental income. Each unit has a dedicated front door that enters directly into the apartment, and they each have independent heating, cooling, ventilation, and hot water.

The 2,140 square-foot primary unit spans the second and third floors. It also has a generous entry foyer at the front on the main level, which provides plenty of space for strollers and other items. Upstairs from the entrance is the kitchen, dining, and living space that opens onto a large and private back deck. At the front is a family room that can later be divided into bedrooms for this growing family. On the newly built third floor are two bedrooms, a shared washroom, and a spacious primary bedroom with ensuite – all tucked under the street facing roof.

The two apartments on the main and lower levels enter at the rear and have shared use of the backyard. The ground floor unit is 1,070 square feet, with two bedrooms located at the front and middle and two bathrooms, one being ensuite. The kitchen, living and dining space is at the back looking out to the garden.

The basement unit is slightly larger at 1,190 square feet. It has large windows bringing in ample daylight, three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a generous common area, making it perfect for a family or roommates.

West Bend Multiplex is one of our early all-electric urban multi-unit projects, comprising a full-gut renovation with rear and 3^rd storey additions. Our client managed the overall build and all trades. He was very detail-oriented and successfully brought this project to life.

The overall design uses the Passive House approach, with continuous exterior insulation and a high level of airtightness. Each unit has its own heat pump, with individual controls for heating, cooling, and overall comfort. The framing was largely steel due to the requirement for non-combustible materials.

The property is equipped with solar panels, with 21 panels on the multiplex and 16 panels on the laneway suite. All together, they provide power for the upper owner’s suite and the laneway suite. Our client has reported that their operating costs are quite low, and noticeably less than other older homes with comparable living space serviced by natural gas systems.