Coming soon to Calgary's Lower Mount Royal, just south of the bustling 17th Ave SW corridor, the MoDA-designed Switch/bloc low-rise condo development will be a transformative project for the area. Spearheaded by local philanthropist and senator-in-waiting Mike Shaikh, the project utilizes an innovative, space-maximizing "switchback" design that could become the industry standard for residential blocks of this size.

Switch/bloc, cross-section highlighting the innovative "switchback" design, image by Phrame via MoDA

Arranged, as the project's name and unusual descriptor suggests, in a switchback pattern, the four-storey, 19-unit, residential building will feature a collection of two-level suites stacked one atop the other in an alternating pattern, which will allow for the more traditional layout of living quarters placed below the sleeping quarters, while simultaneously doing away with the need for central corridors on each floor.

Switch/bloc, top-down view of a typical unit, image by Phrame via MoDA

The switchback pattern will have several other benefits as well. The family-oriented units allow for a good separation of space and uses, and the clever arrangement promotes a timely use of natural light, while the placement of lower- and higher-decibel spaces will be done in such a way that bedrooms and living rooms unit-to-unit will never share a wall. It is estimated that the saleable square footage will come in at around 95 percent, or at least 10 percent above the norm for a residential block of this type. 

Switch/bloc, as it will appear from the street, image by Phrame via MoDA

Located within the heart of one of Calgary's most popular historic neighbourhoods, directly across from the Edwardian-Era Anderson Estates apartment block, Switch/bloc's outward appearance has been designed to pay tribute to the historic character of the area. The use of cedar shake, the mansard-inspired slope of the facade, and the use of dormer windows have all been done with an eye towards helping the modern structure blend into its surroundings. 

Cedar shake but one of several historic architectural motifs to be incorporated into the facade, image by Phrame via MoDA

Construction is anticipated to begin as soon as the building permits are approved, so shovels may go into the ground as early as this spring, with a completion date of 2018 likely. Should everything go as planned, Switch/bloc will be a welcome addition to the neighbourhood, and indeed the broader city, as the innovative use of space and use of heritage materials will hopefully set a high standard for all future projects. 

SkyriseCalgary will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.