Construction on MoDA's multi-family residential project at 17th Avenue and 7th Street SW in Lower Mount Royal has now moved up to grade, signalling the start of the building's unorthodox vocabulary. Ignited by PLOT Development Group, SWITCH|bloc reimagines the typical townhouse complex by interlocking and stacking units, with only a single access corridor needed on the third floor.

Rendering of SWITCH|bloc, image via MoDA

By distributing units across two floors in a 'switchback' fashion, obtrusive internal corridors that typically spawn unremarkable floor plans are minimized. The 19-unit project locates the more active elements of the home, such as the kitchen and living and dining spaces, at the front of the building. Private spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms are moved to the back of the four-storey structure. The depth of each unit engenders floor plans with ample space, allowing two- to three-bedrooms to flourish.

Cross-section of the four-storey interior, image by Phrame via MoDA

The staggering of internal spaces translates to greatly mitigated sound transfer; SWITCH|bloc avoids the potential for noise conflicts through the stacking of quiet and introverted spaces. "This strategy prevents the conundrum of someone sleeping and someone above or below their unit either entertaining or blasting the TV," reads the project website.

SWITCH|bloc construction, image by Forum contributor Beltline_B

Taking cues from the region's vernacular and natural geography, the facade will be partially composed of cedar shingles, forming a canted front elevation. The project's concrete structure recently hit grade and will now erupt into the streetscape.

SWITCH|bloc construction, image by Forum contributor Beltline_B

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