Chelsea Gardens Net Zero Affordable Housing

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The challenge of providing sufficient affordable housing is ever pressing across Canada. Chelsea Gardens is among the first of more than three dozen projects initiated by the Region of Peel to advance a 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan. The 20-storey tower is also set to become a benchmark building for a new generation of high-performance affordable housing developments. It is targeting both Zero Carbon Building certification and Net Zero Emissions pursuant to the Region’s climate action policies, in addition to the aggressive energy efficiency requirements set by the federal funding agency. Chelsea Gardens will sit on a small parcel of vacant land within an existing affordable housing complex, to support ongoing intensification in the area. The site plan is designed to improve the urban condition and enhance pedestrian connections within and through the complex out to surrounding amenities and services. The ground floor and part of the second floor are dedicated to a series of shared amenity spaces for community use that feed into and animate the building perimeter. The balance of the building accommodates 200 rental units, including many larger family units. A highly effective structural design coupled with efficient unit layouts and oversized windows for ample daylighting create quality living spaces for tenants. They also produce variation and visual interest in the building without compromising its high performance enclosure. Chelsea Gardens reinforces the belief that good design isn’t just for those who can afford it. Quality, sustainable housing can be achieved with an economy of means.