The courtyard a breath of fresh air in design

By Barbara Lawlor

As we see beautiful condominiums rising across Toronto and the GTA, our streetscapes are taking on an exciting new character. Each residential building is unique with architectural highlights that appeal to a variety of purchasers. One of the interesting elements being included in many condominiums is the courtyard – an open, unroofed space that brings residents and passers-by together in the great outdoors, European style. This refreshing outdoor common space is usually landscaped to introduce nature into its urban setting.

The configuration and placement of courtyards are varied and fascinating. Sometimes this inviting area is in front of the condominium to integrate it into the streetscape in an intimate way. The courtyard may instead be at the centre of two or more buildings that make up the condominium community, creating a private urban oasis for suite owners and their families. Typically, the courtyard features bench-style seating that complements the architecture and helps to create beautiful views from the suites that overlook it.

Courtyards serve other purposes, including adding to the “greening” of Toronto. Landscape firms work hard to ensure that whatever plantings are installed thrive in the sun/shade conditions of the courtyard and reflect the overall feel of the condominium’s style. Far from an afterthought, courtyards are an integral component of the communities they grace.

One example is Canary District Condos, the first residential condominium in the Pan American Athletes` Village in Toronto’s West Don Lands neighbourhood. With the intention of bringing residents together in their own private social amenity space, this condominium’s central courtyard will feature lush seasonal and perennial plantings and open cabana-style seating. This glorious area will be perfect for suite owners and their families and friends to enjoy the great outdoors together. And in keeping with the athletic ambience of the neighbourhood, the courtyard will include an equipped fitness facility. The overall Canary District community will also encompass other courtyards connected by pathways and public walkways.

King Blue Condos at King Street West and Blue Jays Way will feature a street-level public courtyard complete with tempting restaurants and interesting shopping venues. Accessible from King, Blue Jays Way and Mercer Street, it’s the perfect scenario for the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District. Easton’s Group of Hotels and The Remington Group’s design includes glazed courtyard walls that frame the lobbies and entrances of the two towers, the hotel’s lounge and entry, as well as the lobby and entrance to TheatreMuseumCanada to be located in the podium.

In Scarborough, Gemterra Developments Corporation offers LOVE Condominiums  - two towers and a collection of townhomes surrounding an open landscaped courtyard. In addition to anchoring this community with restful greenery and a central gathering spot, this courtyard fits well with the pedestrian friendliness of the neighbourhood. From the courtyard, residents will be able to access the library, shopping centre and transit routes in the immediate surroundings.

On the Etobicoke waterfront, Ocean Club is the incredibly successful condominium community by Graywood Developments Ltd. and Beaverhall Homes. The master plan includes 19,000 square feet of landscaping around the buildings, designed by Strybos Barron King and inspired by the oceanfront condos that dot Florida’s coastline. With the environment in mind as well, Ocean Club’s landscaping will include energy-efficient, low-maintenance plants in the courtyard and terraced gardens. These natural spaces speak to this condominium’s location between Mimico Creek and the Humber River Valley.

Sometimes the courtyard is raised, as in Menkes’ Pears on the Avenue. Designed by Page + Steele/IBI Group Architects, this classic contemporary boutique building features a three-storey glass-and-brick podium with a courtyard terrace landscaped by NAK Design Group. Stunning views include Yorkville in the foreground and the Toronto skyline in the distance.

Those are just a few examples of the amazing courtyards that are dotting Toronto’s cityscape. One thing about these open areas – the sky’s the limit when it comes to possibilities for their design and use!

Barbara Lawlor is president of Baker Real Estate Incorporated and an in-demand columnist and speaker. A member of the Baker team since 1993, she oversees the marketing and sales of condominium developments in the GTA and overseas. Keep current with The Baker Blog at blog.bakerrealestate.com