Ulster Street Multiplex + Laneway House

Located in Harbord Village—a walkable, established neighborhood filled with amenities—Ulster House was conceived by LGA principals Janna Levitt and Dean Goodman as a test case for mid-scale urban housing. On a standard single-family lot, we developed a five-unit condominium building designed to benefit both residents and the surrounding community.

The project set ambitious targets: create homes priced on par with conventional Toronto condos, design compact yet comfortable living spaces for long-term use, and pursue a zero-carbon strategy without compromising everyday convenience.

To achieve this, the team evaluated each construction material and system for buildability, aesthetics, and cost. The resulting building operates entirely on electricity—featuring solar panels, an all-electric HVAC system, and no gas line. Meeting Architecture 2030’s carbon benchmarks and aligning with Passive House principles, Ulster House demonstrates how sustainable, small-scale density can be delivered at market rates.