Harmony Commons at the University of Toronto Scarborough is a cornerstone of the campus’ northward expansion, housing 746 first-year students and Resident Advisors while serving the broader university community. It integrates student life and campus resources with a design that connects occupants to their natural surroundings, offering panoramic views of the adjacent forest. The ground floor provides a range of public spaces, including the campus’ first full dining hall, offices for student support services, and event areas. Upstairs, dormitory rooms are grouped into “communities” with study areas, gathering spaces, and kitchens, fostering collaboration and a sense of belonging.
The project is a landmark in sustainable design, achieving Passive House certification, making it the largest dormitory of its kind globally and the largest Passive House project in Canada. The building consumes 70% less energy and produces 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions per person than comparable dormitories, thanks to a high-performance envelope, heat recovery systems, and all-electric operations powered by Ontario’s renewable energy grid. Even with a commercial kitchen serving over 3,000 meals daily, the facility operates without on-site fossil fuel combustion, setting a precedent for sustainable large-scale housing.
Harmony Commons demonstrates how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into large-scale architecture without compromising functionality or aesthetics, even in a cold, northern climate. Its innovative systems, including wastewater heat recovery and low-energy ventilation, drastically reduce resource consumption while maintaining comfortable indoor environments year-round. The use of durable, locally inspired materials minimizes environmental impact during construction, and the all-electric design ensures that operations align with Ontario’s shift toward renewable energy. These measures make the building a model for how universities can lead in addressing climate challenges through thoughtful, high-impact design.
The building’s aluminum cladding, inspired by Scarborough’s geography, reduces its verticality and creates an informal, domestic feel. The design maximizes access to natural light, ensuring every occupied space feels connected to the outdoors. The building’s layout encourages interaction, with strategically placed student resources and residential clusters fostering a vibrant, supportive community.
Category:Green ArchitectureAward Year:2025Location: Toronto, Ontario, CanadaArchitects:Handel Architects LLP.Associate Architects: CORE Architects Inc.Design Team: Blake Middleton, Deborah Moelis, Stephen Sheng, Louis Koehl, Katie Donahue, Kentaro Tsuboi, Akash Godbole, Joy Liu, Kai-Yu Yu, and Chu-Yun ChengClient:University of Toronto Scarborough and Fengate Asset ManagementPhotographers:Tom Arban, Ryan Fung Photography, Fengate Asset Management
