Pharmacy Midrise transforms a former bungalow on a large corner lot in Scarborough into a 30-unit, six-storey rental apartment building, responding to the opportunities created by the City of Toronto’s evolving Major Streets policy. Located along a transit-served arterial corridor within an established Scarborough neighbourhood, the project explores how Toronto’s major streets are evolving to support a more urban scale of housing density and new forms of family-oriented rental housing. Conceived as a prefabricated timber building, the project utilizes nail-laminated timber (NLT) floor panels and panelized light wood-frame wall systems to support a more efficient and lower-carbon approach to mid-rise urban housing construction.
Shaped by its irregular geometry, prominent corner condition, and dual street frontage, the building is organized through a sculpted massing strategy defined by softened corners, recessed façade elements, and rounded balconies that wrap the building edges. These projecting balconies soften the overall mass while establishing a distinctive architectural identity along both streets. The main entrance is positioned at the intersection, reinforcing the pedestrian experience and creating a clear point of arrival.
Across six storeys, the building provides a mix of one-bedroom, one-bedroom-plus-den, two-bedroom, and two-bedroom-plus-den rental homes designed to support a diverse range of households and reflect the principles of the City’s Growing Up Guidelines. Light-toned brick masonry paired with warm wood soffits and recessed wood detailing gives the building a durable yet tactile material character, while perforated metal balcony guards introduce depth, texture, filtered light, and privacy across the façades. Curved balconies project outward to extend living spaces and establish a strong visual rhythm that animates the building elevations. At grade, shared indoor and outdoor amenity spaces extend daily life beyond the apartment and encourage informal gathering and community interaction.
Rather than prioritizing surface parking, the project directs valuable site area toward landscape, pedestrian access, bicycle infrastructure, and shared outdoor space for residents.
