10 Bay McMaster Graduate Residence nominated for a Hamilton Urban Design Award
For more information, please contact:
Andrea Chin, Communications Director
Email: [email protected]
Don Schmitt, Principal
Email: [email protected]
Hamilton’s biennial Urban Design and Architecture Awards recognize and celebrate excellence in shaping the city’s urban environment.
10 Bay McMaster Graduate Residence has been nominated in the Private Buildings in Context – Residential category, which evaluates projects that contribute to successful city-building through strong contextual relationships, design quality, and sustainable practices. Submissions were evaluated on their relationship to the natural environment and the public realm, pedestrian amenity, massing, detailing, as well as landscaping.
The 30-storey residence, located in Hamilton’s downtown core, is home to over 600 graduate students and their families. Responding to the surrounding urban architecture, the building’s exterior draws inspiration from the neighbouring Hamilton City Hall’s chevron floorplate. A combination of glazing and angular, dimensional cladding begins at the podium level and extends vertically across all façades.
Designed to foster community engagement, the building strategically withdraws from the corner of Bay Street South and King Street West, carving out a generous public plaza that softens the hard edge of the intersection and creates a gathering space. This open space seamlessly transitions into the ground floor lobby, blurring the boundary between exterior and interior.
Transparency is emphasized throughout; the use of glass maximizes daylight, provides views of the surrounding neighbourhood, fosters a sense of connection with the broader community, and aids in wayfinding and orientation.
Amenities include a rooftop terrace with urban views, a developed cycling path system, and social spaces designed to support students’ health and well-being. Targeting LEED-Gold Certification, the building features a high-performance envelope, operable windows for individualized comfort, and an extensive green roof designed to offset stormwater, reduce the heat island effect, and support biodiversity.
10 Bay McMaster Graduate Residence demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can enhance the urban environment while meeting the needs of its residents.
Winners will be announced on November 6.
Learn more about Hamilton’s Urban Design and Architecture Awards here.