Carisbrooke Residence: A Model of Urban Infill Housing Design in Calgary by DAAS

Reimagining Density through Human-Scaled Urban Living

Carisbrooke Residence, designed by DAAS – Design and Architecture Studio, stands as a compelling example of urban infill housing design that enriches both neighborhood character and environmental performance. Situated in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Calgary, this 949 m² multi-family development embraces a context-sensitive approach that prioritizes community engagement, sustainable planning, and spatial generosity. Completed in 2024, the project redefines how compact residential architecture can foster livability and placemaking within an established urban setting.

Building Community through Landscape Integration

The core of Carisbrooke Residence’s concept lies in treating the home as part of an urban park. Instead of maximizing the building’s footprint, the design carves out a green corridor along the west property line. This landscaped courtyard forms a semi-private zone that functions both as a communal gathering space and as a buffer between public and private areas. It invites informal interactions, not only among the residents of the four three-bedroom rental suites but also with the wider neighborhood, creating a social permeability rare in urban infill developments.

Urban Interface and Neighborhood Integration

One of the defining characteristics of the project is its emphasis on seamless transitions. The architecture dissolves the boundaries between private units and the public realm through a layered gradient—from sidewalk to entry. These subtle shifts in spatial thresholds foster a sense of openness and safety, enhancing passive surveillance and community engagement. The building fronts onto 1st Avenue N.W., reinforcing a strong street presence through thoughtfully positioned entrances and pedestrian pathways.

Flood-Resilient Design with Climatic Sensitivity

Addressing Calgary’s environmental context, the residence incorporates forward-thinking flood resilience. Although the site lies outside the official Flood Fringe zone, the main floor is elevated above flood risk levels, and all mechanical systems are housed on upper floors. Below-grade construction utilizes non-organic, durable materials to ensure longevity and protection without compromising aesthetic intent. This integration of resiliency measures affirms the studio’s commitment to long-term sustainability.

Maximizing Light and Energy Performance

The orientation of the building plays a critical role in enhancing comfort and efficiency. Massing is aligned along a north-south axis and pulled toward the eastern property line, enabling deep winter sunlight to reach each unit. This passive solar design strategy contributes to energy efficiency and promotes a bright, naturally lit interior environment. The relationship between built form and solar access reflects a deliberate climate-conscious strategy that goes beyond code compliance.

Architecture as Urban Contribution

Carisbrooke Residence is not just a housing solution—it is a contribution to urban vitality. The project introduces four distinct yet cohesive rental suites, each with secure parking and dedicated Class 1 bike storage. These features are embedded within a form that respects its neighborhood scale and rhythm. By offering a compact alternative to traditional suburban models, the residence supports broader goals of densification without sacrificing quality of life.

Redefining Infill Housing in Calgary

What makes Carisbrooke Residence notable is not its size, but its layered complexity and civic ambition. It quietly challenges the notion that densification must come at the cost of character, openness, or environmental foresight. Instead, it demonstrates that urban infill housing design can enhance the urban fabric—building community, reinforcing sustainability, and shaping resilient places to live.

In its subtle elegance and clarity of purpose, Carisbrooke Residence becomes a model for how cities like Calgary can meet the future of housing with grace, precision, and human-centric values.

All Photographs are works of Hayden Patullo