Year: 2025 Design & Honor Awards | Category: Built Over 5,000 SQFT

This premium urban residential development appeals to modern design enthusiasts. The sleek, minimalist townhouses feature clean lines, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and sharp angular overhangs that seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor living. A monochromatic façade accented with dark panels and warm wood contrasts with carefully placed greenery and elevated planters along the sidewalk, harmonizing built form with nature. Elevated above street level with private access steps, the design ensures resident privacy while providing inviting outdoor relaxation spaces, ultimately delivering a high-quality, contemporary living experience.

Design Challenge

The modern townhome development faced several design challenges, particularly in balancing privacy, aesthetics, and functionality within a compact urban space. The design intent focused on creating a contemporary living experience that integrates open, light-filled interiors with external space while maintaining a sense of intimacy. Large floor-to-ceiling windows were specified to maximize natural light, yet placement was critical to prevent overlooking neighboring units. Recessed entrances and elevated positions ensured privacy without compromising openness. Programming requirements included spacious living areas adaptable for various uses—such as work, relaxation, and entertaining—while still preserving comfortable private spaces. The modern façade, composed of dark panels, wood accents, and expansive glazing, creates a harmonious integration with the surrounding environment. Elevated entries and thoughtful landscaping added green integration, enhancing the street-level experience by incorporating elevated planters and stormwater management solutions. Strategic material use and architectural detailing meld outdoor living with functional spaces, building a successful urban residential development.

These modern townhomes had to balance contemporary aesthetics, privacy, and efficient site use while creating a welcoming presence. The design intent prioritized ample natural light, achieved through floor-to-ceiling windows that visually connect interior spaces with the streetscape. However, maintaining privacy and comfort posed a challenge, addressed by strategic window placement, recessed entries, and slightly elevated units that preserve intimacy without sacrificing openness.

Programmatically, each residence required flexible living areas for work, relaxation, and social gatherings. Open-plan kitchens and living rooms foster communal interaction, while private bedrooms and nooks provide personal retreats. The exterior palette—dark panels, wood accents, and expansive glazing—offers a cohesive, modern look that complements the neighborhood’s evolving character.

Elevated entries and planters introduce greenery at street level, softening the building’s façade and enhancing the pedestrian experience. Thoughtful landscaping not only adds visual appeal but also supports stormwater management. By focusing on deliberate massing, careful material selection, and a strong indoor-outdoor connection, the project delivers a harmonious blend of architectural statement, occupant comfort, and urban sensitivity.