A Purpose-Built Campus Community

Harvard is a proposed 131-unit, 590-bed student housing community located near the University of Guelph, designed to support the growing need for high-quality, purpose-built accommodations. The concept envisions a 9-storey building with terraced setbacks that respond to the street’s angular plane, creating a form that is both contextually sensitive and visually dynamic. The site plan incorporates generous public and semi-public areas, encouraging interaction, walkability, and a sense of community for students.

Our team completed a comprehensive development study for the project, assessing the optimal density, building configuration, and financial structure required to meet both planning expectations and market demand. We evaluated multiple massing options, unit mixes, and amenity strategies tailored to student living, while conducting detailed financial modelling to determine the project’s viability and potential returns. This integrated approach ensured the concept was not only design-forward but also grounded in realistic development economics.

The resulting scheme demonstrates how a mid-to-high density student housing project can be both profitable and contextually appropriate, contributing positively to the neighbourhood while meeting institutional housing pressures. By aligning planning feasibility, architectural intent, and investment considerations, the Harvard study showcases our ability to deliver clear, strategic development direction for complex, multi-unit residential sites.