The LafargeHolcim Awards Acknowledgement-prize winning Daniels Building at One Spadina Crescent houses the John H Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, & Design. The project is exemplary for embedding sustainability into the teaching, learning and research programs of the University of Toronto. The renovation and extension of the 1875 Gothic Revival building was designed by Nader Tehrani and Katherine Faulkner, of NADAAA in collaboration with Architect-of-record Adamson & Associates, landscape architects Public Work, and heritage architects ERA. The Daniels Building at One Spadina Crescent officially opened on November 17, 2017.

Designed by Nader Tehrani and Katie Faulkner of NADAAA, the complex focuses on openness to the surrounding neighbourhood, sustainable urban design, and preservation of the historic building's heritage.

The project creates a forward-thinking vision for the Daniels Faculty, one of the leading schools of architecture, landscape and design in North America. Watch a 10-minute video placing the project in the context of the work of the university by clicking on the image (left, below).

The John H Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design project involves the renovation and expansion to the University’s facility at One Spadina Crescent. Construction work has been divided into two phases.

The first phase included renovation of the south-facing Gothic Revival building. The second phase is currently under way and includes excavation and shoring activities, as well as construction of a 9,300 square meter new building that will house a new library, art gallery, and design studios for the architecture school.

The proposed building provides a new home for the John H Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape & Design on the site of a culturally significant nineteenth century structure in the center of Toronto.

The project’s basic objectives are twofold: to rehabilitate existing urban, landscape, and architectural elements through reuse and complementary additions – and, to demonstrate the university’s aim to foreground sustainability as part of its pedagogic program through the use of state-of-the-art construction materials and energy systems. The envelope of the historic structure is upgraded to increase thermal resistance, while the new addition combines a range of measures to demonstrate responsible resource consumption, with design strategies maximizing fresh air ventilation, effective day lighting, and storm water harvesting.

Read project feature in 4th Holcim Awards 2014/2015 (flip-book)

The John H Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design project involves the renovation and expansion to the University’s facility at One Spadina Crescent. Construction work has been divided into two phases. The first phase includes renovation of the south-facing Gothic Revival building plus the construction of a 9,300 square meter new building that will house a new library, art gallery, and design studios for the architecture school.

“Heritage Reframed: University building renovation and extension” is enmeshed as a teaching tool for the Daniels Faculty of Architecture. The project by NADAA won a Holcim Awards Acknowledgement creates a dialog between the past and the present.

Watch video

The winning projects of the Holcim Awards 2014 for North America are at the cutting edge of efficiency and innovation in sustainable construction. The top prize went to a water supply and flood mitigation project in Las Vegas designed by Amy Mielke and Caitlin Taylor. BIG’s urban flood-protection concept for lower Manhattan was conferred the silver Award, and a zero-carbon compostable structure recently on display at MoMA New York designed by David Benjamin received bronze.