12 Ossington

Toronto, ON

Twelve Ossington Avenue is a rare example of a new, low-rise commercial building in downtown Toronto. Its intimate scale and design are informed by the patina of historic lower Ossington in dialogue with a highly sustainable future.

This four-storey structure provides a visually engaging juxtaposition of old and new materials, textured and transparent surfaces, and a contemporary interpretation of arches that recalls the vernacular of the street’s past. Architectural features and details enrich the specificity of this building as an authentic and honest response to both blend in with the busy streetscape and also stand alone.

Project Facts
Client
Hullmark
Location
Toronto, ON
Status
Completed 2022
Size
17,500 sq. ft.
Partner
Siamak Hariri
Historic image of Ossington Avenue, looking south toward Queen Street.

​​​​​​​“...There’s a kind of simplicity, a matter-of-factness. It feels approachable and honest. This is what I was really hoping for with this project. Like a good work of art, it should be both quiet but at the same time engaging.”

—Siamak Hariri, Founding Partner
Playful, syncopated arches and alcoves animate the lower two storeys and anchor the building with inviting entries, while the fully glazed and fritted, light-as-air upper two floors blend into the sky.

Amid the busy, buzzy street scene of lower Ossington Avenue, it sits comfortably and discreetly among its neighbours, offering visual interest and appeal within a varied cityscape.

“There is a texture to this neighbourhood that is unpretentious, down-to-earth. It has a patina. The materials we’re using are not precious, to the point where they repel you with their ostentatiousness.”

—Siamak Hariri, Founding Partner
The aspirational quality of the design reflects the tenants’ own ambitions to be part of this vibrant setting.

Twelve Ossington draws contemporary design inspiration from the late 19th-century commercial buildings on Ossington Avenue.

"There’s a kind of simplicity, a matter-of-factness. It feels approachable and honest. This is what I was really hoping for with this project. Like a good work of art, it should be both quiet but at the same time engaging. This is really what we tried to do with this small little jewel on Ossington, which at the same time had to be a commercial project. And that’s the challenge I took on with zeal and ardour.”

—Siamak Hariri, Founding Partner