Robertson House Crisis Centre

Toronto, ON

A temporary shelter for homeless women and their children, the renovation and addition to Robertson House creates the experience of a single house—a safe, supportive, and nurturing shelter for both collective and individual living. Working within the limitations of an existing structure, a tight neighbourhood site, a complex program, and a restricted budget, the House blends with its surroundings to dispel the “special housing” stigma.

The lobby, designed to provide a sense of security from the street, is organized to accommodate the flow of residents, visitors, strollers, and more. Other communal spaces include a circular story room and indoor play area, a youth room, a prayer/meditation room, and various activity nooks. The second-floor bedrooms are modest and intimate, each with a private window seat in the dormers overlooking the courtyard.

This project set a precedent for future HPA work. It marked the inception of a commitment to prioritizing the inner life of buildings over their exterior presentation—Robertson House’s new addition is hardly visible from the street. HPA also learned how to create additions to heritage buildings that complement, rather than overwhelm. The project received awards from the 2001 Wood Design Awards and the 2000 Toronto Architecture & Urban Design Awards.

Project Facts
Client
City of Toronto Housing and Homelessness Services
Location
Toronto, ON
Status
Completed 1998
Size
27,000 sq. ft.
Partner
Siamak Hariri
Selected Awards

2003 – Ontario Association of Architects, Architectural Excellence Awards, Institutional A: (less than $10 million)

2000 – City of Toronto, Architecture and Urban Design Awards, Element or Building

1995 – Canadian Architect, Award of Excellence

Full Awards List

"[HPA's] work has been translated into a building which we find both sensitive and functional for our organization. In addition, the restorations to the historical buildings were executed with an understanding of our organizational requirements as well as a need to preserve our history and the beauty of the buildings. In many ways the outcome exceeded our expectations."

—Christine Watt, Former Manager, Robertson House

The L-shaped addition that wraps the south and east boundaries of the site was seamlessly integrated to incorporate the newly renovated historic houses to the west.

Communal facilities—child care, dining, and residents’ lounge—are organized around a central, protected garden courtyard. Overlooked by second-floor residents and open to the first-floor communal areas, the courtyard fosters connection and transparency with play areas and social spaces.

A welcoming, circular story room is lit from above by a featured skylight.

The Robertson House is a space that fosters the care and growth of women and their children, supporting families in their transition back into the community. With 37 private residences and communal eating and gather rooms, this space provides a sense of security and promotes a supportive community.