The Essentialist Micro Apartments

The Essentialist by Elevate Living is a thoughtfully designed and impactful project in the south end of St. Catharines. By utilizing a compact, long, and narrow plot of land, it turns an underutilized space into affordable housing that maximizes efficiency without compromising comfort.

Some key highlights of this design:

• Maximizing Space: The 330 sq. ft. studio units are designed to make the most of every square foot, with compact layouts that still feel functional. This is a great way to address the growing need for affordable housing in areas with limited space.
• Social Connectivity: The inclusion of common spaces such as the amenity lounge and shared kitchen for gatherings enhances the sense of community among residents.
• Outdoor/Indoor Balance: The exterior walkways that serve as balconies provide southern exposure, allowing natural light to enter the apartments, while also offering residents an outdoor space.
• Traffic Calming: The single-lane driveway acting as a calming feature for traffic is a smart design decision, helping to promote safety and a quieter environment.
• Sustainability and Functionality: The building envelope was designs to be 84% better than Code and includes passive house windows, extra wall insulation with minimal thermal breaks, and heat pumps for heating/cooling. This helps the tenants live affordably, and with a much smaller carbon footprints. By providing bike storage and onsite storage, the design makes the apartment living experience more practical, especially for individuals looking for more sustainable living options.