_{Photo courtesy of 5468796 Architecture}

When you think of typical housing complexes for the 55+ demographic, contemporary and innovative are probably not the first words that come to mind.  5468796 Architects, the award-winning studio behind the Prix de Rome Table for Twelve and many other works, is changing that with HEDGE, a 48 unit complex in Winnipeg.

^{Photo courtesy of 5468796 Architecture}

The building is conceived around a communal, treed courtyard. The two masses are connected by bridges and further permeated by a promenade leading from the street into a continuous loop around the courtyard space providing both a shared exit for the buildings and a place for a daily walk through green space close to home.

_{Photo courtesy of 5468796 Architecture}

The interjection of greenery extends to the façade; the building is clad in Corten steel, then further encased in a mesh spaced 8 inches outside out, providing space for planters. The mix of vines includes clematis, and lonicera for blooms in the spring and summer and hydra for year-long foliage. The space speaks to an idea of movement, of life and of freshness - quite the departure from conventional ideas of a stuffy retirement home.

_{Photo courtesy of 5468796 Architecture}

With the population over 55 projected to make up 35% of Canada’s population by 2036, housing for this market is becoming an increasing concern.  With retirement comes shifts in lifestyle and eventually in the physical requirements of navigating one’s own space. While making modifications necessary to stay in the same home can be costly, currently more than 85% of older Canadians prefer to do so. This speaks to a need to create develop housing typologies which are more appealing to today’s population over 55. While Canadians are living overall longer and healthier lives, this population is affected by growing obesity rates and sedentary lifestyles. Architectural interventions as (seemingly) simple as carving out green space and a path to walk along go a long way to increasing not only the appeal of a residence, but the long term health and well being of those living in it.

Here's a link to learn more about the always inventive 5468796 Architecture.

Researched and written by Miranda Corcoran, a designer based in Toronto currently studying at OCAD University.