Oak House

The oak tree has long been a symbol of strength, wisdom and our connection to nature and the Earth’s environment. Oak House embodies these principles, facilitating a prolific student neighbourhood that builds upon the academic strength, wisdom and strong roots of the University, while fostering a community dedicated to sustainable innovation and outreach.

• Oak trees can be found all over the University of Toronto St. George campus, and for 196 years, has been part of the University’s coat of arms and a symbol of the institution.
• The land on the corner of Spadina and Sussex is 100% owned by the University. The leasehold interest is 25% owned by Daniels and 75% by U of T.
• U of T’s premier zero-carbon building, Oak House is one of the first buildings on the St. George campus designed to meet the University’s new rigorous carbon intensity target. Powered by the new geo-thermal exchange system beneath Robert Street Field, the building is the lowest-carbon residence on the St. George campus, greatly contributing to the University’s 2050 Climate Positive target.

• Three games rooms with ping pong and billiards tables
• Music rooms, featuring a piano and dedicated space for solo and group practice
• A project and design room, with flexible space perfect for engineering projects and drafting architectural plans
• On-site exercise facilities, including a fitness room and wellness studio with space for yoga
• Community kitchens, providing space to make a healthy snack or cook with friends
• Study Commons, providing a mix of individual and group study spaces
• Resident Lounge, the perfect spot for hanging out with friends
• Cafe Lounge, featuring study tables or comfy sofas
• TV rooms, where you can watch movies on the big screen
• Reflection Room, a quiet space for prayer and contemplation
• Common rooms, with a variety of TV, kitchenette, lounge and dining facilities
• Dining Commons, offering all-day dining service
• A friendly service desk team. They’re on hand to help with all resident inquiries, key card services, mail and package pick-up and access control. They can also assist with equipment loans, such as vacuums and board games
• 24/7 support and assistance, including live-in residence life staff who offer after-hours support, and overnight security

Oak House is a sustainable university living community that will bring a new standard of living for students and faculty to campus. It aims to promote collaboration, integration, and cross-population interaction through academic and co-curricular programming within the University, the surrounding community, and the City of Toronto itself.

Oak House is an example of how future buildings will be designed to meet the University of Toronto’s goal of becoming a carbon-neutral campus, utilizing geo-thermal exchange energy, and striving for a  LEED Silver designation. Oak House provides a glimpse of the multifaceted nature of the neighbourhood. Here you’ll find heritage, residential, student housing, sports field, and retail all united in one block.

In the face of increasing demand for student housing on campus, this ground-up development adds 508 bedrooms for students and faculty and increases the University’s total bed inventory by 5% while contributing to U of T’s 2050 Climate Positive Target.

Environmental

Retaining Heritage features

Make-up air is provided to the building by make-up air units located in the penthouse that utilize enthalpy wheels for heat recovery. Heat pumps connected to the Robert Street geothermal field provide heating and cooling for the make-up air 

Governance

Residence Dons. Our team of upper-year and graduate student leaders that live in residence to provide support, organize events and help you feel at home

24/7 support and assistance, including live-in residence life staff who offer after-hours support, and overnight security

Social

Daniels HR Corporation (Daniels), as agent on behalf of the University of Toronto invited artists to submit proposals to decorate the halls of Oak House. For this opportunity, priority was given to artists who self-identified as:

• Having a connection to U of T (current students, alumni, family, member of surrounding communities)
• Connection to the Spadina/Sussex or Harbord Village community (current or past residents)
• Connection to U of T student centralized student residences or communities (Chestnut Residence, Grad House)
• Diverse individuals belonging to equity-deserving groups including but not limited to members of visible minority groups, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ2S+ people

In consultation with Diamond Schmitt Architects, a number of opportunities for social purchasing of local artwork was identified for the common areas and amenity spaces within the residence to help bring the space to life and tie the various aspects of the building together.

Reflection Room, a quiet space for prayer and contemplation

Oak wood is quite literally the foundational building material of many homes, and is commonly associated with longevity, stability, strength, and endurance. It is our hope that this student community will provide a solid and enduring home for many students for many years to come.

• Domestic and International Students
• Members of Faculty
• 2 Ground floor retail commercial partners
• 1 Dining Commons

Partners

• Architect: Diamond Schmitt Architects
• Landscape Architect: NAK Design Strategies
• Heritage Consultant: ERA Architects
• Construction: Daniels Corporation
• Leasing: University of Toronto, Student Life – Housing

Press

TBA

Awards

TBA