The “through-unit” plan is a classic strategy of Modernist residential architecture, virtually unseen in Toronto before Twenty Niagara was completed in 1997. In adapting this layout, aA devised a new housing type that creates density while preserving aspects of the traditional single-family housing type that the city still values. In keeping with this plan, apartments in Twenty occupy the full depth of the floorplate, allowing air and daylight to circulate freely.

The architects enhanced this quality by eliminating corridors within suites, providing clear sightlines to the park below and the city skyline beyond. By eliminating the public corridors typical of multi-unit housing, and stacking the units vertically around two elevator cores, the architects were able to create in Twenty the feeling of a series of private residences.

Recognition: National Post/Design Exchange – Design Effectiveness Award; Ontario Association of Architects – Award of Excellence; Ontario Association of Architects – Plachta Award