In Kingston, on the northeastern shore of Lake Ontario, ENFORM Architects has completed GEOpark: a pioneering sustainable mid-rise residential project designed to combine modern urban living with exceptional environmental performance. This all-electric building is the first of its kind in the city; since its completion in 2025, it has achieved Zero Carbon Building certification and a 2-Star Fitwel rating, demonstrating its commitment to low-carbon, healthy living.
Context and spatial arrangement
Kingston, known for its historic 19th-century limestone architecture, offers a vibrant, walkable setting beloved for its lakeside scenery. The city is just a half-day trip from Toronto and close to nature- and history-filled destinations such as Gananoque, the Thousand Islands, and Prince Edward County. Here, GEOpark sets new standards for residential housing.
Rising six storeys, the building features 176 residential units ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments, including five hybrid “work-from-home” units, and 150 square meters of street-level retail space. The apartments come fully furnished with durable finishes and energy-efficient appliances, minimising maintenance and utility costs.
The architectural focus on human-centred design is evident in the building's wide range of modern amenities, including a rooftop lounge and BBQ dining area and a pickleball court. On the ground floor, a study and meeting rooms, community living and dining rooms, a secure parcel room, yoga studio open onto a spacious and green back garden.
All-electric building
GEOpark is an all-electric building designed with a highly airtight envelope. The envelope mitigates thermal bridging, and a geo-exchange field connected to a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system provides space heating and cooling, while CO₂ air source heat pumps generate hot water. Low-carbon concrete has been used to reduce the embodied carbon of the structure while providing durability for the building.
GEOpark uses an advanced geo‑exchange system for heating and cooling, harnessing the earth’s stable underground temperature to improve energy efficiency year‑round without relying on conventional heating fuels. It also integrates energy‑efficient features like variable refrigerant flow systems, dedicated energy recovery ventilators for continuous fresh air, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure which support lower operational energy use and healthier indoor environments.
Smart and sustainable systems
Each apartment is equipped with its own Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) which improves indoor air quality by bringing in fresh outdoor air and removing stale indoor air while transferring heat or cooling energy from the outgoing air to the incoming air. This process helps maintain a healthy breathing environment while reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency. GEOpark incorporates advanced dryer ventilation systems that improve airflow, reduce drying times, enhance energy efficiency, and minimise fire risk, extending appliance lifespan for residents.
