Oakley Ridge is a modern, student-housing facility located in the vibrant city of Guelph. The facility, located just a short 15-minute walk from the University of Guelph and a 7-minute drive to downtown Guelph, features an abundance of modern amenities to help students study and connect. The 110 apartment suites are fully-furnished, offering in-suite laundry and energy-efficient appliances in all suites and private balconies available in most units.
Other amenities include a fully equipped fitness center and yoga room, a rooftop patio with seating and outdoor grills, social lounges, study spaces, and a communal kitchen and lounge. The surrounding neighborhood offers a grand mix of places to eat and shop. Weaving the bridge between community and residency can be difficult, but the prime location and rising population help residents quickly feel connected to the surrounding community.
Outside of the location and amenities, the facility’s design is thoughtful. Oakley Ridge incorporates a range of design strategies that align with established ESG principles for purpose-built residential buildings.
From an environmental perspective, the project emphasizes operational efficiency and indoor environmental quality. The building envelope and mechanical systems were designed to meet current Ontario Building Code energy performance requirements, with ventilation and thermal control strategies intended to support occupant comfort while limiting unnecessary energy use. Durable materials and system selections were used to support long-term operational performance.
Social considerations focused on livability and usability. The building includes a high proportion of larger suite layouts, supporting a range of household types. Daylighting, suite planning, and common areas were designed to enhance comfort and everyday functionality, contributing to a high-quality residential environment.
From a governance standpoint, the project prioritizes long-term asset resilience through coordinated system design, serviceable mechanical and electrical infrastructure, and alignment with regulatory requirements. These measures help reduce lifecycle risk and support consistent building operation over time.
Alongside ESG considerations, modern facilities require modern technologies. Super-insulation, efficient lighting, and energy-efficient appliances all play an important role. In a building with a highly airtight envelope, however, fresh air is a necessary partner with high-quality insulation. While ventilation is required by Canadian building codes, its benefits are often less understood.
A well-insulated, airtight building limits natural air leakage. Without intentional air exchange, moisture and pollutants can accumulate. Reduced air changes increase the risk of condensation, which can lead to mold over time. Even when structural issues do not occur, occupants spend most of their time breathing recirculated air that can contain pollen, dust, and other contaminants.
To protect the building structure and enhance the living experience for residents and staff, the design team incorporated dedicated fresh air systems. These systems, known as energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), remove stale indoor air and replace it with fresh, filtered outdoor air. As the exhaust air passes through the core of the unit, it transfers heat and moisture to the incoming air. This process provides ventilation without sacrificing thermal comfort, similar to opening a window without the associated energy loss.
Two SER 450 units serve the shared gathering spaces. Whether residents study, exercise in the fitness center, or relax in common lounges, fresh and tempered air is supplied and exhausted consistently. Within the suites, individual ventilation is provided by FIT 120E units concealed in the main bathroom ceiling.
Both the SER and FIT ERVs can operate without external controls. For this project, the design team selected TVOC-sensing ECO-Touch Auto IAQ controls. These controls monitor indoor air quality and adjust ventilation rates based on pollutant levels. As a result, the systems operate only when needed, supporting both energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Together, these technologies complete the design of this modern student-housing facility and help create a true home away from home.
