The Model 4-Plex is a novel prototype for Toronto’s low-rise “missing middle” housing, developed parallel to municipal policy changes that have lifted longstanding restrictions in residential neighbourhoods. It is among the first purpose-designed fourplexes built following the City of Toronto’s decision to permit four residential units on lots within the city’s “yellow belt.” Playful, contemporary, and cost-effective, the project demonstrates how gentle density can be introduced into established neighbourhoods without disrupting their existing scale.

With two stacked units at the front, two at the rear, and a complementary garden suite, the first two Model 4-Plex sites deliver ten new homes on parcels previously planned for two single-family dwellings. The design is based on a carefully considered, repeatable unit layout that delivers highly functional two-bedroom homes within a compact, efficient building envelope. Mechanical systems are carefully located to maximize quality usable space and simplify construction. Privacy and natural light are thoughtfully balanced, while each home is paired with a private outdoor space directly off the primary living area, an amenity often absent in multi-unit housing of this scale.

The Model 4-Plex reflects years of research into alternative housing types for Toronto’s low-rise neighbourhoods. As advocates for expanding the city’s housing toolkit, the design team sees broad potential for this model across diverse sites. Beyond responding to new zoning permissions, the project demonstrates the studio’s ability to navigate the technical, regulatory, and construction challenges of this modest yet complex building type. The result is a replicable, cost-efficient housing model that delivers high-quality contemporary architecture and genuinely livable homes, offering a path toward incremental urban intensification in Toronto.