Luke-Philip Seibt
2 Ross St - Laneway Suite
Environmental Design
2021
Project OverviewThis project explores the design and development of a laneway suite at 2 Ross Street, a site situated in downtown Toronto near Spadina Avenue and College Street. The surrounding area is a quiet, residential neighbourhood enriched with urban greenery, accessible public transit, and high walkability. The suite is designed to accommodate a gardening-focused lifestyle, emphasizing sustainability, light accessibility, and efficient use of compact urban space.The design integrates structural and aesthetic strategies to support plant growth and residential comfort, including large south-facing windows, a greenhouse-inspired second floor, sunken living room, heated floors, and abundant indoor and outdoor plant space. The architecture draws inspiration from industrial Chicago design and uses materials like red brick, polished concrete, and black metal for a cohesive look. A focus on functionality is present through built-in storage, bi-folding doors, hanging plant features, and climate-resilient construction using Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF).
“Project StatementThe laneway suite at 2 Ross Street responds to the growing need for adaptable, small-footprint urban living that enhances everyday life through intentional design. Centred around the activity of gardening, this space is more than a home, it’s a sanctuary for plant lovers. The structure supports year-round plant care with strategic sunlight access, open-plan interiors, and integrated temperature control, all while reflecting a strong industrial aesthetic. It embodies sustainable urban development through material efficiency, thermal insulation, and multi-functional living, serving as a model for future laneway housing in dense urban environments.”
Work by
Luke-Philip Seibt
Architecture + Landscape Architecture
“To design sustainably is to listen to the land, to culture, to the ecosystems and to those often left at the margins. I aim to create inclusive spaces that breathe with their environment and hold...” [More]