Prospective condo buyers are understandably attracted to balconies as a way to get quick access to private outdoor space. But most balconies in new condos are too small to be functional, or are limited in their usefulness due to Toronto's short summers.

"Openair" windows at Sixty Colborne convert perimeter rooms into outdoor spaces, image courtesy of Freed Developments

Freed Developments' most recent rendering of their Sixty Colborne project highlights a unique design approach to solving the Toronto condo-balcony dilemma. Certain corner units will feature an "openair" window design with sliding glass panels that can be fully opened, converting the perimeter of the unit to a semi-outdoor space as the need arises. The "openair" units take advantage of the floor-to-ceiling windows, further distinguishing the development by exploiting flexible design and cleverly maximizing functional square footage. While the interior spaces will already feel connected to the surroundings through the extensive glazing, sliding the panels open will complete the suite's connection to the city at large. 

Sixty Colborne is located in Old Town Toronto, across from St James Church, image courtesy of Freed Developments

Designed by architectsAlliance, renderings of the 25-storey condo at King and Church have already impressed us with their unique interpretation of Sixty Colborne's surroundings. Located in the heart of Old Town Toronto and just across the street from St James Church and Park, the development's podium includes archways and a orange glass grid that refers to EJ Lennox's 1886-built Milburn Building on the opposite side of Colborne Street.

A detail rendering reveals Sixty Colborne's differentiated forms, image courtesy of Freed Developments

Renderings of the upper portions of the project show a series of distinctly articulated volumes in the residential tower. Each floor boasts an exterior design that distinguishes it from units above and below. 

Urban Toronto will continue to track the latest developments at Sixty Colborne as the project moves forward. Additional information and renderings can be found in our dataBase listing, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum threads, or voice your opinion in the comments section provided at the bottom of this page.