The willow
Elevating everyday living through thoughtful design.
an eight-story concrete rental apartment located just outside of downtown Edmonton, near key institutions like the Royal Alexandra Hospital, St. Joseph High School, and MacEwan University. More than just another multi-family building, The Willow was conceived with the belief that rental housing deserves the same care, quality, and dignity as any custom home.
who - Casia Developments Ltd.
When - 2023
where - Edmonton ab
what - multi family
While multi-family housing is often seen as a commodity, this project offers real homes—with quality kitchens, bathrooms, smart storage, durable finishes, and access to light, outdoor space, and key amenities. It’s for people working, studying, and living in the city.
Modern features like a rooftop gym, dog wash, and bike cleaning station support urban life, making it feel like a well-designed home, not a temporary stop. Built to endure rental turnover, The Willow emphasizes longevity, from quality hardware to reliable heating. By raising the standard for rentals, it addresses the growing need for high-quality, accessible housing as home ownership becomes less attainable.
36000 m2
size
the approach
Architecturally, The Willow is a strong example of what the designer refers to as a “fabric building”—a well-made, background structure that adds richness and continuity to the urban landscape without loud gestures or flashy forms. It quietly exceeds expectations, doubling the density typically allowed for its zoning while still feeling like a respectful, context-sensitive neighbour. The project demonstrates how cities can benefit from a little more flexibility—embracing creative infill, ignoring rigid rules when appropriate, and allowing for housing that meets real urban needs. Thoughtful, resilient, and quietly elegant, The Willow is a template for what rental architecture can and should be.