A beacon for the future - Ironstone Condominiums

condo profile
A beacon
for the future
Ironstone Condominiums helps
transform uptown Burlington into a
sustainable urban oasis
A new condominium project in Burlington is
taking the lead on sustainable building in Ontario, as
one of the first residential buildings in the GTA to be
equipped with geothermal technology. With the “big
dig” beginning in spring 2011, Ironstone
Condominiums by Davies Smith Developments will not
only help transform uptown Burlington’s emerging
core but this project will also be a huge step toward
zero-footprint residential building in Ontario.
Located in Burlington’s developing uptown core,
Ironstone is designed to integrate Green technology
with sophisticated condo amenities to exude a
downtown feeling despite suburban surroundings. The
condo will feature street-level retail space, a mixture
of lofts and suites, and a spacious landscaped rooftop
terrace that includes cabanas, lounge pads, a built-in
136 Condo Guide | SEPt 28 - Oct 12, 2009
outdoor barbecue, fireplace and a hot tub.
Aside from aspiring amenities, the most
groundbreaking feature of the 16-storey condo is the
geothermal technology that will be used to heat and
cool the building. This natural energy system
eliminates the need for natural gas heating, thus
eliminating the release of harmful emissions that
pollute the air.
“Just by moving in, purchasers reduce their carbon
footprint,” says Ironstone architect Roland Rom
Colthoff of RAWdesign. Not only does the geothermal
heating and cooling system cut a building’s energy
use by 60 to 70 per cent, it also lowers monthly
energy costs for residents by at least 10 per cent.
The geothermal system consists of a network of
pipes planted 15 metres deep into the ground where
the earth’s temperature remains at a constant 10
degrees Celsius all year round. No matter what
season, water circulates through the pipes to heat or
cool the building as needed. To help maximize energy
efficiency, each suite is equipped with individual
thermostats and geothermal heat pumps to provide
personalized climate control.
“Ironstone is a beacon for the future,” says Graham
Chalmers, vice-president of construction and partner
at Davies Smith Developments. “In years to come
we hope that more buildings in Ontario will generate
as much energy as they consume. Geothermal is a
huge leap toward that goal of a zero-energy
footprint,” he says.
Raising the bar for sustainable condo living
not only in and around Burlington but also for the
GTA, Ironstone’s geothermal technology will be
complemented by a solar panel system, green
roof areas, and low-flow faucets and toilets for
water conservation.
The eco-chic balance is also apparent in
Ironstone’s interiors and amenity spaces that fuse
urban and contemporary design. The model suites
will feature modern built-ins with kitchens designed
in grey and white with refreshing splashes of
green. Ironstone also features lofts that open
onto landscaped terraces, while other units open
onto a private raised courtyard or are accessible
from the street.
Secure bike parking around the building will also
be provided, in order to facilitate a Greener lifestyle
for residents. With the added luxury of being close to
restaurants, major shopping outlets and a new
medical building, Ironstone residents can avoid
hopping in their car for many outings and errands.
“When I looked at this building, I knew this one had
the possibility of being a real Green building,” says
Ironstone purchaser Mark Vistorino. Over 80 per cent
sold, the Ironstone Condominium Green policy will
start as soon as the digging begins this spring.
Construction will prioritize materials that contain
recycled content and an environmentally conscious
waste-management procedure will be implemented.
One-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus-den suites
ranging from the mid-$200’s to the high $300’s are
still available. The Ironstone presentation centre is
located at 1940 Ironstone Dr., Burlington. Hours are
Monday to Wednesday from noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday
and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.; Thursday and Friday
by appointment only. For more information visit
IronstoneCondominiums.com or call 905.315.8100.
SEPt 28 - Oct 12, 2009 | Condo Guide 137