Giving Rise to the Missing Middle

Image courtesy of Sustainable Design Group

Our team is proud to be part of an exciting initiative in Barrie, Ontario, aimed at increasing housing density in suburban neighborhoods through thoughtfully designed small multi-unit residential buildings. In collaboration with Sustainable Design Group (SDG) and GeoFocus Group, we are helping deliver a visionary collection of multi-family timber-framed buildings along Clapperton Street — collectively known as Clapperton Village. 

Responding to the growing demand for quality rental housing in downtown Barrie, Clapperton Village embodies the principles of sustainable urban infill and community-minded design. The first phase, located at 145 Clapperton Street, is a 3-storey timber-framed building offering 10 highly energy-efficient rental units. Designed by Onespace Architects, this project is currently under construction and showcases modern timber construction methods that reduce environmental impact while providing comfortable, functional homes. 

Looking ahead, similar multi-unit buildings are planned for 143 and 149 Clapperton Street, continuing this innovative approach to addressing Barrie’s rental housing shortage. 

We want to congratulate SDG for boldly tackling what urban planners call the ‘Missing Middle’ — that critical gap of medium-density housing types such as duplexes, triplexes, and small apartment buildings that offer attainable rental options beyond traditional single-family homes and large apartment towers. By embracing this typology, Clapperton Village stands as a model for sustainable growth and community-focused development in Ontario’s rapidly evolving housing market. 

Our structural engineering team is proud to contribute to this important work that helps balance growth, sustainability, and neighbourhood character, while delivering much-needed rental housing in Barrie. 

VB&S Team: Brian van Bussel, Ryan Collison, Nic Vandewetering 

For more information contact Brian van Bussel