High Park Lofts, Toronto’s first condominium project to use a geoexchange system for heating and cooling is featured in the article “One hot address” in the October 31 2008 edition of the Toronto Sun.

Since the building is pushed flush to all setbacks on the lot lines, the only place for the loop field was down, under the building, beneath two full levels of underground parking.

Despite developer Harry Stinson‘s numerous business failures, including his involvement in this project, you have to admit he pushes the envelope and offers a different vision for buildings. At the time High Park Lofts began, it was the greenest new condo building proposed for the city. During the many years of construction delays in this difficult project, buildings by other developers were started, completed, and labeled under the LEED rating system.

In 2005 when I asked Mr. Stinson about LEED he said that of course his next project would be green, adding “It is the way it will have to be done”.

Other aspects of the building include a living wall, full indoor atrium with indoor balconies, roof garden plots, and commercial business units at street level.

It’s no suprise that Elfstrom Engineering makes its home at High Park Lofts. Stop by for a visit some time and we’ll give you a tour.