# Large Passive House Buildings Handel Architects Builds the Harmony Commons at UofT By Amy Duong | Published 2024-08-14 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harmony-commons References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2024/08/12/handel-architects-harmony-commons-passive-house-canada/) & [handelarchitects](https://handelarchitects.com/)  New York-based architecture studio Handel Architects has completed the [Harmony Commons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teacup-harmony) building, which is a [university structure in Toronto](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leiden-university). This can be found at the [University of Toronto Scarborough](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ucl-east-marshgate) and it functions as a dormitory building. It is large enough to fit up to 746 first-year students and packed with other spaces such as offices and a dining hall. Handel Architects speaks about the design project, stating "Taking advantage of the natural surroundings, the building has been sited and shaped so that as many occupied spaces as possible feel a connection to the outside. "Taking advantage of the natural surroundings, the building has been sited and shaped so that as many occupied spaces as possible feel a connection to the outside Image Credit: Handel Architects ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.0/10 - Popularity: 1% | Activity: 2% | Freshness: 26% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Eco-friendly Dormitories:** The integration of natural surroundings with large-scale dormitory designs showcases a shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly student living environments. - **Multi-use Campus Buildings:** Combining dormitory spaces with dining halls and offices in single structures highlights the trend of multifunctional campus buildings that optimize space. - **Passive House Architecture:** The adoption of passive house standards in university buildings reflects a growing initiative to reduce energy usage and enhance building efficiency on campuses. ### Where This Applies - **Higher Education:** Universities are increasingly investing in sustainable and multifunctional buildings to enhance the student living experience and reduce environmental impact. - **Sustainable Architecture:** The rise of eco-friendly, energy-efficient buildings is reshaping the architectural landscape, pushing a demand for innovative, green design practices. - **Real Estate Development:** Developers are now focusing on constructing large-scale, sustainable residential buildings that integrate multiple functionalities to meet modern living and environmental standards. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Climatic Resilient Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/west-don-ravine-passive-house.md) - [Mass Timber Research Centres](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/koffler-scientific-reserve.md) - [Net Zero Research Facilities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/koffler-scientific-reserve-research.md) - [Accordion Facade Housing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harmonikahusene.md) - [Precast Concrete Toronto Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tower-hill-development.md) - [Large Concrete Educational Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ucl-east-marshgate.md) - [Compact Calming Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-sheltered-space.md) - [Pondside Passive Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/china-pond-passive-house.md) - [Ancient Construction Campus Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/faroe-islands.md)