A New model for student living in Guelph, combining thoughtful campus planning, vibrant communal spaces, and innovative prefabricated construction.
Sweeny&Co has partnered with Forum Asset Management to design ALMA Guelph Phase II, a purpose-built student residence that expands the existing ALMA community and introduces a new standard of student living near the University of Guelph. Comprising 634 beds across two mid-rise buildings, the development responds to the growing demand for high-quality student housing with a focus on community, connectivity, and efficient design.
The site is thoughtfully organized to create a cohesive, campus-like environment that seamlessly integrates the existing Phase I residence with the new buildings. By locating parking below grade and prioritizing pedestrian circulation, the design establishes a central and scaped courtyard as the heart of the development. Outdoor seating, barbecue areas, recreational spaces, and landscaped pathways encourage interaction and create opportunities for students to connect, socialize, and unwind. Complementing these outdoor amenities, the residences feature a diverse mix of suite types and shared spaces supporting study, wellness, recreation, and everyday student life.
A key innovation of the project is its integrated approach to prefabricated construction. From the earliest design stages, Sweeny&Co explored modular building systems, employing standardized structural grids, repetitive suite layouts, and coordinated building services to optimize construction efficiency. Following a comprehensive evaluation of volumetric and component-based modular systems, the design adopted a prefabricated precast concrete structure, balancing speed of construction, cost-effectiveness, durability, and long-term performance.
Developed by Forum Asset Management and constructed by Melloul-Blamey Construction, ALMA Guelph Phase II demonstrates how innovative building technologies and thoughtful architectural planning can deliver high-quality, sustainable student housing. The result is a connected residential community designed to enrich the student experience while establishing a highly efficient model for future housing developments.
