Honeycomb Condo

For this project, I wanted to create a design that felt both unique and comforting, something that would stand out visually, but remain grounded in functionality and purpose. That’s what led me to the hexagon, because hexagons are the best-a-gons.

While I quickly learned that hexagonal architecture isn't a new concept, I saw it as a creative challenge worth taking on. Hexagons are incredibly efficient in how they connect and manage space, making them ideal for modular, sustainable housing.

I’m not an engineer, so my focus was on exploring the form and function, what this type of structure could look like, and what kind of impact it could have on the community.

Bees are essential to the health of our ecosystems and food systems. Rather than incorporating managed hives, My Condo would feature extensive native plantings on rooftops and surrounding landscapes, designed specifically to support local pollinators. Ideally, we would create a living environment that benefits people and other wildlife around it.

The tools I used for this project were Blender and 3Ds Max.

I used 3Ds Max to model the base layout and form. I then exported the model into the 3D software Blender to render the final concept archvis images.

The images show the old community housing that has since been demolished.

I’ve chosen a build site in Toronto, inspired by a recently completed condo development that shares a similar scale and footprint. My design is intended to blend seamlessly into the urban landscape, modern and unique, but not overpowering. It respects the surrounding architecture and green space, making it a natural fit for the neighbourhood.

There are two large public parks right across from the condo, which is great because it adds to the natural and lively feeling the condo will represent. With the addition of pollinator-friendly plants, rooftop greenery, and native landscaping, this development could become a key habitat hub for bees and other beneficial insects, transforming an empty lot into a vibrant, sustainable community.

The honeycomb design is super flexible and works like building blocks, you can stack the hexagon-shaped units as high or wide as you need. What’s great is that hexagons are naturally strong, so each new unit naturally supports the ones above. That means you won't need a ton of extra materials for too many supports, which helps keep costs down. These hexagons could also be built off-site, then brought in and stacked together. This would make the construction process quicker and less disruptive to the neighbourhood, like stacking LEGO pieces.

Fitting everything inside a hexagon was definitely a fun challenge. Since each one is split into two living spaces, I had to create two slightly different layouts. The upper unit has a wider floor, which allows for something extra like a work desk, while the lower unit has a tight floor but a wide ceiling. Making it feel more open but a little more restrictive in terms of area. Both versions have their strengths, and together they offer variety for different lifestyles.

On the side of the condo, the angled sides are perfect for solar panels. They’ll catch sunlight throughout the day, helping power the building and lowering energy bills for residents. It’s just one more way this design supports both people and the environment surrounding it.

One of the first things I thought about was whether I could fit everything comfortably into just one half of a hexagon. To make space for more people, each hexagon is split into two separate living units. But, hexagons have slanted sides, which can make it tricky to fit standard furniture and appliances inside. Some hexagonal buildings I found during my research flipped the shape so the pointy sides faced up and down, then covered them with flat floors and ceilings to make everything more rectangular.

That works, but I wanted to take a different approach. Instead of hiding the shape, I wanted to embrace the angles and use them to create something special. With the right design, those slanted walls can actually add more space, creating cozy corners and possibly built-in shelves. Even if it's not the most conventional, the idea is to make the most of every inch, while giving residents a home that feels creative, modern, and a little different.

My housing solution is designed with lower to middle-income individuals in mind, this definitely isn’t a luxury condo. Instead, it prioritizes affordability and efficiency, using cost-saving materials like wood, concrete, and aluminum, while maximizing interior space through smart design. It’s a space for people who like simplicity, functionality, and a connection to the outdoors.

Surrounded by greenery and pollinator-friendly plants, I believe the building will also attract members of the community who will come to the condo's garden. Creating a vibrant community of people who appreciate a natural space and want to live in harmony with their environment, not apart from it.