The Concept of Liveability: Insights from Hamilton Architect Graham McNally
Architect Graham McNally shares how design creates liveable homes and cities in Hamilton, from Kirkendall renovations to the LRT. Watch the full talk.
What makes a home, or a city, truly liveable? At Corcoran Design Dialogues: Hamilton, architect Graham McNally of Toms + McNally Design argued that liveability has less to do with square footage and more to do with connection. He defines it through human and social sustainability: how design keeps people healthy, fosters community and brings life to the street. Using three projects at three scales, he showed how smart design keeps Hamilton neighbourhoods vibrant. Here are the key takeaways for buyers, sellers and city lovers.
Small Scale: Better Space, Not More Space
Graham's first example is a 2014 renovation in Kirkendall for a couple with a young child who wondered whether they had to move. They were using only part of their home, mostly a cramped kitchen and sitting room. Instead of adding square footage, his team rebuilt the rear addition, added a proper entry with storage and a ground-floor powder room, and connected the kitchen, living and dining spaces. Construction came in under half a million dollars, and the family stayed in the neighbourhood they love.
His advice: have the honest conversation up front. Many clients say they entertain constantly or want a coffee bar in the primary bedroom, but daily habits tell a different story. The takeaway: most people ask for more space, but what they need is better space.
Mid Scale: 110 Units Designed for Gathering
The second project is a 110-unit affordable housing building in Binbrook for a non-profit housing corporation. Residents would largely be locals with strong family and community ties, so the design layers shared spaces at three scales: a front-yard garden, a community room for larger events, and lounges, or "living rooms," for each residential pod. Neighbours can host grandkids and friends close to home, or come together as a whole building, all while staying connected to the community they know.
Large Scale: Hamilton's LRT and the Case for Density
The third example isn't Graham's project, but he sees it as vital to the city's future: the 14-kilometre LRT line. As more people worldwide choose city living, he argues, transit makes density work. Building where roads and infrastructure already exist is more economically sustainable than building on greenfields. Putting more people within a ten-minute walk of each other also supports street life, social connection and vitality. With fewer young people driving, reliable transit supports the lifestyle many city dwellers want.
What Liveability Means for Hamilton Buyers
Across all three scales, the thread is the same: good design fosters connection and community. When you're weighing a home or new development in Hamilton, look beyond bedroom counts. Consider layout, shared spaces, walkability and transit access.
Ready to find a Hamilton home that fits how you really live? Connect with the Corcoran Horizon Realty team.
Watch the full video - Corcoran Design Dialogues: Hamilton conversation with Graham McNally
