COS Flagship Store
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
G architects served as Architect of Record for the renovation and fit-out of the COS Flagship Store located at 85 Bloor Street West in Toronto, one of the city’s most prominent retail corridors. The project involved transforming an existing multi-level commercial space into a refined, modern flagship environment that reflects the brand’s minimalist identity and commitment to craftsmanship.
The renovation required a series of complex structural interventions, including the enlargement of existing floor openings, the introduction of a new feature stair connecting multiple levels, and the installation of a skylight to enhance vertical circulation and natural light. The result is a luminous three-storey retail space that integrates architecture, brand, and experience, creating a strong street presence within Toronto’s high-end retail landscape.
The design balanced technical precision with aesthetic restraint, ensuring that the structural modifications supported the store’s understated elegance. Working within a tight downtown site and accelerated schedule, G architects and the consultant team coordinated closely to meet the client’s design vision while respecting existing building conditions and code requirements..
CLIENT
H&M Hennes & Mauritz
VALUE
$5M
YEAR COMPLETE
2021
SCOPE
Global Retail Architectural Delivery
Structural and Envelope Coordination
Minimalist Brand Execution in Toronto
SIZE
3-storeys, ~10,500 ft²
PROJECT SCOPE
G architects provided full Architect-of-Record services, including:
Design Adaptation and Code Review: Translation of the client’s design package for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, addressing exiting, fire separation, and accessibility requirements.
Consultant Coordination: Integration of new openings, feature stair, and skylight within existing building constraints, in collaboration with Blackwell Structural Engineers.
Permit Documentation and Liaison: Preparation of architectural drawings for permit submission and coordination with David Hine Engineering Inc. and the City of Toronto to support permit approvals.
Construction Review: Review of site conditions, shop drawings, and materials to confirm compliance with permit conditions, design intent, and brand standards.
CHALLENGES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
A key challenge was translating COS’s international design vision, characterized by precise detailing and minimalist expression, into a buildable solution that aligned with Toronto’s regulatory and technical framework. The introduction of new structural openings and feature elements within an existing downtown structure required careful coordination between disciplines to ensure both structural integrity and aesthetic continuity.
Working within a tight schedule and dense urban site, G architects facilitated clear communication between the design architect, Blackwell, David Hine Engineering Inc., and the construction team to resolve technical issues efficiently. The successful execution of the new stair and skylight, which serve as central organizing features of the store, demonstrated the firm’s ability to integrate brand-driven design with local expertise, resulting in a flagship that is both architecturally rigorous and true to COS’s global identity.
The completion of the COS Flagship Store stands as a testament to G architects’ ability to deliver internationally driven retail environments with precision and integrity. By bridging global design ambition with local execution, the team realized a space that embodies COS’s minimalist ethos while meeting the rigorous standards of Toronto’s regulatory and construction context. The result is a seamless fusion of design and performance - an elegant, light-filled retail destination that enhances the brand’s presence on Bloor Street and reinforces G architects’ reputation for delivering complex, design-focused retail projects with technical excellence.
