Project Facts
Location
Toronto, ON
Status
Completed 2014
Partner
Deeply embedded in the fabric of Forest Hill, Toronto, the design reimagines the concept of the urban house. The two-storey home is organized and conceptualized as two intersecting L-shaped volumes, breaking from the convention of the house as a singular volume and creating an entry forecourt and a larger rear court. This approach maximizes light and enables a continuous connection between interior and exterior spaces as you move through the house.
Relating directly to its site in a historical, verdant neighbourhood, the Forest Hill House is designed to seem as if it was carved from a single piece of stone rising out of the landscape. Nestled among the property’s original trees, its scale and massing presents a private face to the street front then opens up to create a large courtyard garden with views to the heritage properties beyond. The open space created by the front courtyard pushes the façade back, thereby diminishing its visual presence on the street.
The extremities of the L-shaped configuration become the private realm for the occupants: the front of the house contains the owner’s office on the ground floor and guest bedrooms above, while the back of the house contains a private master suite.
Sustainability is integrated into the design of the house. Orientation, massing, and glazing are carefully considered to maximize direct and indirect daylight. High performance glass throughout allows the large open spaces of the home to be comfortable year-round. Beneath the home, twenty one geothermal pipes provide ground source heating and cooling for the home.
Project Facts
Location
Toronto, ON
Status
Completed 2014
Partner
Internally, a feature stair of honed Beauval limestone adds to the sculpted look of the residence.
Internally, a feature stair of honed Beauval limestone adds to the sculpted look of the residence.
The interior is a continuation of the exterior language of the home. Beauval limestone, complementing the honed limestone façade, is used on the floors, along with smoked and brushed European oak.
The interior is a continuation of the exterior language of the home. Beauval limestone, complementing the honed limestone façade, is used on the floors, along with smoked and brushed European oak.
The back façade of the house is defined by large expanses of glass, expressing the rear courtyard and gardens as an extension of the home. This space-within-a-space is defined by horizontal brass beams and fitted with lights. Each court includes a reflecting pond to further define and soften the stone and metal elements.
The back façade of the house is defined by large expanses of glass, expressing the rear courtyard and gardens as an extension of the home. This space-within-a-space is defined by horizontal brass beams and fitted with lights. Each court includes a reflecting pond to further define and soften the stone and metal elements.
