When previous clients reached out asking if we could take on a whole-home renovation to make more space for their young family, we were thrilled to take it on. We had previously redone their basement, so we knew the connection and trust was already there.

The architect was only involved in the permit stage, and the drawings were somewhat overdesigned for our client’s vision and budget. We scaled it back a little, keeping the key aspects that were most important to our clients, without blowing their budget and ensuring that the house would still fit in the urban, mixed demographic family neighbourhood where it stood.

In addition to completely gutting the existing detached, 1920s-era house, we also built a rear two-storey addition supported on helical piles to give the family more room to grow. The design throughout was clean, simple and modern, with new windows and a large set of sliders to open things up and bring in more light. Vaulted ceilings and a gorgeous en suite added drama and class to the primary bedroom, and the large kitchen was pulled together with custom millwork and stylish fixture selections.

An artist’s sanctuary adapted for creativity and entertainment, the house on Richardson is surrounded by a lush, natural, landscape less than two hours from Toronto.

Built for a retired artist couple to age-in-place, the design effortlessly connects the surrounding landscape to the living areas. The main living space is served from a single level for ease of use and design that celebrates the outdoors with a great room wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass. The primary suite is cantilevered and feels like it’s floating above the hillside. The lower level is a partial basement walk-out that includes an artist’s studio and guest quarters. The house is easily adapted for entertaining — both indoors and out — and provides ample gallery surfaces to display artwork. A screened-in porch also provides privacy and a soft enclosure for the outdoor spa area.

A masterclass in intention and craftsmanship, the house is clad in blackened wood, limestone, and glass; rising from the landscape like a sculpture: bold, refined and timeless. The interior is finished to an equally elevated standard with custom oak and walnut millwork by Nick Day Designs, a dramatic Blue Roma granite kitchen island, radiant hydronic heating, and multiple walkouts to the forest and hillside.