Dunvegan Residence

Toronto, ON

The Dunvegan Residence, a private dwelling in Toronto, marries contemporary interior planning with an exterior massed and detailed to respect the traditional residential architectural language of its context. With exteriors crafted of rubble stone, copper details, stucco, cedar shingles, and siding, this 4,500-square-foot modern home fits comfortably within the older neighbourhood, while presenting a modern face to the street and meeting the practical demands of today’s family life. Large windows bring generous natural light into the home. The flow of spaces across rooms and levels establishes visual and physical links between various parts of the house, as well as to the surrounding landscape.

On the ground level, a gallery wall running through the dining and sunken living room establishes a relationship between front and rear courtyards. From the entry vestibule, stairs lead through a library to second-floor bedrooms and a third-floor studio with an adjoining outdoor terrace. Cantilevered cherry wood bookshelves extend from every second riser along the length of the passage, making the library an integral part of the house.

Project Facts
Location
Toronto, ON
Status
Completed 2020
Size
4,500 sq. ft.
Partner
Siamak Hariri

The rubble stone and stucco exterior is interrupted by oversized windows and doors framed by custom cedar millwork that let natural light fill the house.

The oversized front entrance doors open to a sunken living room and cantilevered built-in bookshelves running along the stair to the second floor.

The third-floor studio features angular walls that lead out to a tranquil outdoor terrace overlooking the backyard.

The ground-floor living space and carefully curated kitchen and dining room lead out to a private backyard with an outdoor patio.