Deeply embedded in the fabric of Toronto’s Forest Hill neighbourhood, this residence reimagines the concept of the urban home. Organized as two intersecting L-shaped volumes, the design departs from the traditional notion of the house as a singular mass. This spatial arrangement creates both an entry forecourt and a larger rear courtyard, maximizing daylight and enabling a continuous dialogue between interior and exterior spaces.
Designed to appear as though carved from a single piece of stone rising organically from the landscape, the home relates directly to its verdant, historic setting. Nestled among mature trees, its scale and massing offer privacy to the street while opening up toward the rear to reveal a landscaped courtyard with framed views of neighbouring heritage properties. By setting the front façade back to accommodate the courtyard, the house minimizes its visual impact on the streetscape.
The ends of the L-shaped plan house the private functions: the front volume includes a ground-floor office and guest bedrooms above, while the rear volume accommodates the master suite.
Sustainability is integral to the design. Careful consideration of orientation, massing, and glazing allows for an abundance of natural light while ensuring energy efficiency. High-performance glass keeps the expansive interior comfortable year-round, and twenty-one geothermal pipes below the house provide sustainable heating and cooling.
