Houzz Tour: A Gable Roof Plays on a Toronto Street
A contemporary reinterpretation of its smaller neighbors, this home stands out from the crowd
John Hill
October 10, 2012
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City. I have Bachelor of Architecture and Master in Urban Planning degrees, and over ten years experience in architectural practice, split between Chicago and NYC. Currently I'm focused on writing and online pursuits. My daily blog can be found at http://archidose.blogspot.com
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City. I have Bachelor... More
Toronto's Beaches district (aka "The Beach") is an area east of downtown defined by a stretch of sandy beach along Lake Ontario to the south. Within the residential fabric of primarily north-south streets, local firm nKArchitects has inserted a contemporary house on a double lot among predominantly single-lot bungalows. Correspondingly larger than its neighbors, the house nevertheless picks up upon the varying rooflines through a gable form that is playful on the street, hinting at the way the architects shaped the rest of the house. Let's take a look at its architecture, from front to back to inside.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with 2 children
Location: Beaches district, Toronto
Size: 3,000 square feet
That's interesting: This Canadian house shapes itself on the site to soak up the sun and stay warm year-round.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with 2 children
Location: Beaches district, Toronto
Size: 3,000 square feet
That's interesting: This Canadian house shapes itself on the site to soak up the sun and stay warm year-round.
From a distance — in this case an approach from the south — the house stands out among its neighbors. Nevertheless, it is not at odds with the other houses; instead it is a contemporary reinterpretation of the smaller neighbors at a time when larger houses are the norm.
This closer view looking west and a little south reveals how nKArchitects shaped the front elevation. We can see a couple things: The gable roof projects on the south side below the line of the windows, and the driveway/entry is cut into the exterior brick wall.
According to the architects, "The carving of the front facade, introduction of wood and detailed approach to the entry steps, guardrail and handrail introduce a human scale and warmth to the house as you approach from the street."
The partial-height concrete wall is an important element, as it defines the edge of the entry path up the stairs and clearly separates the path from the car and driveway below. An open guardrail would have resulted in a muddled approach.
Here's a quick glance at the design inside before we head out back. A few more steps inside the front door (through the white portal in the center of the previous photo) bring people up to the level of the first floor and the kitchen area, which aligns with the windows and exterior steps we saw from outside.
But on the other side of the entry and the open walkway along the glass wall is an outdoor patio that is oriented to the south. (In this view we're looking east, toward the street). The "lift+slide walls," as the architects refer to them, allow the kitchen and living area to open entirely to the patio, a bonus during Toronto's few warm months.
The patio is for entertaining — one of the clients' wishes — and the backyard is all play. A pool and hot tub are beside a little patch of grass. This view clearly shows the L-shaped plan, which allows the interior spaces to soak up some of the south-facing rays. These outdoor spaces really capture the clients' desire for a house that is "a sanctuary, vacation and home all in one," as the architects put it.
Another view of the rear shows the stair to the top floor expressed through a tall window, an asymmetrical gable perpendicular to the one on the street, and a carved opening on the left, which serves the dining room.
Like the living room and kitchen, the dining room opens to an outdoor space. But this space is more intimate and private, recessed rather than exposed. It also faces west, meaning it enjoys some sunlight during dinnertime.
Here is a view looking out from the dining room, which has a formality that runs counter to many open-plan houses today.
Back on the other side of the kitchen, this space is the heart of the house, at least when the weather cooperates. Eating and socializing happen outside but are united with the spaces inside.
A glance over the dining room wall reveals the shades that cover the south-facing "lift+slide" glass walls. These shades cut down on direct sunlight while also maintaining privacy.
Let's move upstairs for one last look at the home's architecture. From this vantage atop the stairs we can see through the vertical window toward the backyard at right, and into a recessed balcony that overlooks the patio at left.
We care about your home remodeling project needs as much as you do. We believe in conducting business with... Read More
What are you working on?
Related Products
J.S.Brown & Co. is an award winning, full service Design / Build remodeling contractor with more than three... Read More
Related Stories
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Boston Pied-à-Terre Designed for Evenings
By Becky Harris
A designer found on Houzz infuses a condo with a sultry vibe inspired by supper clubs and luxe boutique hotels
Full Story
Guesthouses
Houzz Tour: Light-Filled 704-Square-Foot Modern Cottage
By Becky Harris
An architect and a designer create a light and airy feel, cozied up by layers of textures
Full Story
Outbuildings
Family Gatherings in Argentina Inspire a Pavilion and Guesthouse
By Becky Harris
A new yard adds room for hosting, swimming and bringing part of one homeowner’s culture to her family’s Seattle home
Full Story
Transitional Homes
Houzz Tour: Organic Style on an Avocado Ranch
By Becky Harris
A designer uses a soft neutral palette, handmade tile and reclaimed wood to update a 1980s contemporary home
Full Story
Transitional Homes
Houzz Tour: Elegant, Earthy Ranch House for an Empty-Nest Couple
Design styles, warm neutral colors and special details blend in a Minnesota ranch-style house with a finished basement
Full Story
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Colorado Forever Home Is a Family Affair
By Becky Harris
The mountain home was designed for gatherings and to make the most of views of Pikes Peak and surroundings
Full Story
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Open and Inviting Mountain Home Near Lake Tahoe
By Becky Harris
A designer creates a warmly minimalist California getaway that can stand up to snow and mud
Full Story
Homes Around the World
Houzz Tour: Period Home Gains Color and Character
By Kate Burt
Before-and-after photos show how a bold palette and restored features bring warmth and personality to this English house
Full Story
Modern Homes
Houzz Tour: New Home Gets a Midcentury Modern Makeover
By Julie Sheer
A designer in Boston reworks the kitchen and primary suite and adds style with furnishings, lighting and more
Full Story
Barn Homes
Houzz Tour: Old Barns Become an Airy, Modern-Rustic Home
A barn home in Devon, England, sits lightly on the land and offers simple, relaxing spaces for an extended family
Full Story
Nothing new and well made lowers the property values in that neighbourhood