BEDFORD PARK HOUSE

Toronto, Canada
2015-2017

An infill single family dwelling, the project is a new addition to the Bedford Park-Nortown neighbourhood in uptown Toronto. The design objective is to create a new house with maximized liveable space and natural light within the tight and narrow site for an emerging developer.

Responding to the Victorian style fabric, the building is designed contextual sensitive yet distinct and bold. The conclusion is a contemporary architectural statement sitting peacefully beside the conventional counterparts.

Mimicking neighbors’ sloped roof gesture, front and rear mass alignments with adjacent neighbors as well as exterior cladding selection are key strategies for the exterior design. Thanks to the laneway, rear detached garage replaces front integrated garage offering enhanced street scape at the front as well as opportunity for vegetated roof and additional green space at the back. Front yard landscape engages the building in the context and promotes the neighborhood public realm.

The building contains three storeys and a basement. Redefining open concept, central powder room and servery separate more formal south wing from everyday north wing on first floor while fluid and spatial flowing interior is maintained. Large scaled glazed walls provide connectivity to the site while level deck aligns inside with outside at the back.

Articulated light-filled stairway along with double height celebration connects common spaces on lower level to bedrooms on upper levels through natural light. Third floor is setback creating small balcony at the front as well as larger terrace with vegetated roof at the back. Oversized pocket doors provide formal separation in addition to flexibility in use of third floor space. Light shafts bring more natural light to lower levels via roof skylights.