Architects: gh3 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Design Team: Pat Hanson, Anthony Provenzano Structural Engineer: Blackwell Bowick General Contractor: Jens Nielsen Project year: 2006-2007 Budget: US $500,000 Constructed Area: 185.8 sqm Photographs: Ben Rahn
The interior of the building was stripped back to a more modern tradition of interior. The house becomes a neutral shell punctuated by three sculptural elements – a block of stone that is associated with kitchen elements, a curved stair, and a 20′ stone bench/shelf and fireplace wall. Each of these elements is associated with windows, skylights, and double height spaces to enhance the spatial experience of the house. Kitchen working areas and storage for dishes, books and media are organized linearly along the exterior walls and are concealed behind full-height doors.
Interior finishes were chosen for their neutrality. Most surfaces were painted white and other surfaces that would incur more wear were finished with custom fabricated white corian – bathtubs, showers, kitchen and wet room walls, and counters with integral sinks were all designed and fabricated out of white corian. All floor surfaces, including the stairs are wood, stained nearly black. The contrast with the walls also serves to extend and unify the space.
