Custom Home Ottawa

Ottawa, Canada

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Custom Home Ottawa

Ottawa, Canada

Firm

Southam Design

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2009

This renovation of an unassuming 1920’s two storey was a collaboration between Southam Design and architect Jacques Hamel of Hamel Design. The exterior façade is beautifully and skillfully wrapped in expanses of aluminum, warm caramel coloured mahogany panels and taupe stucco. All structural and HVAC requirements were seamlessly integrated with the simple, modern design through the use of coves, multiple ceiling heights and stainless steel wrapped columns. Inside, a key feature of the design is the open central staircase which connects upper and lower floors together in an industrial chic montage of iron, stainless steel, wood, and Plexiglas. Wall mounted LED’s bathe the staircase in an ever changing stream of coloured light giving the whole ensemble a sculptural quality.

The original exterior walls of the house remain while the entire interior footprint on both the main and second levels was redesigned to allow for maximum functional living space. Jacques Hamel added 900 square feet, mainly at the back of the home, to accommodate client requirements. The interior designer created an intricate puzzle of custom millwork clad in maple and cherry panels and doors throughout the main level. The powder room “floats” in the middle of the main level and features a Plexiglas ceiling that reflects light up to the main ceiling 12” above. The kitchen stands out with its custom glass backsplash lit by LED strip lighting that shifts between various colours throughout the day and night. Maple flat panel doors, trimmed with a 4” cherry border, emphasize the horizontal and vertical geometry of the design. To complete the look, an oiled 2” thick soapstone and 1.5” thick custom glass work surface sit atop a generously proportioned island. The living room, complete with a custom maple and cherry storage unit, sits adjacent to the kitchen. As both clients periodically work from home, an office is located at the front of the house adjacent to the entrance and is framed by maple clad closets complete with stainless steel reveals.

On the second level, two large skylights flood the central area allowing a generous amount of natural light into the formally dim space. The family room is located on the upper level, providing additional space for one to read, play a game, or simply relax. The master bath, a study in dark wood, glass, and neutral tile, contrasts delightfully with the iridescent blue palette of the children’s bathroom.

Collaboration between the architect, interior designer, the contractor and the clients has resulted in a contemporary and jewel like home that simply sparkles when lit – a house perfect for entertaining and well suited to the demands of a modern 21st century lifestyle.