House Caroline

Toronto, Canada

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House Caroline

Toronto, Canada

Firm

Reign Architects

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2023

SIZE

1000 sqft - 3000 sqft

Nestled in Toronto’s vibrant Leslieville neighborhood, House Caroline emerges as a modern gem, integrating a contemporary A-framed addition with the historic bones of an 1850s Victorian home. What was once a dim and partitioned dwelling has undergone a transformation into an expansive, luminous sanctuary tailored to the needs of a growing family.

The genesis of this architectural journey was rooted in the clients’ desire to craft a living environment that mirrored their daily rhythms and honoured their reverence for a stately maple tree on the property. Thus, the design narrative unfolded as a celebration of nature. Architecturally, the challenge was to preserve Victorian charm amid spatial constraints and limited natural light, a task the design team embraced with creative innovation.

Spatial optimization by means of integrated millwork was central to the design solutions of this narrow home. In the dining room, a banquette gracefully curves within the existing bay window, offering a convivial space for communal gatherings while maintaining a fluid transition from entryway to kitchen.

At the intersection of the kitchen and living room, the spatial narrative unfolds as oak cabinets intertwine with the media unit. This fusion provides abundant floor-to-ceiling storage while also revealing carefully curated display niches. Within this union, the entertainment unit serves a dual purpose: it functions as practical storage bench and offers a welcoming spot for extra guest seating or a cozy retreat by the ambient wood-burning fire.

A double-winder stair with streamlined guardrails delicately moves up through the home, liberating precious space within the existing constrained footprint. This design maneuver enabled functional programming across all three levels of the home, and room for a sumptuous marble kitchen island.

Mindful of the solar arc within the north-facing context, the design team addressed mute lighting conditions by harnessing southern light from above and warm western light from the rear, infusing the home with luminous vitality. At the ground level, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows dissolve the boundaries between interior/exterior, establishing a tangible connection with the back yard maple tree. The window also sets the stage for a kaleidoscopic display of filtered light throughout the day.

Ascending through the home is akin to embarking on a journey of illumination, guided by an open stair design that channels a celestial glow from an expansive 9-foot skylight above. At the intersection of the skylight and A-framed roofline, exposed Douglas Fir beams impart a timeless presence, forging an enduring connection to the natural world.

In essence, House Caroline has transformed into a sanctuary, where the homeowners find comfort in the integration of their daily routines with the home’s enhanced warmth, natural light, and functional design. It is a space that not only supports their lifestyle but also elevates their sense of well-being and connection to the natural environment.

Location: Toronto, Canada

Architect: Reign Architects

Design Team: Jacob Jebailey, Nupur Garg

Structural Engineer: Tim Joyce, Contact Engineering

Original Construction: Circa 1850

Project Completion: 2023

Photographer: Riley Snelling

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House Caroline

Toronto, Canada

House Caroline

Toronto, Canada

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team