Hilditch Architect | Cabbagetown Residence

Exterior

Interiors

Project Profile

Located in the Cabbagetown neighbourhood along the western bank of the Don River, this house is conveniently within reach of the downtown core, yet removed from its frenzy. Designed for a young couple and their two children, this three-story Queen Anne Revival house and addition integrate seamlessly into the character of the neighbourhood. The envelope of this heritage house has been restored, the interior fully refinished, and a brick addition constructed at the rear that is at once discreet, complementary, and subordinate to the heritage structure.

While the original house was characterized by a series of dark and separate rooms without a relationship to grade, the intervention has opened up the plan and introduced expansive, operable glazing on all three levels of the south elevation. These openings enable natural light to penetrate deep into the plan, and create direct connections to the lush rear garden, an oasis in the city. From the moment of entry, one’s experience is of cascade through an enfilade of spaces towards the rear lawn. A series of outdoor terraces and a permeable coach house extend inhabitable space throughout the warmer months.

The materiality of the house responds to the genius loci of the neighbourhood. Brick, the material of the historically significant Don Valley Brick Works and of which the city was made, makes up the original structure, clads the addition, and forms the rear terraces and garden walls. It is used as a continuous building and landscape material. On the interior, white oak flooring and paneling, exquisite stone, leather, and Roman Clay achieve an airy, textured, and dignified space while avoiding unnecessary formality. Craftsmanship of the original residence is celebrated through the restored feature staircase, wall paneling, and moulding, and reinterpreted through fine modern detailing throughout.

Photos copyright Tom Arban Photography Inc.

design impacting society

Cabbagetown Residence