- Overview
Location: Summerhill, central Toronto, Ontario.
Client: A young couple whose lifestyle involves frequent entertaining and multigenerational family gatherings. They wanted a home suited both for everyday living and hosting.
Architect / Designer: Barbora Vokac Taylor (BVT A) for the architecture; landscape by Saraga Taylor Landscape Architects.
Project Type: Full gut renovation + three-storey rear addition.
- Design Goals & Vision
Goal Key Principles
Restore authentic character Remove non-original or unsympathetic 1990s alterations; reveal structural/architectural features true to the post-war era.
Open, social / entertaining spaces Increase connectivity between kitchen, living, dining; incorporate “perches” or small gathering spots; create indoor/outdoor flow.
Multigenerational / flexible living Spaces to accommodate different generations; playrooms that allow children to connect yet have their own space; areas that can adapt over time.
Light, warmth, material richness Use warm woods, preserving bay windows, fireplaces; materials like walnut, Douglas fir, white oak; attention to natural light.
- Key Interventions & Architectural Changes
Intervention Description Purpose / Effect
Facade & Curb Appeal Retained signature bay window and dormer; reduced or removed 1990s additions that detracted from the original character. To reconnect with the neighbourhood’s architectural context; improve first impressions.
Stripping & Demolition Full gut renovation (except staircase and load-bearing walls). To remove dated elements; provide clean slate for rework of layout and design.
Reconfiguration of Layout Dining room moved from rear to front to sit under the bay window; kitchen placed central bridging living & dining. “Perches” created. Enhances social flow; better use of natural light; rooms feel more connected.
Indoor-Outdoor Integration Sliding / lift-and-slide doors opening to heated deck/patio; heated living room floor that connects visually and physically. Extends usable living space; enables entertaining across seasons; improves natural light.
Private / Quiet Spaces Basement includes rec room, guest room, home gym, laundry, home spa + sauna. Master suite with a 3rd-floor terrace. Children’s playroom open to lower levels to maintain connection. Supports multigenerational needs; retreats within the home; ensures functional separation between active/social zones and restful/private ones.
- Material, Finish & Aesthetic Features
Flooring and Millwork: White oak flooring; custom millwork in walnut; Douglas fir window frames.
Fireplace & Chimney: Preserved original wood-burning fireplace.
Counters / Surfaces: Marble used in steps, counters, benches, posts.
Colour & Texture: Contrast of warm woods and white surfaces; textural elements; certain areas with playful or bold colour touches in furniture/accents.
- Lifestyle & Spatial Programming
Entertaining & Gathering: The central area (kitchen/dining/living) is the hub, designed to host guests and family; outdoor patio & deck extend that space.
Multigenerational Use: Children’s playroom positioned so kids can be nearby but still have their own zone; guest room and spa in basement; master suite separate.
Flexible Future Use: The design anticipates changes — e.g. children growing up, needs changing. The playroom could become a teen hang-out or private space.
- Challenges & Solutions
Challenge Design / Architectural Response
Dark, compartmented interior; dated finishes Gut renovation; remove walls; strategic re-layout; maximize windows and light.
Loss of character over previous renovations Restore original architectural features; remove incongruent additions.
Limited lot width — tight urban context Use of vertical space (added 3-storey addition at back); maximizing indoor-outdoor flow; heated decks.
Balancing open/shared spaces with private/quiet ones Zoning of spaces; spatial layering; creating small perches; visually connected playroom but with separation.
- Outcomes & Impacts
The renovated home feels less formal, more family-oriented.
Improved curb appeal and alignment with neighbourhood context.
Increased usable living space through thoughtful integration of indoors and outdoors.
A home that supports current lifestyle (entertaining, family life) while being adaptable for future stages.
