The verticality of exposed timber beams provides a decorative, functional aesthetic on the exterior of this renovated1930s brick house in Toronto, with the use of wood continued throughout the interiors. The C+C House was designed by Studio Maignan Architects, whose remodel and renovation transformed the home, creating new voids that pulled daylight deep into interiors that were opened up for contemporary family life.
The new design swapped out the closed, compartmentalized layout for a more fluid series of spaces. At the rear, a new extension was added, opening out towards the garden to give the home a sense of scale that had previously been missing. Large openings and a frameless glazed corner further blur the boundary between indoors and out. The kitchen and dining area form the social heart of the house, connected to the living room but subtly separated by a change in level towards the garden. As on the exterior, timber is the key feature of the interior, with exposed joists, and staircase adding a warmth of texture to the otherwise fresh, neutral spaces.
A new third floor was added to the house, providing a highlight in the shape of a balcony-cum-internal garden, which adds a private spot for grown-ups who can also enjoy views over the garden. Rather than disguising the character of the original house, the architects’ renovation built on the positives, combining its charming brick exterior with tactile materials and a more open, liveable interior.
Photography © Maxime Brouillet