SPRING 2018 CANADIAN ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN STRUCTURE INDOOR OUTDOOR STYLE HOUSE BY THE SEA COSY AND COMFORTABLE HOME IN NOVA SCOTIA

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1 SPRING 2018 CANADIAN ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN STRUCTURE INDOOR OUTDOOR LIVING, CANADIAN STYLE HOUSE BY THE SEA COSY AND COMFORTABLE HOME IN NOVA SCOTIA

2 TORONTO TRADITIONAL enchantment A continual play of classical and contemporary design makes this north Toronto home fitting for a family who loves to entertain, but also cherishes time alone together WORDS BRENDA BOUW EXTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY JAC JACOBSON INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHY BRANDON BARRÉ & GILLIAN JACKSON From the outside, this 25,000-square-foot home in north Toronto may appear very traditional with its classical French architecture, multi-tone red brick and limestone. But step into the inside and it s clear the owners tastes are much more modern, glamorous and even a bit whimsical. They like energy, says Neil Jonsohn, a principal at Toronto-based U31, which conceived the interior architecture, space planning and design and selection of all the custom-made furniture in the newly built home. It has a youthfulness. Toronto can tend to be a bit conservative. They were confident in what they wanted. The owners, who wish to remain anonymous, were looking for a mix of private and public space where they could both entertain and spend time alone with their children. Structure Spring

3 The house sits on a mature, tree-lined street with large, traditionally inspired homes. While the interior takes on a more contemporary esthetic, the clients made a conscious decision to use classical detailing on the exterior to remain within the context of the neighbourhood, says Neil Jonsohn, lead designer at U31 Structure Spring

4 TORONTO TRADITIONAL ENCHANTMENT The builder was Del Greco Project Management Contractors of Toronto. Jonsohn says it takes cues from classical French architecture with a combination of limestone and multi-toned red brick with slate roof. Quite a solid, grounded home, the landscape repeats the geometry of the limestone detailing with a modern formality that s contrasted with the movement of the tall grasses and softness of the hydrangeas, he says They are very private and family-oriented, says Jonsohn. They wanted a home that was comfortable for the children, but where they can also entertain. We created something large enough to host events, but that also had enough intimacy that it didn t feel uncomfortable to live in. Throughout the home, the backgrounds are neutral and contemporary, but many of the furnishings have more colour and sculptural quality in some places, Jonsohn says. The forms are simple, but the materials are quite rich, he says. It s almost like the little black dress that you pair up with the perfect jewelry to make it incredibly special. S Structure Spring

5 The study and children s craft room offers a place where kids can get messy without parents panicking thanks to the practical yet beautiful luxury vinyl tile floor. The space is animated with the playful Ingo Maurer Zettel z 5 blank paper light fixture and ruby red seating. Playful and graphic, it s a great space for family creativity The vibrant palette is carried through in the family room, where casual seating provides the perfect place to relax with a book or watch a family favourite movie. Sumptuous velvet and leather add to the cosiness, as does the linear fireplace A modern take on a 1960s vibe, the kitchen reflects the family s passion for sleek and modern. The polished black granite/ metallic fluted island pairs perfectly with the high-gloss olive wood cabinetry and creates a cocooning effect similar to the family room Structure Spring

6 TORONTO TRADITIONAL ENCHANTMENT White marble slabs on floors and walls are mixed with bands of silver glass tiles and marble mosaics to highlight the free-standing tub and two-sided fireplace, which can be viewed from both the tub and shower. Polished stainless window casings and vanity framework complete the look in this luxury master bath BRANDON BARRÉ The master bedroom captures all the elements for a calm retreat. In silvery greys, whites and creams, the curvaceous forms are modern and feminine. Upholstered silk walls, motherof-pearl feature panes behind the bed and fireplace, and gold accents animate and evoke warmth The living room with its midcentury-inspired forms is at once playful, elegant and comfortable. The neutral, calm background juxtaposed against the jeweltoned custom carpet and furnishings is warmed further by the acid-etched bronze mirrorclad fireplace

7 LUXURY LUMINESCENCE What s immediately striking throughout this north Toronto home is the lighting. Each room has a unique piece. We had a lot of fun with lighting. To me, lighting is huge, not just the quality of the light but the light itself, says Neil Jonsohn of U31. The wrong chandelier, no matter how expensive, can ruin a space. Here are some details on a few special pieces. Monumental chandelier, composed of multiple suspended Murano glass ball elements, featuring a brass starburst canopy, vintage, circa 1960 Italy (artist not known). The chandelier is flanked by two spherical glass pendant ceiling light fixtures with internal starburst prism, designed by John Salibello. Custom table and chairs by local workshops This Small Harlow Chandelier was made in Canada by Gabriel Scott The Criss-Cross chandeliers were conceived to blend sculpture with light, says Dominique Bastien, executive assistant at Ridgely studio Works in Toronto, where the piece was sourced. It is a unique piece that is composed of cut steel rod carefully arranged and welded in a seemingly random pattern. Although similar, no two fixtures are alike and [they] are built to the requirements of each project. Bastien says the sculpture is lit from a canopy above, which bounces light from the polished nickel rods, creating interesting shadows below. The fixture is complemented by matte black framework that encloses the free-form structure PHOTO INFORMATION PROVIDED BY U31 Structure Spring