The East York area of Toronto is rich with small houses on narrow lots. This small addition is conceived as a pair of rectangular volumes that overlap in order to at once appear singular - a part of the base of the existing house - while providing the reading of the two rooms within.

The central space of the second floor is expanded, allowing for the family to pass and gather, with a seating nook nestled over the existing stair. A skylight over the hall, and a small balcony overlooking the floor below both provide this relatively modest house vertical spaces not typically associated with this type of building.

What was the brief?

It was critical to the Owner that the small reworking and addition to their house be thoughtful, be expressive, and be filled with light, all while respecting a very tight budget.