Reflect Architecture has completed the renovation of a penthouse for a notable Toronto-based music producer. Expanding beyond the conventional scope of a residential renovation, Reflect reimagined all aspects of the 2,700 sq-ft penthouse, including its architecture, interiors, landscaping, and even bespoke furniture, which includes a liquid tin island designed by Nicholas Schuybroek and custom pieces by Sabine Marcelis.

Drawing on cultural references spanning music, art, and fashion, the meticulously detailed and executed penthouse embodies the owner’s appreciation for both aesthetics and technical craft.

Completed in late 2024, the renovation consolidates and organizes key programmes and functions, with nuanced architectural interventions transforming the penthouse into a place of quiet intimacy and respite. The introduction of a new granite plinth ringing the penthouse's perimeter deftly manages the grade change between interior areas and the exterior terrace, while creating the impression of sunken, sheltered living spaces. A restrained material palette of wood, concrete, natural stone, and brushed metal minimizes distractions and emphasizes durability, simplicity, and honesty.

The primary living space features a spacious open layout that contains a kitchen, two seating areas, and a dining area featuring a custom glass-and-stone table designed by Rotterdam-based Sabine Marcelis. Inspired by amps and speakers, three cork and aluminum ceiling elements dampen noise and delineate the respective living spaces below.

A kitchen island designed by Nicholas Schuybroek and manufactured by Obumex overlooks the residence’s shared living space. A sculptural arrangement of three tin blocks, the island was chosen for its resemblance to a deconstructed 80’s boombox.

The entry to the principal suite follows a sweeping ceiling element into the penthouse’s northern half. A free-standing bed with an integrated desk, designed by Reflect and built by Toronto-based furniture designer Mary Ratcliffe, floats in the bedroom’s centre, surrounded by a Ceniza chair from EWE Studio in Mexico City and a pink Slide lamp by Marcelis.

The bedroom is wrapped in glass and lined with a low granite plinth. While the plinth functions as connective thread between all areas of the suite, here it extrudes into a large stone slab on which the principal bathroom sits. A floor-to-ceiling glass shower and monolithic blue savoy stone bathtub float adjacent to the bedroom. A vanity and mirror, faceted like a sun collector, hangs on the north wall under a small clerestory window.

The penthouse’s wrap-around terrace, along with its relationship to interior spaces, has been reimagined. It now hosts a reflecting pond with garden, comfortable seating, a cooking counter, an intimate alfresco dining area, and a pool. Maximizing access to natural light, fresh air, and greenery further underlines the residence’s purpose as a place to unwind.

Improving energy efficiency and replacing the space’s aging window wall was a priority for both owner and architect. A contemporary high-performance system of large glass panels has dramatically reduced thermal bridging, improved quality of light, and removed distracting mullions from view. To further manage both solar gains and privacy, exterior solar shading was introduced outside of the envelope to mitigate excessive cooling loads and variable internal temperatures.

Team:

Architects: Reflect Architecture

Photographers: Doublespace Photography; Nathan Legiehn

Materials Used:

Flooring: Artel Euro Oak XL - Truffle Brushed Natural, Moncer Flooring

Windows: High performance custom, Schuco International

Interior lighting:

Cartesio, David Groppi
Column Series 3-Horizontal – Carbon, A-N-D Light
Column Series 5-Horizintal – Carbon, A-N-D Light
Light Shadow Spot, Flos
Glo-ball Ceiling 1, Flos
Bacchetta Magica LED, Viabizzuno
UHO Clip, Deltalight
Track 3F, Deltalight
Palazo Wallwasher 5, Lumenwarm
Zero R-10, Flexalighting

Interior furniture:

Custom Glass Top Table, Sabine Marcelis
Slide Light, Sabine Marcelis
Altar 2, EWE Studio
Ceniza Chair EWE Studio
Slope Table, Sofie Osterby Atelier
Custom bedframe, Mary Ratcliffe Studio
Corker 2 side table, ClassiCon
Feel Good Armchair, Flexform
Sumo Sofa curved, Living Divani
Jane Lounge Sectional, Montauk Sofa
AL Desk, Johan Vilidrich
Wire C#1 shelf, Muller Van Severen
Sacha Chair, Resident NZ
606 Universal Shelving System, Vitsoe
Management Desk Chair, Eames
Jean Stool, e15
‘This’ Dining Chair, e15
Tea Table, Studio Corkinho
Plate Burnt, Studio Corkinho
Vessel Branco, Studio Corkinho
Aspen Rug, Armadillo
Exterior lighting:

Te Ta Tet, Davide Groppi
Bubka Bollard, Davide Groppi

Exterior furniture:

Hi-Tech Outdoor Armchair, Living Divani
Matrix TMD, Pedrali
Rail.30 Lounger, Pedrali
Metis Chair, TrabA
Ulm Daybed, Vondom
Fromme Stool, Petite Friture
Tensile canopy, Sail Shades Canada