The stories that lead, support, and are fundamentally behind our designs are often as interesting as the designs themselves. The story of this project is one of legacy, interpretation, and renewal. We were hired to re-imagine and transform a home from one generation to the next.
Situated on a wide lot in an established suburban neighborhood, the 30-year-old home underwent an extensive interior renovation. Purchased from her parents when they decided to downsize, the owners wanted to update the existing estate in order to suit their family’s modern aesthetic, and to better capture views of the lush ravine at the rear. For this reason, we’ve titled this project ‘Deja View’; the feeling of a familiar experience.
Exploiting the best features of the site, notably the conservation land at the rear yard, the 3800 square foot house opens up towards its natural surroundings, blending the exterior and interior spaces through use of natural light and materiality. In terms of the exterior walls and building form, the home remained the same, undergoing only minor changes in order to update it without losing the sense of familiarity. The interior however, was totally re-imagined.
Among the major design gestures within the house is the main open-riser staircase, which was relocated from the center of the house to a less prominent location, enlarging the entrance foyer and improving the flow of space. Secondly, a newly introduced, double-storey space, was designed to capture views and bring light into the homes’ three main gathering spaces – the kitchen, living room, and dining room. The custom kitchen, which allows for views of the large backyard, features rich walnut wood cabinetry that is contrasted by crisp white quartz countertops and a back-painted glass backsplash. A central, double height, dual-sided fireplace anchors the home, connecting the main living spaces with the entrance and spacious art gallery-like foyer on the opposite side. Beyond the custom glass wall in the family room is an open riser oak staircase, with glass guards and a wood handrail. Upstairs, a large landing provides space to be used by the children for reading and relaxing – along with 4 bedrooms, and 3 updated bathrooms.
The remodeled home, with its improved layout and broadened views of the surrounding landscape, truly captures the essence of “Deja Vu”, or, as we like to think of it, “Deja View.” While the space is now a complete reflection of the young families lifestyle and aspirations, the light still shines in to the home in the same familiar way it once did; these are the moments that drive and inspire us.
Material Used:
1. Rainbow Woods – Walnut Veneer
