This partial renovation project is for a mixed race family in downtown Toronto. They have been living there for over a decade without any renovation. The goal was to unify the previously chopped-up spaces of the 1910 home and tailor them specifically for the family.
The concept began with the Japanese bath. Following the traditional Japanese rituals, the original three piece washroom is split into two functions: washing and bathing. Washing includes the sink and the toilet, while bathing includes the shower and the tub. The custom-made ofuro, a Japanese soaking tub by Bartok Design, made of hinoki wood, is shorter and deeper than a typical bathtub. It is meant for soaking in a sitting position after showering. Additionally, the ofuro is not fixed in place and can be pulled out as needed. Showering at times is also undertaken in a seated position on a small wooden stool. To make it comfortable to control the water temperature from this position, the faucet controls are deliberately located lower than typical. The bathroom has a central linear drain, which captures water from both the ofuro and the shower. Next to the bathroom is the washroom, with the wall covered in a pink geometric porcelain tile by Ciot (called Passepartout), set against a white Corian countertop on top of a white oak veneer vanity cabinet.
On the other side of the bathroom is the tatami room, designed based on the dimensions of Japanese tatami mats to fit six of them exactly. The balance of this room has a vented closet which is used to hang the futons used for sleeping during the day. Working in the tight confines of a semi-detached house, the bathroom and washroom, combined with the tatami room, become the Japanese section of the house on the back half of the second storey.
The Japanese influence continues on the ground floor, where the aim was to create a sense of cohesion and openness. Over the years, successive layers of tiles had built up from previous owners, making the path from front to back a collection of random up and down steps. Removing these levels created one even floor from entrance to back patio, with tiles defining the entrance areas on both front and back, and white ash wood floorboards in between. The tiles are not only functional for easy cleaning, it also forms the genken, an entryway defining the division between outside and inside, where shoes are left. In the front of the house, the living room can transform into an extra guest room. In the middle, a dividing wall was removed to integrate the hallway and make for a more spacious dining area. At the back of the house, the previously separate kitchen was combined to create a large, open space with a breakfast area. The tall pantry blends seamlessly into the back entrance closet, ensuring plentiful storage.
While there is the intention to borrow certain Japanese rituals, it is not the idea to copy it. From the beginning, the clients were clear they wanted colour. To fulfill that desire, bold colours and patterns are employed strategically throughout the house to contrast against the calm wood finish. Upon entry, the floor porcelain tile (EuroTile) sets a contrast against the white ash millwork, which ties into a muted pink colour in the dining area that extends into the living area. From the dining area, there is a glimpse of the stunning teal green (Treetop by Para Paints) kitchen millwork. This bold palette is balanced by neutral touches of white quartz countertop (by Olympia), and complementary areas of pink (Gem Therapy by Para Paints) highlighting special areas. The pink is used in an open shelf with a glass back in front of the side window that allows natural light to flood through, and the back of an opening in the cabinet that was leftover space until it became the home for the espresso machine. The wood dining table and the extra long kitchen bench are both custom pieces, with particular attention paid to the radii of corners, the bench depth and the back reclining at a specific 103 degree angle to ensure comfort. The clients even upholstered the back cushion in a colourful floral fabric. Both pieces are made out of 1-1/2” solid white ash with a clear finish. The palette is deliberate in pushing the limits. In certain areas where it is contained, such as the powder room on the ground floor, that playfulness is even allowed to explode in a loud hot pink patterned Gucci wallpaper.
In the course of the renovation, peeling back the walls revealed a very substandard structure at the back of the house. It was likely a back porch haphazardly integrated into the house, with the existing railing used as structure. As it was structurally unsound, it had to be rebuilt and in the process, a patio door was added, as well as a large picture window in the tatami room above.
The third floor is split into two separate rooms for the children. They are largely left as blank canvases for the children to design and decorate as they please.
