Mjölk House
Joe Lin / Studio Junction

Mjölk House

studio junction as Architects

Mjölk House (pronounced mi-yelk) is a contemporary version of a traditional shop house. The renovation of the W.H. Ives Tailor Building (1889) in the Junction includes : 1. a restoration of the Historically Listed façade, one of the last pressed metal commercial facades on a Toronto main street 2. a renovation of the ground floor commercial into a design store and gallery 3. a renovation of the second and third floor residential units into a single family home

photo_credit Joe Lin / Studio Junction
Joe Lin / Studio Junction

Inspired by a traditional shop house typology of commercial on the ground floor with residential above, Mjölk House speaks about an alternative to the single-family residence in Toronto’s urban fabric. The specific challenges pertaining to this mixed use property include : a long narrow lot, noise and privacy issues to the main street and rear laneway, lack of light to the middle of the building, and lack of connection to the outdoors.

photo_credit Joe Lin / Studio Junction
Joe Lin / Studio Junction

Mjölk House shows how a landmark building can be renovated in a contemporary manner while still respectful and in keeping with the physical character of the street. Courtyards and light wells are used to provide privacy, outdoor space, natural light and air, and allow Mjölk House to successfully adapt to an urban mid-block siting where there is no traditional front or rear yard. Through innovative design, this urban shop house exemplifies how an individual building and proprietor can contribute to a vibrant street life and neighborhood rejuvenation.

photo_credit Joe Lin / Studio Junction
Joe Lin / Studio Junction

Mjölk is an independent design store and gallery which represents classic and current Scandinavian and Japanese designers, artists and artisans. Offering a carefully curated selection of beautifully designed pieces, Mjölk focuses on functionality, craftsmanship and timeless simplicity. In Mjölk House, both Mjölk and the dwelling above are inspired by a Northern aesthetic where the material palette is selective and restrained. With owners that value handcrafted items, wood is used throughout this shop house for its incomparable warmth and connection to nature. In this manner, the individuality of wood is celebrated.

photo_credit Joe Lin / Studio Junction
Joe Lin / Studio Junction

In Mjölk, black and white elements are highlighted with moments of wood. Wood was chosen for its natural warmth, versatility, ease of portability and pre-fabrication. There was a condensed time frame for design, construction and installation. Computer modeling and CNC cutting were used for the complex curves of the plywood elements of the feature wall, floating c-shelf and storage cabinets.

photo_credit Juli Baker / Mjölk
Juli Baker / Mjölk

This worked in conjunction with traditional hands-on woodworking techniques, such as the crafting of the reception desk of reclaimed lumber, and the white oak sliding screen doors. Sustainable features include the exterior cladding of charred wood with a natural oil finish. For the interior, the main feature wall is re-purposed from a previous installation, with the addition of new storage units. Cladding material are offcuts : left over wood often relegated to the waste bin and landfill. 

photo_credit Joe Lin / Studio Junction
Joe Lin / Studio Junction

The reception desk is reclaimed Douglas fir from a local Toronto factory. And the screen wall frame is FSC approved white oak, with the glass re-purposed from existing structural glass partitions.In Mjölk House, the design elements used to organize and enhance the dwelling are the courtyards, natural light and woodwork. White oak is used throughout for the kitchen, island, cabinetry and bathrooms, stairs, guards, and trim. The slatted doors, bi-fold doors and fixed windows that wrap the inner courtyard and light well are also FSC approved white oak. Wide plank Douglas fir from British 

photo_credit Joe Lin / Studio Junction
Joe Lin / Studio Junction

Columbia is used for the flooring and living room shelving units. Efforts have been made throughout the design and construction to thoughtfully and efficiently use materials and technology.The courtyard and light well driven design allows a large amount of natural day light.

photo_credit Joe Lin / Studio Junction
Joe Lin / Studio Junction

The bi-fold doors, awning windows, and interior light well take advantage of a natural cross-ventilation system in the summer. Heating and cooling is organized by zones with adjustable radiators and ductless air-conditioning. In this contemporary space, there has been much experimentation with hand crafted wood and traditional finishes. Millwork is often finished with soap flakes, lye or a water-based varnish. Exterior finishes at the courtyard include falun paint on rough pine, and a lime wash on the brick wall.

photo_credit Joe Lin / Studio Junction
Joe Lin / Studio Junction
Caption
Products used in this project
Product Spec Sheet

ElementBrandProduct name
LampsLouis Poulsen
ManufacturersM&T
Product Spec Sheet
Manufacturers
by M&T
Products Behind Projects
Product Spotlight
News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo
28 Mar 2024 News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo

Global transdisciplinary architecture and design practice Snøhetta has designed a new entranc... More

10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete
27 Mar 2024 Specification
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete

Precast concrete is made by casting concrete in a reusable mold. These molds are made of various mat... More

Sameep Padora and Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India
26 Mar 2024 News
Sameep Padora & Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India

Mumbai-based Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+a) has completed Hampi Art Labs in Toranagallu, a vi... More

Introducing Partner Thermory AS
26 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Thermory AS

Thermory AS offers a diverse product range that includes durable exterior cladding, decking, interio... More

Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality
25 Mar 2024 News
Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality

Brooklyn Tower, standing an impressive ninety-three stories tall with a unique neo-deco crown, is al... More

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury
25 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright have been announced as Archello Awards 202... More

Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon
22 Mar 2024 News
Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon

The Eugénie Brazier school project in Lyon, France, undertaken by regional architecture studi... More

Detail: Pleated facade geometry of Bonfiglioli HQ by Peter Pichler Architecture
21 Mar 2024 Detail
Detail: Pleated facade geometry of Bonfiglioli HQ by Peter Pichler Architecture

Designed by Peter Pichler Architecture, the new Bonfiglioli Headquarters is located in Calderara di... More