Design is often driven by limitations. The nature of art revolves around creative thinking. So when given a set of restrictions and boundaries, the only effective solution is to go about solving these problems in an inventively resourceful fashion. And when done right, these solutions can produce the most remarkable of results.

Commissioned with the task to create a third-story addition to the existing two, as well as integrate it seamlessly, but creatively, Roundabout Studio created a work of art. Based out of Toronto, Roundabout Studio is a design firm often working with the richness of traditional materiality, but translating it through the language of modern minimalism.

Throughout the home, simple, but effectively shaped and arranged forms are starkly and beautifully brought to life by the colour and texture of their materials.

Adding even more character, its work is often accentuated with an artistically sculptural centrepiece that brings the project to stand out among its contemporaries.

One of the most important facets of design is continuity. It’s also one of the hardest to master, but Roundabout seems to come pretty close.

The ‘pièce de résistance’ if you will, is at the heart of the structure: a continuous set of stairs connecting the three stories, accentuating the model of continuity.

The sleek use of wooden steps, along with glass and steel play off of the dividing wall made of a more visually aged, red brick wall.

To tie it all together, the stairs are accompanied by a series of long maple-veneered decorative panels spanning the height of the three stories. The surface features cut-out sparrows flying upwards, taking the integration of the stories another step further with the illustration of movement.

Not only were the conditions of the project fulfilled, but its restrictions gave birth to design elements that go above and beyond the initial criteria. As Voltaire once exclaimed, “No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking.”

For more fantastic design like this, you can check out the Roundabout portfolio, or here’s a past piece on canadianrealestatehousingandhome.ca called Roundabout Studio Breathes New Life Into A Former Toronto Flower Factory.

Photography provided by Andrew Snow.

Researched and Written by Mikhail Shchupak-Katsman, Undergraduate Environmental Design, OCAD University.