What happens when you combine artistic creativity, functional architecture, and artisanal craftsmanship? You get Prototype Design Lab, a multidisciplinary firm based in Toronto, Ontario.
In an industry where most architecture firms stop at blueprints, PDLab takes the spotlight with its unique bespoke approach to architectural projects.
Typically, architectural firms produce plans, elevations, and detail drawings, which is where their involvement stops. Their designs are then handed off to various contractors and fabricators. PDLab is simply different.
The firm is filled with a team of designers and artists with richly diverse skill sets, from woodworking to sculpture, to technical drawings, material science, and of course, architecture. These multi-skilled workers handle everything starting from architectural drawings to in-house millwork, furniture fabrication, and installation. By approaching projects in this unique way, PDLab maintains complete creative and quality control. This start-to-finish approach ensures the final product perfectly reflects their initial vision – a level of pride in their work and ownership rarely found in the industry.
Their Aldo house project in Mississauga is a great example of what I’m talking about.
The drama of a double-height ceiling instantly elevates a space, but the addition of a mezzanine and the lushness of tall indoor plants transforms it into something truly special.
It’s a design move that’s playful but still undeniably classy. The mezzanine, acting as a perch overlooking the grandeur below, adds an element of intrigue and architectural interest. While the towering plants, reaching for the abundant light afforded by the double-height windows, soften the coldness of the architecture, injecting life and vibrancy into the space. It’s a dialogue between the clean lines of modern design and the organic beauty of nature.
This combination creates a timeless aesthetic – grand yet welcoming, sophisticated yet approachable. The play of light and shadow on the foliage, the rich textures, and the sheer scale of it all come together to create a dynamic, engaging environment. It’s a design statement that speaks to both a sense of adventure and a refined appreciation for the beauty of the natural world, a truly unique and unforgettable space.
Sculptures, inside and out, infuse the home with unique character while maintaining an air of elegance. They become conversation starters, reflecting personal taste and artistic appreciation. Whether abstract or figurative, sculptures convey intentionality and refinement, creating a home that’s both beautiful and deeply personal. They bridge architecture and landscape, expressing individuality and a discerning eye.
From unexpected neon signs to striking contrasts of wood and metal, light and dark, the house exudes character, but rather than appearing whimsical, it maintains a sophisticated and serious composure.
Overall the house feels carefully curated, showcasing a unique personality through elements like neon signs and the striking contrasts of wood, metal, light, and dark. This intentional approach maintains a unique high-end atmosphere.
For more projects like this, check out PDLab’s portfolio here.
Interested in seeing more incredible Canadian designs? Check out these canadianrealestatehousingandhome.ca articles:
Handcrafted Modernism By Montreal’s Kastella
A Contemporary Muskoka Boathouse By AKB Architects
Toronto’s Lightmaker Studio Will Brighten Your Home
*Photos courtesy of Prototype Design Lab.
Researched and Written by Mikhail Shchupak-Katsman, Alumnus, OCAD University
