Everyone knows that living in a big city means less space in their homes – it is a compromise city-lovers must often make. So while many young couples choose to settle down in the suburbs, where larger houses can accommodate a growing family, Karen White and David McNaughtan decided to tear-down a dilapidated house in a Toronto city lot that is just 17 feet wide.
The Galley House by Williamson Chong Architects is located in Roncesvalles Village which is just west of Toronto’s downtown core. Named after the street it’s located on, The Galley House is still an apt description for this dwelling, as a ‘galley’ is a type of ship characterized by its long and slender body; and commonly used to describe narrow spaces.
Photo Courtesy of Bob Gundo
The Galley House is a three storey single-family home that, while about 12′ wide for the most part, is 62’ long with three bedrooms and a series of double-height living spaces, including a 13′ high kitchen that connects to a sunken garden. A unique custom-designed staircase – positioned at the front of the dwelling – acts as one of the homes’ centerpieces, winding from the second to top floor ensuring every inch of square footage is usable.
Photo Courtesy of Bob Gundo
Williamson Chong wanted to be mindful of all the space they could use, but still wanted natural light to flow through the structure. Because building codes ban windows on the sides of city housing (to limit the spread of fire and mitigate issues of privacy), both the front and back of the property feature floor-to-ceiling windows – plus skylights – to ensure as much light filters indoors.
Photo Courtesy of Bob Gundo
Though it may look pocket-sized from the front and back ends, the contemporary dwelling has 2,100 square feet of above-grade living space.
Photo Courtesy of Dean Kauffman
The space plan is clever, with the ground floor being a series of tiered spaces. The dining area is one step down from the entry, while the kitchen is five steps down from the dining area, creating a soaring 13′ volume of culinary space that walks out to a sunken garden.
Another set of stairs goes up to the second floor, which features a double height living space plus two bedrooms for the kids in the back. The stairs continue up to the third floor for an airy master bedroom and ensuite.
Photo Courtesy of Dean Kauffman
Williamson Chong created a compelling solution for a tight narrow urban lot.
Homeowner and interior designer, Karen White, is overjoyed calling the house “a modernist solution for compact living”.
Without question, the tight space makes great use of light and tight corners, while meeting the needs of a growing family.
Photo Courtesy of Dean Kauffman
If you’ve enjoyed this post, here’s another canadianrealestatehousingandhome.ca feature called The House in Frogs Hollow, Ontario by Williamson Chong Architects.
And consider visiting Williamson Chong Architects for more information on their incredible projects.
Researched and Written by Stephanie Tsapoitis, Undergraduate Interior Design, Sheridan College
