Sometimes you need to change a house for it to become a home.

PLANT Architect Inc designed a two story addition, interior renovations plus redesigned the garden to ensure this family home, located in Roncesvalles Village , Toronto, met the needs of its growing family.

Below is a ‘Before Photo’ of the rear of the dwelling.

Photograph courtesy of PLANT Architect Inc 

On the exterior, the property addition incorporated light and dark stained cedar, copper flashing, siding and scuppers plus bright orange accents at the entrance.

This design program was used throughout the house to great effect, creating a modern, clean finish for the exterior, while bringing warmth to the interior.

Photograph courtesy of PLANT Architect Inc and Craig A. Williams

The addition and reconfigured space plan created new zones – and rooms – for living including a washroom, sunroom, homework area, pantry, mudroom and an outdoor deck, giving space for a family to grow and expand.

While meeting the family’s spatial needs, the designer’s created storage opportunities wherever possible, hiding it behind wood panels and frosted glass for a sleek clean-lined appearance.

Photograph courtesy of PLANT Architect Inc and Craig A. Williams

The dark stained wood, contrasted with the orange accents and generous windows creates a beautiful inviting interior.

Even the homework space is welcoming!

Photograph courtesy of PLANT Architect Inc and Craig A. Williams

The open stairwell with recessed hand rail and niches utilizes every inch of space, while the repetition of the exterior colour scheme creates visual cohesion.

Photograph courtesy of PLANT Architect Inc and Craig A. Williams

Below is the rear exterior of the house after the addition. How different is that from the photo at the top?

Described as a ‘treehouse-like addition’, it now takes advantage of the garden views, which is perfect for watching the kids play.

Photograph courtesy of PLANT Architect Inc and Craig A. Williams

This is a terrific example of how renovating and adding onto your existing property can result in a more sensible and architecturally unique solution than changing residences.

We LOVE this!

Designed by PLANT Architect Inc

Researched and Written by Sarah Coates, Masters Student of History, University of Toronto