Located on a narrow city lot in an original Toronto neighbourhood, The Skygarden House – by Dubbeldam Architecture + Design – is a contemporary residence that uses generous glazing which orients the interior to its lush landscaped setting.

Originally the site of a house with questionable renovations, Dubbeldam Architecture + Design team retained some of original foundation and exterior brick walls to keep the cost and permit approval process more streamlined, which is typical of Toronto transformations.

As part of the design process, the objective included creating layered connections with the outdoor environment. For instance, on the front facade a wooden screen provides a semi-transparent outdoor dining space. At the rear, a hardscape of wood decking and granite pavers are lined with lush plantings including honey locust trees that provide shade in the summer months. Cut outs in the roof and structure accommodate a roof terrace that offer views into the tree canopies surrounding the property.

The master bedroom, as seen below, has two aspects of fenestration and connects to the “skygarden”, flooding this treetop aeerie with natural light while providing an outdoor private refuge. I suspect the homeowners are delighted being immersed within nature from the comfort of this sanctuary!

The warm ash decking, recessed planters, and tree vistas make this indoor/outdoor environment a domestic paradise.

I applaud the decision for the design team to choose a select palette of materials that they consistently incorporate throughout the design. I love the generous use of glazing on the front and rear facades, and the consistency of scale and proportions of the fenestration throughout the design, For example, when they’re not floor-to-ceiling the windows are at a height that still provides some level of privacy in the private spaces while also creating expansive vistas when lying in bed. The Skygarden House is a wonderful testament to the value a design team can bring to a homeowner when reinventing domestic shelter.

To learn more about their impressive portfolio, visit Dubbeldam Architecture + Design

Want to read more interesting housing stories on canadianrealestatehousingandhome.ca? Then start with these stories:

A Toronto Victorian By Dubbeldam Architects Morphs Into Modern

An 1880’s Annex Dwelling Gets A Modern Makeover By Dubbeldam Architecture + Design

Toronto’s Annex House by Dubbeldam Architecture + Design

Images Courtesy of Shai Gil.

This article was researched and written by Saijeeni Elangko, Bachelor of Architectural Science, Ryerson University.