Woodbank
The suburbs are a significant part of architectural history. And we believe it is important to preserve their qualities. For Woodbank—an extensive renovation and addition project—we aligned with the characteristics of an existing and robust 1970s side-split.
By extending the home, and capping the corner of the lot, the new composition bookends the block while maintaining the neighbourhood’s character. This approach differs from current development, as original homes are replaced with tumid versions of their predecessors.
Location
Toronto, Canada
Start Date
2013
Status
Complete
Area
5,000 SF
Type
Residential
Renovation/Addition
Team
Giaimo
Photography
Revelateur Studio
Approach
This renovation and addition aims to revalue the original sidesplit house typology while maintaining an appropriate presence in line with the neighbourhood’s character. This approach differs from the current development approach in the area, as several original homes are being quickly replaced with stone and stucco mansions.The impetus for the project was borne out of the owners’ desire for a three car garage, additional bedrooms, and a larger living space for their growing family, in addition to a secondary suite. The Woodbank street elevation presents two entrances, one for the owners and one for the renters, proposing an unassuming multi-unit dwelling in the guise of a single family home.
Design
Situated on a corner lot, the prominent addition anchors the home at one street’s end while buffering it from the more travelled vehicular road. The connection between levels typical of a sidesplit are maintained and enhanced with the addition, which follows a similar spatial and functional logic. The removal of the flat ceiling allows for the original attic space to form part of the home’s central living areas. This increased visual connection between levels and the feeling of openness is further enhanced by the newly free plan.
Achieving a complementary yet contemporary aesthetics, the materials were selected to impose a contrast through colour while maintaining similar texture. The new insertions and additions were clad in darker colours, taking cues from the 1970’s brown bricks found throughout the neighbourhood. In addition to the bricks, metal siding and asphalt shingles were used to reference the other houses in the neighbourhood.
