Forest Hill House

‍Toronto, ON

Deeply embedded in the fabric of Toronto’s Forest Hill neighbourhood, this residence reimagines the concept of the urban home. Organized as two intersecting L-shaped volumes, the design departs from the traditional notion of the house as a singular mass. This spatial arrangement creates both an entry forecourt and a larger rear courtyard, maximizing daylight and enabling a continuous dialogue between interior and exterior spaces.

Designed to appear as though carved from a single piece of stone rising organically from the landscape, the home relates directly to its verdant, historic setting. Nestled among mature trees, its scale and massing offer privacy to the street while opening up toward the rear to reveal a landscaped courtyard with framed views of neighbouring heritage properties. By setting the front façade back to accommodate the courtyard, the house minimizes its visual impact on the streetscape.

The ends of the L-shaped plan house the private functions: the front volume includes a ground-floor office and guest bedrooms above, while the rear volume accommodates the master suite.

Sustainability is integral to the design. Careful consideration of orientation, massing, and glazing allows for an abundance of natural light while ensuring energy efficiency. High-performance glass keeps the expansive interior comfortable year-round, and twenty-one geothermal pipes below the house provide sustainable heating and cooling.

Project Facts

Location

Toronto, ON

Status

Completed 2014

Partner

Siamak Hariri

Internally, a feature stair of honed Beauval limestone adds to the sculpted look of the residence.

The interior continues the exterior language of the home. Beauval limestone, complementing the honed limestone façade, is used on the floors along with smoked and brushed European oak.

The back façade of the house is defined by large expanses of glass, presenting the rear courtyard and gardens as an extension of the home. This space-within-a-space is framed by horizontal brass beams and fitted with lighting. Each court includes a reflecting pond that further defines and softens the stone and metal elements.