This two storey minimalist house overlooking Lake Ontario on the Scarborough Bluffs was constructed on the remnants of a 1960s bungalow. The original above-grade walk-out basement was kept with additions added to the front and rear. The single car garage was increased to accommodate two cars. A second storey bedroom level including a laundry room was added as well as a mezzanine level guest suite above the double garage.
All open-concept living space areas have ten-foot ceilings and expansive lake views as the entire rear elevation is comprised of 47 linear feet of floor to ceiling glass. A spacious dining terrace facing the lake is accessed from the family room.
Shown here is a wood and metal canopy at the front entrance delineating the path from the driveway to the front door, providing visual interest as well as privacy and shade.
This house is featured and appears on the front cover of the May 2008 issue of Style At Home Magazine.
Thank you to Ted Yarwood for the photography of the interior.
The foyer addition was constructed at grade level internalizing the stairs to the main floor. Lowering the front door and foyer windows to grade level permits the integration of the interior and exterior, grounding the house. A stone wall and ivy planting area continues through the slot window emphasizing the interior and exterior connection.
A large central floor opening to the basement separates the casual family zone (kitchen, dinette and family room) from the more formal living and dining area.
Upper cabinets are replaced by a 12 foot wide linear window above the sink counter that floods the kitchen with light. A storage wall with built-in appliances and generous dish cabinets flank the window counter on both sides providing ample storage. The island houses a ceramic cooktop with pop-up exhaust fan to maintain the minimalist aesthetic.
View of the central floor opening and living room which features a fireplace with a linear granite lined hearth. The opening also provides a visual connection between the walk-out basement play area and the living area above, allowing the parents to keep an eye on the children playing below. This above grade lower level is not perceived as a basement as there is access to the garden and abundant fenestration including a wall of two storey glass at the opening providing a strong visual connection to the lake.
Integrated storage throughout the house, such as built-in shelving and this firewood niche, help keep things neatly organized.
The dining area also enjoys a lake view as it is open to the living area.
Floor-to-ceiling windows covering the rear facade allow light to flood into the house and give the owners unobstructed views of the garden and lake beyond.
The family/media room is adjacent to the kitchen and dinette and features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a lake view. This view can be enjoyed as well from the kitchen due to the open plan.
The master bedroom features floor-to-ceiling windows which overlook Lake Ontario. A balcony is accessible through the patio door. The balcony’s glass balustrade allows unrestricted views from the interior.
The doorless ensuite bathroom is tucked out of view from the master bedroom. The custom vanity features a pair of WETSTYLE sinks.
A limestone wall separates the WETSTYLE bathtub and the large glass fronted shower enclosure which offers a lake view.
The original bungalow featured a walk-out basement.
A rear basement addition fills an otherwise void space below the dining terrace. This addition helps visually connect the terrace to the house with a solid base. A second floor was also added. The sleek structure of the master bedroom’s balcony maintains the minimalist aesthetic.