Rusholme House
“The Rusholme renovation and addition was a careful balancing act, preserving the original character and heritage features of this eclectic 100 year-old Victorian home, while introducing new circulation, spaces and conveniences for 21st century living. ”
From the beginning, the objective was not to restore the home to its original state, but rather to re-value its best qualities while introducing contemporary notions of space and circulation. This underlying mandate dictated a design and construction strategy characterized by a series of precise, almost surgical, interventions throughout the house. The result is an exciting and playful mix between old and new, where tradition and modernity meet in unexpected ways.
Instead of a trend-driven open plan, the ground floor has been kept as a series of distinct, self-contained rooms – however, circulation and sense of openness have been improved by relocating the basement staircase, inserting new doorways and openings, and widening existing circulation.
In the dining room, the form of the traditional bay window was kept, but has been fully transformed into a walkout with floor-to-ceiling doors that open to an outdoor deck and garden. This small but effective move radically changes the relationship of the house with the surrounding landscape, allowing a more fluid relationship between indoor and outdoor living.
Place
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Architect
Vanessa Fong Architect
Structural Engineer
Blackwell
Construction
TAF Built
Photography
Call TORP for more information:
416-968-2768
