Penthouse at the Candy Factory Lofts | Johnson Chou Inc.

Situated in a turn of the century candy factory, this 2,700 SF loft penthouse suite was one of Toronto’s first residential, adaptive re-use projects. Reinvented as the ‘Candy Factory Lofts’, the building is an anchor in a neighbourhood that has evolved into the vibrant and bohemian “West Queen West” Arts District.

The owner, an avid sportsman with a penchant for travelling to remote areas to camp in the wilderness, requested a residence that evoked, within an urban context, a sense of the landscape he loved so much.

Capitalizing on the generous ceiling heights on the first level of the residence, the spaces are linked by variations in level: the architectural promenade manifesting as ramps, steps, sunken levels, platforms and bridges offering changes in views and elevations evocative of one wandering in a mountainous range.  With ebony wood veneer panels, the ground floor – comprised of kitchen, dining, living, study/guest quarters and ensuite – is intentionally dark and moody.

Accessed by a wood screened, tree-like spiral stair, the second level, by contrast, is bright and airy, as if one were to reach the top of a tree.  The second floor is comprised entirely of a master bedroom with freestanding bath, shower, toilet and closet/laundry areas. With spectacular views of the downtown core, a large deck with dining and lounge/sun bathing areas is envisioned as an extension of the master bedroom.