House 37 | Izen Architecture Inc.

House 37 is all about maximizing space and views in an urban centre. A majestic 45 foot-tall tree on the property led to its most significant architectural moment - a massive, uninterrupted window showcasing the entire tree inside the home, establishing beautiful views inside and out.
 
 
House 37 originally featured a traditional layout on a narrow urban lot. The clients wanted to completely rebuild the home to achieve their dream of a more modern space, better suited to the demands of a busy young family. Priorities included plentiful natural light, ample storage and a better flow through the home, conducive to both family life and hosting. 
 
The lot features a magnificent Northern Catalpa tree directly in front of the home, the scale and position of which presented some initial design challenges. The tree ultimately served as inspiration for the most significant architectural moment - a massive, uninterrupted 25-foot-tall window surrounded by an angled black metal frame, spanning beyond the entire height of the front facade. The resulting view is spectacular both inside and out, setting the tone for the rest of the design - abundant natural light, visual integration between nature and the interiors, and a sense of airy spaciousness throughout.
 
The updated exterior reflects the surrounding homes, while adding key architectural moments that help it stand apart. Original brick was preserved and reinstalled where possible, while new brickwork faithfully replicates the original. An oversized front canopy hangs from a double column, appearing to float over the new concrete porch and integrated planter boxes, infusing the exterior with a sense of weightlessness. 
 
Oversized glazing at the front and rear of the home fills the space with light, while storage is cleverly built-in throughout, creating a house perfectly suited to the homeowner’s lifestyle. The all-glass rear wall creates a deeply luxurious second floor primary bedroom and bathroom, while flooding lower floors with sunlight. Clear sightlines from the entrance through the family room and to the large backyard beyond further enhance the feeling of harmony with nature. A large, continuous clerestory window in the basement adds ambient light year-round, made possible by floating the ground and second floors on a massive steel beam. This solution also allows for unusually high basement ceilings, creating substantial below grade living space and an ideal spot for indoor cycling - key for the family’s avid cyclist. 
 
Beautifully designed moments throughout the home bring ease to day-to-day life. The entryway is entirely clad in black wooden slats, each panel opening to reveal custom storage spaces - bicycle storage, accessible hooks and drawers for young children, a spacious coat closet. The staircase landing, immediately adjacent to the main entry, thoughtfully integrates seating via wider lower steps, a nod to the inevitable lingering conversations following a gathering as guests prepare to leave. 

Status: Completed 2020

Location: Toronto, ON

Size: 3,000 sf

Type: Single-Family Home, Renovation

Team: Meena Alcozai, Brenda Izen

Photography: Scott Norsworthy https://scottnorsworthy.com/