This Victorian semi-detached home had already been converted into apartment units when our client purchased this property. He tasked us with renovating one of the apartments entirely for himself. As an avid world traveller and working professional, he needed a calm place of respite to return to at the end of each busy adventure.

Working with only about 500 square feet, we completely reconfigured the floor plan to improve circulation throughout and to maximize space in all of the key rooms. We relocated the entrance door to the apartment and carved out a foyer and hallway, where previously one would have entered directly into the kitchen. A bedroom was placed on the north side of the building, with built-in closets entirely along one wall. The bathroom was designed with a tight footprint but with some extra luxuries, including a full slab of marble for the floor, and shower that can be converted into a steam sauna. The kitchen was reconfigured very efficiently to accommodate all major appliances, and even a small built in desk for a work station at home. A structural wall of brick was exposed here, and painted white in order to compliment the calm palette of white cabinetry, stainless hardware, and back painted glass for the backsplash. The living room and dining room was combined, and existing architectural features were emphasized including the bay window and the chimney breast, which was stripped back to expose the existing red brick.

Once the interior work was done, we then concentrated on the exterior to give it a facelift. The brick at the front of the house had been painted with white paint and was in desperate need of repair. The peeling paint was gently stripped off to reveal the original red brick of this home. All the wood trim was repaired and restored and painted to compliment the brick and new windows. At the second floor, connected to our clients apartment, was an existing terrace that needed to be refurbished. We used thermally modified wood for the decking, so that it would remain very stable and resistant to decay. We designed a perforated metal guardrail to replace the clunky iron one that used to be there. The perforated metal recalls the metal work that is characteristic in many homes in Little Portugal, and the delicate nature of the mesh allows the guard to act as a veil that the house can still be seen through.

PROJECT SUMMARY
Location: Little Portugal, Toronto,
Scope: Apartment gut renovation, exterior improvements
Contractor: Picken Quality Construction & Creative Integrity Build