Summerhill Condo Concept

Reimagining a unique residential space in a boutique condo development

With this project the B|A team reimagines a unique condo unit in Toronto’s tony Summerhill neighbourhood. The boutique building won architect Macy DuBois a Governor General’s Medal in Architecture in 1983. Its private entrances, generous terraces, and lush landscaping attracted such prominent residents as novelist Robertson Davies.

These same features attracted our clients, who are downsizing from a large family home. It was a priority to bring some family history to their new abode, so we envisioned the interior as a gallery for the couple’s collection of paintings and sculptural works that are of sentimental significance.

By eliminating the solid walls that framed the staircase at the heart of the unit, B|A transformed the main level. This single architectural gesture opens up the space and creates two distinct axes leading from the foyer – one running past the kitchen and into the dining area, one into the living room and out to the terrace. A built-in bookcase, crafted from warm walnut, complements the oak flooring and anchors the open space.

Exposing the narrow kitchen’s concrete ceiling and giving it a coat of white paint lends the feeling of a larger space. For the room’s walls, textured handmade tiles in four shades of glossy white provide a sense of movement and warmth while maintaining the brightness of the space.

More of that brightness was much needed in the lower level’s bedrooms. The design team added glass doors that open to the lower terrace and extended the windows to the floor to pull in sunlight.

At the far end of the master suite, the ensuite bath lacks windows entirely, so we chose gentle lighting that evokes natural sun. The blue-green floor tiles carry into the over-sized shower to create a feeling of spaciousness. Combined with soft grey walls they contribute to a calm, spa-like atmosphere that speaks to the clients’ post-retirement lifestyle goals.