Elegant Modern Design in a Small Backyard
This new ultra-modern suburban Toronto home is beautifully located on a steep treed ravine with a shallow backyard. The owners wanted the design of the backyard to complement the clean lines of the home. The challenge was to fit everything into a relatively confined area so the fully featured backyard would feel majestic and open. The focal point of the yard is an exquisite plunge pool with adjoining spa. Due to limited space, the dry Gunite pool is a compact 13’ x 26’, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in elegance. The striking white feature walls beautifully integrate it into the sloping grade, while a full length underwater bench serves as the entry step for the 5’ uniform depth pool. The pool is the epitome of simplicity with the walls on the spa and ravine sides acting as perimeter overflow surfaces for smooth sheets of water falling into troughs and recirculating back to the spa and pool. The sound of falling water is soothing while the zero edge profiles create the effect of an infinity horizon. The elegance of the pool and spa is exemplified through the choice of white mini mosaic glass tiles, which in different lights shimmer with a pearlescent effect. The pool’s white marbelite interior lends a tint of light aqua which is the natural colour of water itself. Situated beside the ravine, the 4.5’ x 9.5’ dry Gunite spa is an inviting place to relax and soak up the beauty of nature. If you want to turn on the spa jets, or adjust the temperature, the deck mounted Jandy System control pad is conveniently within arm’s reach. To comply with Toronto’s 4-sided fence requirement, a series of clear tempered glass panels separate the pool and spa area from the rest of the yard. The home features large sliding glass panel walkouts on the main floor living level and the basement recreation/games room level. Both lead to patios with uninterrupted views thanks to the see-through glass railings. The deck is constructed from architectural acid washed concrete with minimal saw cuts to maintain design simplicity. The whole yard is essentially low maintenance with just a few potted plants strategically placed to add visual interest and soften the hardscapes. The backyard features a striking array of German-designed Dedon furniture, with the Orbit loveseat as a centerpiece. Although this home is located near the centre of Canada’s largest metropolitan area, the ravine’s towering timbers add an aura of being surrounded by nature. The outdoor kitchen and bar extends the modern design theme with a limestone mini brick wall providing support for the 3’ x 20’ white quartz Caesarstone countertop. The premium stainless steel grill, sink and drawer system make life easy for the outdoor chef, while the six acrylic bar stools add the final designer touch. The focal point of the lounge area is a custom designed fire feature clad in a classic pattern of mini mosaic tiles. The dancing flames from the 60” linear fire feature can be delightfully mesmerizing as they add warmth and drama to an evening outdoors.
Country: Canada