The inspiration for the design of the house was its striking site… A picturesque setting filled with lush mature trees located in the Village of Rockcliffe Park.

An existing derelict home once occupied the corner lot, located at 580 Mariposa at the intersection of Roxborough. The new 3,150 sf home is cohesive with the fabric of Rockcliffe Park but also stands out as a modern interpretation of more traditional 2-storey homes commonly found in the neighbourhood.

At the front of the home, a soaring ‘light tower' dormer window draws light into the center of the home. Upon entering, the sculptural staircase climbs the 25' high entry space. Recognizing that the site is filled with mature trees, the open-concept main floor containing the kitchen, living and dining spaces, boasts expansive windows connecting the exterior with the interior. The 2nd floor contains 4 bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms which feel as if they are built within the tree-tops. A ribbon of upper clerestory windows throughout the second floor provide privacy but allow exterior views of the tree canopy and light to fill the spaces.

The house's exterior finishes are a dynamic composition of contrasting materiality, colouration and transparency. The ground floor ‘base' is clad in light-grey limestone. Upon this heavy base sits the 2nd storey which is covered in charcoal grey wood siding and black metal. A ribbon of high clerestory windows wrap the home and modern dormers and expansive windows interrupt the horizontality of the upper storey.

The interior finishes reflect the contrasting palette of the exterior. Light oak cabinetry, oak floors and white walls contrast the black marble fireplace hearth, black floor tile and black-stained millwork pieces. This vocabulary of contrasts permeates throughout the home.

The resulting home is filled with dramatic views and connections with its remarkable surrounding setting.