INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE: Certificate of Merit PROJECT: Altius CLIENT: B DeFrancis ARCHITECTURE FIRM: Bucco Architecture ENGINEERS: Watson Engineers; Claitman Engineering Associates, Inc. CONTRACTORS: RJS Construction PHOTOGRAPHER: Walsh Photography DESCRIPTION: Altius sits on the crest of Grandview Avenue and embraces its physical position to inspire the design, striving to create an ‘elevated’ experience. Spatially, that means creating a directional pull to the view with a series of elements: hostess station, open stair, communal tables, and bar are all positioned perpendicular to the windows to allow guests to move through the space with a continual connection to the expanse of windows. JURY COMMENTS: This restaurant is really beautifully detailed with very rich materials. We especially appreciate that the detailing did not stop before it made it into the washrooms. The minimalist approach to these details adds a richness that will be appreciated more with each visit.

Residential architecture must always have a connection with its landscape: physically and visually. The previous home, despite being located on a beautiful waterfront site, was derelict and not fit for purpose anymore. There was little connection to the water and beach, thus not taking advantage of its waterfront location. A true connection to the water was achieved through adaptable glazing covering the majority of the rear facade and a roof line that is set outwards. Furthermore, the protruding massing orients and aligns itself toward the waterfront, bringing the interior spaces and beach together. Despite the small plot, two accessory dwelling units were erected on the east end, providing additional affordable housing near the city centre. Knowing the clients personally, I was fortunate enough to be trusted with leading the design of this project from its inception. 3D models and plans helped the clients and myself come to design decisions in the context of the site. My plans were signed off by a local drafting company with very minimal changes. The residence has won multiple awards including a first place in the “Residential Infill “ category from the Canadian Homebuilders Association.

Luxe pour Maison Salmon Leather, is a new and exciting material! Our eco-friendly leather is made by repurposing a by-prodcut of the salmon industry; salmon skin, which is usually discarded. Salmon skin leather has some truly unique properties, not only aesthetically but physically as well. It is a very strong & flexible material (more so than cow leather), and it has an amazing 3D texture, which has been compared to snake skin leather, except that salmon leather has a softer suede like feel to it. At Luxe pour Maison, our mission is to practice and promote the use of sustainable innovation as a process for cultural, environmental and economic development. Sustainable design is our core competency and the common thread uniting every partner and activity we undertake. We pride ourselves on following fair-trade principals, which create a synergy between local culture and industry; that respects local cultural values and stimulates ethical economic growth in the Chilean Patagonia, a pristine and untouched environment known for its unique beauty.

The goal in this Show House Library was to create a haven that is both nurturing from an aesthetic view and from a healthy perspective. My original training that catapulted me into the world of design was Feng Shui. My goal when designing a space is to create a feeling of tranquility, serenity and peace. As you walk into your home, you want to feel a sense of calm, inner peace and contentment. You have come home to your sanctuary, your place of refuge. Home is a place that fortifies your soul and helps you go out into the world and excel. It should nurture you both in how it makes you feel emotionally and how healthy it is for your physical body. I have a passion for eco-friendly design that is both sustainable for the earth and healthy for the inhabitants. I was so excited when I found the Kravet Green Collection. The reason I chose these particular Kravet fabrics for the ottoman and pillows in the Show House was to demonstrate to people that Green fabrics have come so far in the past five years. It is wonderful that Kravet has introduced a collection of eco-friendly fabrics that are vibrant and fresh. The commitment of Home in Harmony is to connect the beauty of our client’s interiors with the beauty of the outside world that sustains us. Kravet creates beautiful fabrics that allow designers to accomplish this mission.

A neglected commercial building was transformed into a multi-level living space with the street level purposed for entertaining. "Our Special Place" is a creative solution to the need for privacy and desire for beauty in an urban domicile. This design maintains a visual connection to the outdoor environment and urban activity. The design provides a meaningful memory for the residents while providing a vision of nature and beauty for both owners and the public. In harmony with urban life, ever-changing daylight and artificial light bring a dynamic range of character to the design at all times of the day. A twenty-five foot curtain wall divided pedestrian and vehicular traffic physically and visually from the large dining room of a new street level urban home. It was important not to close the residence off from city living, or to loose the daylight filtering through the curtain wall. The primary goal was to provide privacy from the public while still retaining a view of the sky, weather and activity on the street. It was also important to mantain the legibility of the design throughout the day and night. With a close up view from the inside, one can see through tiny untreated areas to see street activity. A close up view looking in from the outside is not possible due to buttresses from the street level. A clean frameless installation with low maintenance was also required.

Bathed in natural light and grounded in soft minimalism, this Glencoe living room offers a harmonious blend of serenity and sophistication. Expansive picture windows frame the landscape and invite the outdoors in, while a sculptural light fixture adds vertical dimension and warmth. The crisp white palette creates a calm canvas for a tailored sofa and textural rug, while the built-in fireplace adds both visual and physical warmth. A central wood coffee table introduces organic contrast, anchoring the airy room with a modern yet approachable touch. Crafted by New Explode Construction, this refined living space evokes quiet luxury — thoughtfully designed for both beauty and everyday comfort.

Our clients wanted to replace an existing suburban home with a modern house at the same Lexington address where they had lived for years. The structure the clients envisioned would complement their lives and integrate the interior of the home with the natural environment of their generous property. The sleek, angular home is still a respectful neighbor, especially in the evening, when warm light emanates from the expansive transparencies used to open the house to its surroundings. The home re-envisions the suburban neighborhood in which it stands, balancing relationship to the neighborhood with an updated aesthetic. The floor plan is arranged in a “T” shape which includes a two-story wing consisting of individual studies and bedrooms and a single-story common area. The two-story section is arranged with great fluidity between interior and exterior spaces and features generous exterior balconies. A staircase beautifully encased in glass stands as the linchpin between the two areas. The spacious, single-story common area extends from the stairwell and includes a living room and kitchen. A recessed wooden ceiling defines the living room area within the open plan space. Separating common from private spaces has served our clients well. As luck would have it, construction on the house was just finishing up as we entered the Covid lockdown of 2020. Since the studies in the two-story wing were physically and acoustically separate, zoom calls for work could carry on uninterrupted while life happened in the kitchen and living room spaces. The expansive panes of glass, outdoor balconies, and a broad deck along the living room provided our clients with a structured sense of continuity in their lives without compromising their commitment to aesthetically smart and beautiful design.

In every project we complete, design, form, function and safety are all important aspects to a successful space plan. For these homeowners, it was an absolute must. The family had some unique needs that needed to be addressed. As physical abilities continued to change, the accessibility and safety in their master bathroom was a significant concern. The layout of the bathroom was the first to change. We swapped places with the tub and vanity to give better access to both. A beautiful chrome grab bar was added along with matching towel bar and towel ring. The vanity was changed out and now featured an angled cut-out for easy access for a wheelchair to pull completely up to the sink while protecting knees and legs from exposed plumbing and looking gorgeous doing it. The toilet came out of the corner and we eliminated the privacy wall, giving it far easier access with a wheelchair. The original toilet was in great shape and we were able to reuse it. But now, it is equipped with much-needed chrome grab bars for added safety and convenience. The shower was moved and reconstructed to allow for a larger walk-in tile shower with stylish chrome grab bars, an adjustable handheld showerhead and a comfortable fold-down shower bench – proving a bathroom can (and should) be functionally safe AND aesthetically beautiful at the same time.

In every project we complete, design, form, function and safety are all important aspects to a successful space plan. For these homeowners, it was an absolute must. The family had some unique needs that needed to be addressed. As physical abilities continued to change, the accessibility and safety in their master bathroom was a significant concern. The layout of the bathroom was the first to change. We swapped places with the tub and vanity to give better access to both. A beautiful chrome grab bar was added along with matching towel bar and towel ring. The vanity was changed out and now featured an angled cut-out for easy access for a wheelchair to pull completely up to the sink while protecting knees and legs from exposed plumbing and looking gorgeous doing it. The toilet came out of the corner and we eliminated the privacy wall, giving it far easier access with a wheelchair. The original toilet was in great shape and we were able to reuse it. But now, it is equipped with much-needed chrome grab bars for added safety and convenience. The shower was moved and reconstructed to allow for a larger walk-in tile shower with stylish chrome grab bars, an adjustable handheld showerhead and a comfortable fold-down shower bench – proving a bathroom can (and should) be functionally safe AND aesthetically beautiful at the same time.

The kitchen features an eating island and a custom glass back splash from Meltdown Glass. Architecture and Interiors - Tate Studio Architects, Builder - Platinum Homes, Photography - Thompson Photographic.

Our clients wanted to replace an existing suburban home with a modern house at the same Lexington address where they had lived for years. The structure the clients envisioned would complement their lives and integrate the interior of the home with the natural environment of their generous property. The sleek, angular home is still a respectful neighbor, especially in the evening, when warm light emanates from the expansive transparencies used to open the house to its surroundings. The home re-envisions the suburban neighborhood in which it stands, balancing relationship to the neighborhood with an updated aesthetic. The floor plan is arranged in a “T” shape which includes a two-story wing consisting of individual studies and bedrooms and a single-story common area. The two-story section is arranged with great fluidity between interior and exterior spaces and features generous exterior balconies. A staircase beautifully encased in glass stands as the linchpin between the two areas. The spacious, single-story common area extends from the stairwell and includes a living room and kitchen. A recessed wooden ceiling defines the living room area within the open plan space. Separating common from private spaces has served our clients well. As luck would have it, construction on the house was just finishing up as we entered the Covid lockdown of 2020. Since the studies in the two-story wing were physically and acoustically separate, zoom calls for work could carry on uninterrupted while life happened in the kitchen and living room spaces. The expansive panes of glass, outdoor balconies, and a broad deck along the living room provided our clients with a structured sense of continuity in their lives without compromising their commitment to aesthetically smart and beautiful design.

Our clients wanted to replace an existing suburban home with a modern house at the same Lexington address where they had lived for years. The structure the clients envisioned would complement their lives and integrate the interior of the home with the natural environment of their generous property. The sleek, angular home is still a respectful neighbor, especially in the evening, when warm light emanates from the expansive transparencies used to open the house to its surroundings. The home re-envisions the suburban neighborhood in which it stands, balancing relationship to the neighborhood with an updated aesthetic. The floor plan is arranged in a “T” shape which includes a two-story wing consisting of individual studies and bedrooms and a single-story common area. The two-story section is arranged with great fluidity between interior and exterior spaces and features generous exterior balconies. A staircase beautifully encased in glass stands as the linchpin between the two areas. The spacious, single-story common area extends from the stairwell and includes a living room and kitchen. A recessed wooden ceiling defines the living room area within the open plan space. Separating common from private spaces has served our clients well. As luck would have it, construction on the house was just finishing up as we entered the Covid lockdown of 2020. Since the studies in the two-story wing were physically and acoustically separate, zoom calls for work could carry on uninterrupted while life happened in the kitchen and living room spaces. The expansive panes of glass, outdoor balconies, and a broad deck along the living room provided our clients with a structured sense of continuity in their lives without compromising their commitment to aesthetically smart and beautiful design.

In every project we complete, design, form, function and safety are all important aspects to a successful space plan. For these homeowners, it was an absolute must. The family had some unique needs that needed to be addressed. As physical abilities continued to change, the accessibility and safety in their master bathroom was a significant concern. The layout of the bathroom was the first to change. We swapped places with the tub and vanity to give better access to both. A beautiful chrome grab bar was added along with matching towel bar and towel ring. The vanity was changed out and now featured an angled cut-out for easy access for a wheelchair to pull completely up to the sink while protecting knees and legs from exposed plumbing and looking gorgeous doing it. The toilet came out of the corner and we eliminated the privacy wall, giving it far easier access with a wheelchair. The original toilet was in great shape and we were able to reuse it. But now, it is equipped with much-needed chrome grab bars for added safety and convenience. The shower was moved and reconstructed to allow for a larger walk-in tile shower with stylish chrome grab bars, an adjustable handheld showerhead and a comfortable fold-down shower bench – proving a bathroom can (and should) be functionally safe AND aesthetically beautiful at the same time.

In every project we complete, design, form, function and safety are all important aspects to a successful space plan. For these homeowners, it was an absolute must. The family had some unique needs that needed to be addressed. As physical abilities continued to change, the accessibility and safety in their master bathroom was a significant concern. The layout of the bathroom was the first to change. We swapped places with the tub and vanity to give better access to both. A beautiful chrome grab bar was added along with matching towel bar and towel ring. The vanity was changed out and now featured an angled cut-out for easy access for a wheelchair to pull completely up to the sink while protecting knees and legs from exposed plumbing and looking gorgeous doing it. The toilet came out of the corner and we eliminated the privacy wall, giving it far easier access with a wheelchair. The original toilet was in great shape and we were able to reuse it. But now, it is equipped with much-needed chrome grab bars for added safety and convenience. The shower was moved and reconstructed to allow for a larger walk-in tile shower with stylish chrome grab bars, an adjustable handheld showerhead and a comfortable fold-down shower bench – proving a bathroom can (and should) be functionally safe AND aesthetically beautiful at the same time.

In every project we complete, design, form, function and safety are all important aspects to a successful space plan. For these homeowners, it was an absolute must. The family had some unique needs that needed to be addressed. As physical abilities continued to change, the accessibility and safety in their master bathroom was a significant concern. The layout of the bathroom was the first to change. We swapped places with the tub and vanity to give better access to both. A beautiful chrome grab bar was added along with matching towel bar and towel ring. The vanity was changed out and now featured an angled cut-out for easy access for a wheelchair to pull completely up to the sink while protecting knees and legs from exposed plumbing and looking gorgeous doing it. The toilet came out of the corner and we eliminated the privacy wall, giving it far easier access with a wheelchair. The original toilet was in great shape and we were able to reuse it. But now, it is equipped with much-needed chrome grab bars for added safety and convenience. The shower was moved and reconstructed to allow for a larger walk-in tile shower with stylish chrome grab bars, an adjustable handheld showerhead and a comfortable fold-down shower bench – proving a bathroom can (and should) be functionally safe AND aesthetically beautiful at the same time.

In every project we complete, design, form, function and safety are all important aspects to a successful space plan. For these homeowners, it was an absolute must. The family had some unique needs that needed to be addressed. As physical abilities continued to change, the accessibility and safety in their master bathroom was a significant concern. The layout of the bathroom was the first to change. We swapped places with the tub and vanity to give better access to both. A beautiful chrome grab bar was added along with matching towel bar and towel ring. The vanity was changed out and now featured an angled cut-out for easy access for a wheelchair to pull completely up to the sink while protecting knees and legs from exposed plumbing and looking gorgeous doing it. The toilet came out of the corner and we eliminated the privacy wall, giving it far easier access with a wheelchair. The original toilet was in great shape and we were able to reuse it. But now, it is equipped with much-needed chrome grab bars for added safety and convenience. The shower was moved and reconstructed to allow for a larger walk-in tile shower with stylish chrome grab bars, an adjustable handheld showerhead and a comfortable fold-down shower bench – proving a bathroom can (and should) be functionally safe AND aesthetically beautiful at the same time.

The goal in this Show House Library was to create a haven that is both nurturing from an aesthetic view and from a healthy perspective. My goal when designing a space is to create a feeling of tranquility, serenity and peace. As you walk into your home, you want to feel a sense of calm, inner peace and contentment. You have come home to your sanctuary, your place of refuge. Home is a place that fortifies your soul and helps you go out into the world and excel. It should nurture you both in how it makes you feel emotionally and how healthy it is for your physical body. I have a passion for eco-friendly design that is both sustainable for the earth and healthy for the inhabitants. I was so excited when I found the Kravet Green Collection. The reason I chose these particular Kravet fabrics for the ottoman and pillows in the Show House was to demonstrate to people that Green fabrics have come so far in the past five years. It is wonderful that Kravet has introduced a collection of eco-friendly fabrics that are vibrant and fresh. The commitment of Home in Harmony is to connect the beauty of our client’s interiors with the beauty of the outside world that sustains us. Kravet creates beautiful fabrics that allow designers to accomplish this mission.

This highrise apartment had been designed and beautifully appointed back in the early 90’s but was desperate for an update. This Master Bath had an awkward angled shower with an enclosed toilet room that made it feel small and cramped. By eliminating the toilet room and squaring off the shower for a larger footprint, we gained physical space. The sleek modern design was enhanced by using a single large format tile type throughout. The Duravit soaking tub has a “reading shelf” built into the side of the plinth facing the toilet - necessary, yet hidden. The tub was designed to be a feature as you walk into the room – allowing the homeowner to feature a favorite piece of art.