R A V I N E L I G H T

It is a heritage residence located at the edge of a ravine in the historic Rosedale neighborhood in the city of Toronto. It was constructed at the turn of the centur y in the Edwardian style. In 2016 the owner retained the architectural design firm of Murakami Design and Interior designer Ann Johnston to completely reconstruct the interior of the home and re envision the rear elevation and planning. The project was fur ther enhanced by the vision of landscape architect Mark Har tley.

Rosedale is located nor th of Downtown Toronto and built among three ravines, preser ved as parkland. It is one of the city’s oldest suburbs. It is also one of the wealthiest and most highly priced neighborhoods in Canada. It is known as the area where the city's 'old money' lives ]and is home to some of Canada's richest and most famous citizens.

The objective for the renovation of the historic Victorian building was to maximize the space, the natural light and the views to the South Rosedale Ravine while retaining and enhancing the architectural features of the street facing façade.

The design team was also tasked with providing maximum privacy, accessibility and a seamless connection to the underutilized rear yard. Outdoor terraces were added to each floor and an outdoor kitchen on the main level.

Interior designer Ann Johnston began by opening the interior spaces leaving ample wall space for ar twork and furnishings

All existing openings to rooms were widened and heightened enhancing the ceiling heights. The three-stor y staircase became a central light filled sculptural element repositioned in order to eliminate the long and narrow hallways on each floor A strategically located elevator was located discreetly next to the staircase.

The design and décor became a distinct minimalist and masculine flair utilizing contemporar y clean and simple lines with sof t wooden accents and neutral color s

Ann used a balance of light and dark materials to create a comfor table, serene yet dramatic backdrop for ar t and functional discreetly designed built-ins.

Left-hand page: the three-story staircase is a central light filled sculptural element repositioned in order to eliminate the long and narrow hallways on each floor. The bench in the entrance hall is by Holly Hunt This page: the study/den at the front side of the house with chairs and side table by Holly Hunt. The coffee table and desk are custom made The rug is by Stark

At the back of the house an infinity edge pool and covered lounge pavilion were constructed to compliment the large green space overlooking the ravine.

Full height black powder coated glass door s and walls were custom designed on each level of the ravine facing rear walls. Cantilevered roof overhangs were added to reduce the heat gain from the large glass areas.

London-based Italian architectural design studio, SabiI by Sabina Blasiotti, has envisioned a collection of l furniture inspired by Japanese calligraphy

Sabina herself describes the Characters collection as well-rounded and multifaceted, suiting environments from private living rooms to retail, office spaces, and hospitality premises

Sabina Blasiotti: “The embodiment of self-expression in design and architecture is ver y important to me

"I’ve always been fascinated by Japanese calligraphy as an exhibition of the calligrapher at a moment of time producing artistic pieces that look alive Likewise, I conceived the Characters collection as a personal expression at a moment in time, with each piece of furniture designed after a unique series of quick sketches that haven't been further edited or corrected ”

She continued:“With this method, I wanted the furniture to showcase personality, as well as imperfections, and to bring life and expression inside living spaces.”

“As a result, Characters seem to have their own conscious life, being familiar to me, but also strangers They keep changing and revealing ineffable silhouettes as you move and rotate around them, and they are unpredictable as they play with light and shadows through the days and through the seasons.”

Characters is intended to address the selfexpression of skilled workers, providing an opportunity to create bespoke sculptures with fluid execution and wood car ving tools In return, each piece of furniture allows its maker's temperament and confidence to be visibly expressed in their work