No. 2
WINTER 2011 $12.99 US / $12.44 CA
LUXURY HOME CANADA
Cultural Continuum Shim-Sutcliffe’s Integral House Timber Frame Thrill tdSwansburg Design Studio / Palatial Playground Fourteen Estates’ Grand Villa
“IT’S IMPERATIVE THAT WE HAVE SERVICE THAT SUPPORTS THE PRODUCT.” When designers Elaine Cecconi and Anna Simone design kitchens, bathrooms and living environments, their favourite material is Dupont™ Corian®. DuPont™ Corian® has endless design possibilities: going beyond its use as countertops - the only material in which they can appear seamless, they love to explore its ability to be thermal formed – creating organic, amorphous shapes, and to be back-lighted to create an illuminated translucent effect. But good product isn’t enough … ‘When specifying products for our clients, it’s imperative that we have service that supports the product. The Willis team, along with DuPont™, have consistently provided that support through the design, detailing, fabrication and installation phases of the project.’ - Anna Simone and Elaine Cecconi
DuPont™ Corian® Kitchen - FIVE Condos at 5 St. Joseph – Toronto Photography by Joy von Tiedemann
2
luxury home CANADA
Willis is the Canadian distributor of DuPont™ Corian® which is focused on meeting the needs of today’s evolving market trends. lhcanada.com to assisting you WINTEROur 2011 skills include innovative sales and marketing, distribution, planning and sourcing. Our team is committed through all project phases - from concept to completion. For more information visit us at www.4willis.com or www.corian.com.
contents
FEATURES Light Continuity Using clean lines and brightly coloured accents, Toronto’s Reigo & Bauer brings out the life of simplistic spaces. In The Beverly, floor-to-ceiling scrim curtains diffuse daylight to create a soft, continuous flow between rooms.
page 46
Pitch Perfect Curving walls, meandering staircases and an interior concert hall are just a few of the gorgeous features of Toronto’s the Integral House. Co-designer Brigitte Shim of Shim-Sutcliffe Architects describes the process of making one man’s dream house a reality.
page 56
Classically Driven tdSwansburg design studio gives a rustic timber-frame house the deluxe interior treatment. Inside the home are design features for showcasing classic cars and hosting lively parties.
page 68
Larger Than Life Ontario’s Fourteen Estates recalls traditional building styles with upscale amenities that take into consideration everything required for opulent living.
page 80
ON THE COVER
Photo: JAMES DOW
In Toronto’s Integral House, also seen here, architectural firm Shim-Sutcliffe uses curves to reflect the owner’s love of abstract mathematical concepts and classical music.
page 56
Photo: James DOW
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
3
contents
p 104 ANGULAR OUTLOOK The Ridge House from Marko Simcic achieves open views with the home’s kitchen, which includes access to both north and south terraces via doors with floor-to-ceiling glass panels.
acclaim Custom-home projects of note 22
HOUSE ON THE BLUFFS
23
STATION BLÜ
24
Family hoUSE
BUILDERS Construction firms specializing in peerless residences 29
KALIMAR CUSTOM HOMES
32
Canterra Custom Homes
DESIGNERS Creative minds in interiors, landscapes and furnishings 35
Richard sALTER INTERIORS
37
GLEN PELOSO
38
CMID
Designer Showcase
ARCHITECTS
An in-depth look at some of the industry’s most unique designers 40
TOMAS PEARCE INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTING INC.
Providing concepts and programs for deluxe homes 95
ALTIUS ARCHITECTURE INC.
99
MACKAY-LYONS SWEETAPPLE
the plans A showcase of sleek, modern architecture— from plans to completion 89
KARIOUK ASSOCIATES
4
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
high-rise Taking luxury to new heights 101
inSIGHT DESIGN INC.
lhcanada.com
contents
PLUS
Editor’s Note
page 6
What’s New Industry news, awards and product innovations page 10
Calendar Trade shows and special events in the coming months page 12
On the Rise Spotlighting innovative products and designers page 14
Trends Home furnishing concepts en vogue page 18
Books Industry expertise and inspiration page 21
Behind the Lines
featuring Kurt Dexel and Bev Hisey page 26
Director y
page 110
Products+Services Spotlight page 112 Materials Trends in the medium of creation page 114
p 17 Vacation
PP TUBE CHAIR Designed by Tom Price (tom-price.com)
Second homes and getaways across the globe 104
MARKO SIMCIC ARCHITECTS
DISTINCTION Serving a unique niche in the custom-home industry 108
Custom carpet and interiors
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
5
editor’s note SLIDING VIEWS Surrounded by large sliding doors that open to unify the continuity of indoor/ outdoor space, Richard Salter of Richard Salter Interiors maximizes ocean views in his St. Georges house.
A
warm welcome to our second issue of Luxury Home Canada, where we highlight the unique personalities and projects that contribute to the Canadian luxury market. From intriguing multiple-resident buildings to ambitious single-family vacation homes, we present a diverse range of innovative projects where individuality is key.
The Yorkville (pg. 40) exude luxury through a consistent, tinted palette and minimal details. This project creates a refreshing sense of individuality with cohesive design decisions. In Richard Salter Interiors’ project (pg. 35) repetition is employed to solidify the character of the boho-chic space. The home’s open-floor plan invites both public interaction and personal preoccupation.
Many of the projects featured throughout this issue showcase Canada’s dynamic architects, designers and their clients’ desires. A surprising connection between them is their enthusiasm for, and success in, blurring public and private spaces, making you wonder: How much of ourselves is truly reflected in our homes?
Our cover story featuring Shim-Sutcliffe’s Integral House (pg. 57) is an ideal combination of the monumental and the intimate. As both a home and a community-events venue, this project is an ideal vision of a unifying design plan that is informed by the interests and habits of the clients. Complete with an auditorium that seats 200 and a geothermal temperature control system, the function of this home is truly inspirational and personal.
tdSwansburg design studio’s Vancouver project (pg. 68) is an exemplar of promoting both identity and intimacy. The project presents the client’s passion for rustic, timber-frame construction, classic cars and at-home entertainment. Similarly, Fourteen Estates’ Grand Villa (pg. 82), set against the scenery of Ajax, Ontario, acts as the perfect venue to accommodate a social lifestyle. From its open-view indoor swimming pool to the wine tasting cellar, the client’s vibrant character is apparent throughout the palatial estate. Smaller projects can be just as striking in exhibiting a singular style. Tomas Pearce Interior Design Consulting Inc.’s high-end condominium spaces at
6
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
As always, we hope to inspire through a commitment to innovation and recognition of the latest trends in architecture and design. Enjoy.
Teresa Silva, features editor lhcanada.com
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
7
NEWS FLASH Blush - Design in Full Colour A new book showcasing a retrospective of Scholten & Baijings’ work. Made in collaboration with Het Stedelijk Museum ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Advertising
publishers
PHOTO: Freudenthal/Verhagen
Stefan Scholten & Carole Baijings
Stay Connected! Sign up for the new e-newsletter from Luxury Home Quarterly, highlighting the latest products, industry news, events and previews of upcoming issues.
luxuryhomequarterly.com luxuryhomequarterly.com 8
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
Madeline Camaci madeline@bowen-enterprises.com Desmond Chester desmond@bowen-enterprises.com Gavin Coll gavin@bowen-enterprises.com Deidre Davis deidre@bowen-enterprises.com Gerald Mathews gerald@bowen-enterprises.com Colleen Wall colleen@bowen-enterprises.com Brandon Watts brandon@bowen-enterprises.com Daniel Zierk dan@bowen-enterprises.com
account managers Jacqueline M. Lowisz jacqui@bowen-enterprises.com Karen Tate karen@bowen-enterprises.com
Cory Bowen, President & CEO www.bowen-enterprises.com
Art & Editorial
creative & editorial direction Monica Jost Jordan Williams
features editor Teresa Silva teresa@bowen-enterprises.com
photo editor Courtney Weber courtney@bowen-enterprises.com
designer Mike Domzalski mike@bowen-enterprises.com
design intern Joshua Hauth
correspondents Tricia Despres Bridget Esangga Jamie Farshchi Frederick Jerant Jessica Kirby Brian Libby Jamie Ludwig Eugenia Orr Romy Schafer Chris Terry
Contact Information
(p) 773.897.0300 (f) 773.868.0560 1448 W Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60614 Subscriptions & Reprints
Printed in South Korea. Reprinting of articles is prohibited without permission of Bowen Enterprises. To order reprints, call 773.897.0301. For a free subscription, please sign up online at lhcanada.com lhcanada.com
what’s new
Industry news, awards and product innovations
SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION
LEED Takes Measures to Recognize Green Initiatives The US Green Building Council (USGBC) has introduced a new aspect of the LEED Rating System for green building certifications known as the Pilot Credit Library (PCL). Nine new credits have been added: Ergonomics Strategy, Site Assessment, HVAC Commissioning, Acoustic Comfort, Discovery–Analysis to Support Integrative Process, Implementing Synergies, Environmentally Preferable Non-Structural Products and Materials–Prescriptive Attributes, Responsible Sourcing of Raw Material and Avoidance of Chemicals of Concern in Building Materials. This marks an important milestone in the history of LEED, placing a precedent on environmental responsibility and recognizing those builders who take measures to meet the Council’s accreditation. For more detailed descriptions of the credits and their point value visit usgbc.org. Source: USGBC
TECH UPDATE
Premium Residential Design Software Kicks into High Gear
INDUSTRY NEWS
2011 myMarvin Architect’s Challenge The 2011 myMarvin Architect’s Challenge recognizes the best architecture in the US, Canada, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Spain and the United Kingdom. Eleven winners were chosen this year, including Marcus Gleysteen for the Overlook House in Lexington, Massachusetts and Michael Barclay for the Dethlefs Residence in Happy Valley, Oregon. The use of Marvin windows and doors is a requirement for the contest, but judges also chose the winners based on beauty, sustainability and creativity. “These winning projects are an inspiring display of architecture,” says Brett Boyum, director of marketing for Marvin Windows and Doors. “These architects show what’s possible with inspiration and a focus on quality.” The myMarvin Architect’s Challenge winners are flown to Minnesota for an AIA tour of significant buildings and a trip to the Marvin factory. Source: Marvin Windows and Doors
10
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
WINNING WINDOWS Inspired by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, amenities abound in the myMarvin award-winning Dethlefs Residence (top), including a wine room and an exercise room with sauna. Built on the footprint of an existing home, the Overlook Home (bottom) features live and work areas arranged around a central hall and stairway to unify the space.
Known for their go-to auto-rendering tools, SoftPlan software offers innovative solutions for residential and light commercial design, allowing architects to build digital models of their projects before they are built on-site. SoftPlan has just released the muchanticipated SoftPlan 2012, a multi-document interface and the 14th generation of SoftPlan software. The improved CAD package now includes a 3D rendering engine, which allows nearly every task to be completed in a 2D or 3D model. Users will love the convenience of building data now integrated directly with the US Department of Energy’s REScheck Building Energy Codes Program. The program’s libraries are now enhanced, with over 33,000 3D symbols, material textures and construction details. A trial version of the software, as well as a demonstration DVD are available through softplan.com. Source: Softplan
lhcanada.com
what’s new
MATERIALS MERGER
Architonic, Material ConneXion create a nexus of materials
ing. The PaperCut panels are part of 3form’s Varia Ecoresin line of translucent, customizable panels that can be used for a wide variety of architectural applications. “3form is committed to its Path to Zero—the goal of sending zero waste to landfill,” says Crystal Frost, the company’s director of sustainability. “PaperCut is one of a growing family of products that is bringing us closer to that goal.”
The variety of material choices is ever-growing. Designers of every discipline will rejoice in this compendium of extraordinary materials and advanced processes. Zurich-based architecture and design resource Architonic is collaborating with global materials-consultancy group Material ConneXion to offer an online library with access to the world’s most innovative materials. Material ConneXion’s selections were juried by experts on the interconnections of science and design. This means that their vetted materials represent the most outstanding trends. These selections have been integrated under Architonic’s “Product & Materials” database on architonic.com where subscribers can begin browsing thousands of choices now.
Source: 3form
Source: ArchDaily
CREATIVE MATERIALS
3form’s PaperCut panes are a green Use for old catalogues Eco-friendly material manufacturer 3form is putting their leftover catalogues to use by “re-issuing” them as panels. Each 4’x 8’ PaperCut panel features roughly one catalogue’s worth of colorful shredded paper, giving any space a vibrant look while adding sustainability to building and design projects. The panels are made from at least 40 percent pre-consumer recycled resin, and are terrific for projects seeking LEED certification for sustainable build-
PRODUCT INNOVATIONS
‘Shanghai’ i.light® Light-transmitting Panels by Italcementi Group When architect Giampaolo Imbrighi was commissioned to design the Italian Pavilion at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China, he challenged Italcementi Group to develop a transparent, sustainable and cost-effective building material for the exterior walls. The ‘Shanghai’ i.light® light-transmitting panel was conceived. Enveloping exterior areas built with cementi-
tious materials, the panels allow interior light to filter out and daylight to filter in. The result is an eco-friendly harmony between structure and environment. The Italian Pavilion was adorned with over 3,000 translucent cement panels, creating a stunning interplay between light and shadow. Composed of TX Active® “smog-eating” cement and reinforced with stainless steel fibres,
the panels have polymer resin inserts for higher luminous transmittance than fibre optics or glass. This year, Italcementi Group will begin marketing their latest innovative material to an audience encompassing the artistic and design sectors and will develop the product further to include greater variations in size, colour and shape. Source: Italcementi Group
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
11
calendar
Trade shows and special events in the coming months
IDS12 Interior Design Show Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto The Interior Design Show is Canada’s largest contemporary design fair. Since its doors first opened in 1999, IDS has been visited by over 500,000 design professionals, design savvy consumers and media; it has served as a design industry hub providing a unique and unrivalled business opportunity for thousands of design-forward businesses. Each year world-renown designers and architects participate as keynote speakers and create inspiring feature exhibits. Located in Toronto, Canada’s economic engine, IDS provides an annual catalyst for millions of dollars spent on design, and has helped significantly to place Toronto on the design map. Visitors not only leave inspired, but will help to support and generate business for an industry that is becoming increasingly important for Toronto’s future. interiordesignshow.com
JAN. 16-22
JAN. 25-28
LIVINGINTERIORS
Casa Salzburg
Koelnmesse, Cologne, Germany LivingInteriors celebrates its premiere at imm cologne. Exhibiting companies from Germany and abroad will come together to reveal the latest in bath, flooring, wall and lighting concepts.
livinginteriors-cologne.com
Salzburg Exhibition Centre, Salzburg, Austria CASA showcases new standards in design and functionality. Interior designers will see innovations and trends for the coming season and connect with others. casa-messe.at
JAN. 20-22
JAN. 27-29
hanseBAU
Lake Home & Cabin Show
Bremen Exhibition & Conference Centre, Bremen, Germany Exhibitors specializing in renovation, interior design, furniture, plumbing and more will be on hand to share information. hansebau-bremen.de
Alliant Energy Center Madison, Wisconsin Specializing in second homes and the second-home lifestyle, this show introduces property builders to buyers and vendors. lakehomeandcabinshow.com
JAN. 14-17
JAN. 24-26
Ongoing Through April
Canadian Home Furnishings Market Show
Surfaces
BULTHAUP lecture series
Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada The leading floor covering industry event brings retailers, distributors, installers and home builders for three days of face-to-face networking, product sourcing and education. surfaces.com
Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape & Design, University of Toronto This lecture series will feature guest speakers who are rising stars in the fields of architecture and design such as Fernando Romero, Jeanne Gang and others. daniels.utoronto.ca
Toronto International Centre, Toronto Take a sneak peek at new collections for the living room, bedroom and dining room, as well as, accent furniture, bedding, home theatre units, lamps and decorative accessories. tchfm.com
12
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
lhcanada.com
photo: Courtesy ids12
JAN. 26-29
CALENDAR
FEB. 6-9
FEB. 9-12
MAR. 16-25
ZOW Germany
Bauen & Wohnen Salzburg
The National Home Show
Bad Salzuflen Messe Zentrum Bad Salzuflen, Germany This workshop-formatted exhibition is designed to bring furniture manufactures and suppliers together to exchange ideas, observe the latest trends and discuss industry solutions. zow.de
Salzburg Exhibition Centre Salzburg, Austria Five hundred exhibitors come together to showcase great brands and new ideas for building, renovation, reconstruction, home furnishings and energy efficiency. bauen-wohnen.co.at
Place Bonaventure, Montréal The 2012 National Home Show will celebrate its 60th anniversary concurrently with the Canada Blooms festival, to showcase the single largest home and garden exhibition in North America.
FEB. 7-9
FEB. 23-26
Surface Design Show
Calgary Home & Garden Show
photo: pietro sutera
Business Design Centre, London The only show in the United Kingdom focused exclusively on surface design materials. View the latest in natural stone, wood, tiles, recyclable materials, cladding, ceiling, wall coverings and more. A not-to-be-missed exhibition for architects and interior designers. surfacedesignshow.com
nationalhomeshow.com
Big Four Building, Calgary Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Calgary Home & Garden Show highlighting outdoor living trends, the latest in restoration techniques and tool and landscape demonstrations.
calgaryhomeshow.com
FEB. 7-10
Feb. 29- Mar 4
Cevisama Expo
Design Indaba 2012
Feria Valencia, Valencia The Cevisama Expo explores the intersection of ceramics, natural stone, bathroom equipment and high fashion. This exhibition will highlight design trends and creativity. cevisama.feriavalencia.com
Cape Town Central, South Africa Design Indaba Expo is South Africa’s premier showcase of local design. It is multi-sectoral, featuring architecture, craft, decor, film, fashion, graphic design, interior and visual media. designindaba.com
FEB. 7-10
MAR. 9-11
Ideo Bain Interclima + Elec 2012
Designs for Living Home & Garden Show
Porte de Versailles, Paris Pioneering bathroom concepts and energy saving technologies will be the focus of this tandem exhibition. The 2012 Hotel Bathroom Prize will also be awarded. ideobain.com
Hamilton Convention Centre, Ontario Living Home & Garden Show will showcase the latest products for the home and garden sector under one roof at the Hamilton Convention Centre.
FEB. 7-11
MAR. 10-11
Stockholm Furniture Fair
BC Log Home Timber Frame & Country Living Show
thehomeshow.ca
APR. 15-20 Light+Building Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre Frankfurt The world’s leading trade fair for the architecture and integrated technology sectors, Light+Building presents the latest innovations in lighting, electrical engineering and house and building automation. LED technology, via photovoltaic and electro-mobility and intelligent electricity usages with smart metering and smart grids will be highlighted in seminars and product demonstrations.
Stockholmsmässan, Stockholm This annual fair will be comprised of two parallel events. Interior design and innovative illumination solutions. Attendees will also discover a comprehensive range of furniture, office concepts and textiles. stockholmfurniturefair.se
Tradex Trade & Exhibition Centre, Abbotsford, Canada Featuring Log & Timber Builders, vacation properties and all the products that go hand-in-hand with BC living. masterpromotions.ca
FEB. 8-9
MAR. 14-16
APR. 24-26
Buildex Vancouver
GLOBE 2012
New Vancouver Convention Centre Vancouver Explore new products and problem-solving strategies for interior design, architecture, real estate management and construction professionals.
Vancouver Convention Centre Vancouver One of the world’s largest and longest-running series dedicated to environmental innovations, sustainability and global networking opportunities.
Kitchen & Bath Industry Show
buildexvancouver.com
2012.globeseries.com
light-building.com
McCormick Place, Chicago, Ilinois An interactive exhibition experience, Kitchen & Bath Industry Show! will serve as a discovery zone for attendees to discover design solutions, products, trends and techniques. kbis.com
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
13
on the rise
Spotlighting innovative products and designers
pull up a chair Contemporary chair design draws on beastly and geometric shapes to reinvent your lounge experience.
mÁximo riera Máximo Riera’s Animal Chair collection looks to the animal kingdom for inspiration. The Walrus and Octopus chairs draw on nature’s more unusual and alluring beasts and appropriate their figuration as design strategies for extra support and comfort. Both playful and uncanny, these chairs will make great conversation pieces at your next soirée.
maximoriera.com
14
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
lhcanada.com
on the rise
m3 A cubic oak frame chair uses diagonal struts for square seating. Designed by Thomas Feichtner, the M3 chair has an open cantilever construction that contrasts the classic volumetric chair. The smooth surfaces and lines give the M3 an aesthetically light appeal, though the craftsmanship is solid as a rock.
thomasfeichtner.com
trapeze Trapezoidal-shaped chair by Periphere feels luxurious in shimmery gold. Its deep seating makes easy lounging look glamorous.
periphere.com
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
15
on the rise
frÉdÉrick The Frédérick chair is a sculptural piece of furniture employing metal that is punctuated with hollow circles to give it a lighter effect. Designed by Étienne Hotte, who graduated from the School of Design of the University of Québec in Montréal, the chair plays with abstract form by bending and disrupting continuous lines. etiennehotte.com
nest chair The Nest Chair breaks with tradition by leaving behind rigid, linear shape and opting for curves and free form instead. Designed by Markus Johansson using new and old technology, cylindrical rods have a series of holes drilled into them with a CNC machine and then bent to obtain a tight fit. The result is a seamless spiral of wood that opens up to envelop the occupant. markusjohansson.com
Memory The amorphous chair by Tokujin Yoshioka has an unclassifiable shape because it is always in flux. Created with a special recycled aluminum fabric, Memory retains the shape of its occupant and changes again with future use. Designed to conform to the user, this chair is endlessly transforming itself to accommodate your body.
tokujin.com
16
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
lhcanada.com
hot seats tom price Tom Price’s Meltdown chair series is a nod to the modernist Eames lounge chair with its sculptural appearance.Yet, it’s a departure in its approach to material. Everyday items like metal, PVC piping and vivid-coloured rope are heated, then cooled into the shape of a seat. The inventive craftsmanship has earned the series a display at Paris’s Docks en Seine. tom-price.com
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
17
TRENDS
home furnishing concepts en vogue
3
2
1
8
complex geometry
4
5
1. “R-Table” by Rainer Mutsch; rainermutsch.net. 2. “Fragments of Stars” bench by Periphere; periphere.com. 3. “Crystaline” series by Hariri & Hariri for AF Supply; afnewyork.com. 4. “Split” pendant by Palette Industries; paletteindustries.com. 5. “Edrar” chair by Étienne Hotte; etiennehotte.com. 6. “Arctic Rock” dressoir by Jasper van Grootel for JSPR; jspr.eu. 7. “Rocking Chair” by Rainer Mutsch for Sixinch; sixinch.be. 8. “Small Block” by Jasper van Grootel for JSPR; jspr.eu.
6
7 18
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
lhcanada.com
photo of rocking chair: Luc Romaine; photo of r-table: studio rainer mutsch
multi-faced forms on the cutting edge
Subscribe Online Get conencted to the custom home industry through Luxury Home Quarterly’s insider coverage. Discover a showcase of the industry’s most stunning projects, cutting-edge products, and real stories of trials and successes from professionals like yourself.
Sign up today! luxuryhomequarterly.com
LUXURY H O ME quarterly
FALL 2011
EBB & FLOW
Kohn Pedersen Fox Ass latest high rise concep ociates unveil their t in Greenwich Village
composing a mast erpiece
Ken Tate invokes classic
styles in the Stanford Hou
hot young thing
Rafael de Cárdenas’ moo
se
dy, film-inspired rooms
DALLAS DREAM TEAM
Mark Molthan & his Plati
Subscriptions are free to industry professionals.
WINTER 2011
num Series Homes
luxury home CANADA
19
trends
3
2
Technicolor dreamscape 8
1. “Framed” installation by Stuart Haygarth at the V&A museum for London Design Week 2010; stuarthaygarth.com. 2. “Accidental” carpet by Tejo Remy for Droog; droog.com. 3. “Colour Plaid 02” by Scholten & Baijings; scholtenbaijings.com. 4. “Pink Pleats” by Angharad McLaren Textiles; angharadmcLaren.co.uk. 5. “Neon Rippled Pleats” by Angharad McLaren Textiles; angharadmcLaren.co.uk. 6. “Neon Green Jacquard Shibori Pleats” by Angharad McLaren Textiles. 7. “Virgola” covered in geometric jacquard Mogle with sides in red knitted Trevira Mana by Missoni; missonihome.com. 8. “Acid Palm” wallpaper by Jonathan Adler; jonathanadler.com.
6
photo of accidental carpet by Tejo Remy; colour plaid 02 by INGA POWILLEIT
vibrant-hued textiles recall a free-spirted frame of mind
1
4
5
7
20
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
lhcanada.com
BOOKS
Industry expertise and inspiration
CLARENCE HOUSE: The Art of the Textile Author: K. Yoshida contributors: R. Appelbaum, J. Etro, P.A. Dumas and F. Halard Discover the global style of the Clarence House and the worldwide influences that shape their passion for creating lush textiles. Clarence House:The Art of Textile is being released on the occasion of their 50th anniversary, and François Halard’s exquisite photographs capture the sophisticated designs and attention to detail that are their hallmark. This first publication will prove to be a seminal resource for interior designers and textile enthusiasts alike. Rizzoli, rizzoliusa.com.
What Anchors a House to Itself AUTHORS: A. FUHRIMANN, G. HÄCHLER, H. ADAM, K.W. FORSTER, G. JETZER and M.T. STAUFFER While Zurich-based architects Fuhrimann Hächler have a diverse range of building commissions under their belt, this volume focuses on the private residences that they’ve constructed specifically for architecture and art professionals. These clients have an acute sense of aesthetics and demand nothing less than inventive and efficient homes that are supremely gorgeous. Examples of such achievements that are featured in the publication include: Haus Presenhuber in Vnà, Haus Müller Gritsch in Lenzburg and the architects’ own residence in Zurich. Essays that accompany the volume profile the architectural elements of the structures and position them within Fuhrimann Hächler’s oeuvre. Lars Müller, lars-mueller-publishers.com.
JAPAN HOUSES: IDEAS FOR 21ST CENTURY LIVING Author: M. IWATATE, G. MEHTA Contemporary Japanese residential architecture is well known for re-imagining spatial concepts and dreaming up aesthetic innovations. Japan Houses attempts to chronicle the country’s leading architects and their stunning projects. A departure from tradition, Japan Houses showcase how domestic spaces are reconfigured to maximize space, with a Zen minimalism that conveys comfort and lavishness. Tuttle Publishing, tuttlepublishing.com.
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
21
acclaim
custom-home projects of note
House on the Bluffs House on the Bluffs overlooks the Scarborough Bluffs in Toronto. The property was the client’s childhood home, which was appropriated to create a new residence. The foundation of the childhood home was reused to support the new structure, blending old and new and signifying the layers of the owner’s life. Layers also appear in House on the Bluffs’ façade. A screen of vertical channel glass covers the home’s simple stucco architecture, allowing natural light to enter and keeping visibility from the outside to a minimum. The façade is also wrapped in Ontario Algonquin limestone, outlining the front wall and recessed entrance. The rear of the home is a two-storey wall of glass that affords a breathtaking view of Lake Ontario.
PhotoS: Ben Rahn / A-Frame Inc.
House on the Bluffs’ interior is configured to break up its volumetric architecture. The master bedroom has cantilevers that jut out over the dining room below. A linear skylight runs the length of the house, where natural light functions to divide up space. Charcoal-coloured fibre cement panels offer distinction to the structure both inside and outside the home. –Teresa Silva
Credits Architects: Taylor Smyth Architects
Project Year: 2011
Location: Scarborough, Ontario,
Project Area: 2,300 sqf
22
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
lhcanada.com
ACCLAIM
Station BlÜ This luxurious resort is located on the edge of the Charlevoix region where guests can enjoy fine dining or take pleasure in swimming pools, sauna, steam baths and massage studios. In addition to its amenities, Station BLÜ is known for its architecture with three pavilions that sit along an adjacent river. Its distinctive blackcoloured wood covering uses various grades of lumber to achieve an irregular textural effect. The black wood planes project out to create terraces, providing a liminal space for experiencing the outdoors and architectural elements. –Teresa Silva
Photos: Stéphane Groleau
Architects/designers: Blouin Tardif ArchitectureEnvironnement Design team: Isabelle Beauchamp, Pascal Mailloux, Sophie Marquet, Guillaume Martel-Trudel, Jonathan Trottier, Alexandre Blouin
Mechanical/electrical/structural engineers: Genivar Location: St-Tite-des-Caps, Québec Project manager: Alexandre Blouin
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
23
accl aim
Located in Vilnius, Lithuania, the Family House is home to a family of four whose professional and personal interests include banking and antique book collecting. The area is historically known for having a cannon foundry, dating back to the Middle Ages. When the clients purchased the property, they discovered an ancient, yellow brick lodge with a basement that, during excavation, revealed bricks that were of medieval origin. With this knowledge, the impetus became to restore the structure by wrapping the exterior with glass. Inside, the basement boasts a library of ancient books, a Turkish bath and two-car garage. The ground floor features communal space with living and dining rooms, kitchen and children’s bedroom. The attic houses the master bedroom suite. –Teresa Silva
24
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
Credits Architects: Architectural Bureau G.Natkevičius & Partners Structural EngineerS: JSC KONSTRUKTORIŲ CECHAS, J. Vašeikienė SCULPTOR: A.Šlapikas LIGHTING: PROMODUS IO, A. Šlapikas
Photos: R.Urbakavičius
Family House In Pavilniai Regional Park
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS: E.Nomeikienė, I.Čepurienė
lhcanada.com
acclaim
FAMILY TIES The second floor features a spacious, warm family communal area with living and dining rooms, kitchen and play area. Panoramic glass windows provide amazing views of Pavilniai Regional Park . Downstairs allows for respite with an antiquarian library and Turkish bath.
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
25
behind the lines
CUSTOM COLLECTIONS FOR LUXURY HOMES—AND THE designers BEHIND THEM
Light pendant lamps Featuring hand and slab-built porcelain with hand-pressed and turned black walnut designs, Dexel teamed with designer Laura McKibbon, of cul de sac design, to execute the lamps, which were made for the new line, Mergatroid (mergatroid.ca).
Angled credenza Made of solid black walnut & european chestnut veneer with solid black walnut inlay edge treatment, the angled credenza features a satin lacquer finish and soft close drawer slides.
Kurt Dexel Dexel Crafted brings a sleek, mid-century sensibility to handcrafted wares Kurt Dexel designs and builds handcrafted wood furniture in East Vancouver. Dexel is also a furniture designer who comes from the world of civil engineering.Woodworking was a hobby that quickly turned into a full-time professional passion for him. He launched his line, Dexel Crafted to hone his self-taught skills in craftsmanship and to create bold and striking custom-made tables, chairs and cabinetry that champion refined form and celebrate the natural beauty of solid wood. Inspired by mid-century and Danish modern furniture, Dexel adds a space-age quality to his pieces, giving his furniture a sleek and pop appeal. The process for generating his designs often times happens through intense experimentation. Dexel usually creates a series of sketches and executes multiple prototypes, often times arriving at the final product through serendipitous trial-and-error. The results are no less stunning and are conveyed through a variety of pieces. The elegant construction of the Boomerang chair and ottoman demonstrate Dexel’s appreciation for Old World joinery, though re-imagined with a modern look. The Boomerang chair & ottoman are from the Angular Collection by Kurt Dexel for Dexel Crafted. The pieces are made of a solid black walnut and maple frame, with a hand-rubbed oil finish and double-stitched high-grade leather upholstery.
Boomerang These pieces from the Angular Collection are made of a solid black walnut and maple frame, with a hand-rubbed oil finish and double-stitched high-grade leather upholstery.
Also for Dexel Crafted, the angled credenza is a boxy, raw style that is tempered by soft-close drawer slides. Dexel has also dabbled in lamp design, collaborating with Laura McKibbon, of cul de sac design, to launch the new lighting line, Mergatroid, also the name of the studio space where both Dexel and McKibbon do their work. The Light Pendant lamps are hand-and slab-built porcelain with hand-pressed and turned black walnut with designs that vary between fourteen and sixteen inches in length. Custom versions are also available and are imagined for hotel or dining room use. The design duo envisions new pieces for their line, including groups of smaller shades and wall sconces.
26
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
lhcanada.com
In the woods This hand-knotted wool carpet is patterned with abstract coolhued splotches that take the form of a forest path. Available in three colour varieties.
Bev Hisey Creative carpet-making techniques construct colourful visual marriages Toronto-based designer, Bev Hisey launched her line in 2002 at the New York International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) and has been creating lush handmade carpets, floor runners and cushions using techniques such as hand-tufting, hand-knotting, die-cutting and silk-screening ever since. Her visually appealing textiles are almost too good to lay on the floor. Starting in fashion many years ago, Hisey transitioned later into home décor. Her nuanced professional background and discerning eye have guided her intuition in recognizing great colour combinations and marrying them with creative themes. Sometimes the lush carpets draw on personal experience to construct visual narratives. According to Hisey, “In the Woods 1” is about introspection and meditation on family legacies, influenced by a painting that her grandmother created. Hisey carefully chose a range of colours to represent the painting: a compelling combination of vibrant blues, lavenders and greys. “Spun” is an example of the global sublime. Hisey varies pile heights to produce texture for this runner, which measures 2.5’ x 9’ and also has a rug version in two sizes: 6’ x 9’ or 8 x 10’. It was hand-knotted in India from Tibetan and New Zealand wool and has three stock colours: Pearl-Kermit (shown), Pearl-Yellow and Pearl-Periwinkle. Hisey’s whimsical variety of carpets makes accessorizing the home a pleasurable experience.
SPUN The geometric forms in this wool runner carpet highlight the dimensional quality achieved through the hand-knotted technique. Shown in Pearl-Kermit, the carpet is also available in PearlWINTER 2011 luxuryand home CANADA Periwinkle Pearl Yellow. 27
JOHN HADDON DESIGN The John Haddon Design team provides a unique design process utilizing the latest digital and mechanical processes to achieve your project goals.
Graham Plumbing & Heating is dedicated to fulfilling all of your plumbing needs. We specialize in:
For more than 20 years and 1500 clients, John Haddon Design has been providing quality architectural designs and solutions that meet the specific budget and location requirements of each project.
Custom home plumbing and hydronic heating High efficiency tankless water heater installation Bathroom renovation and development
334 24th Ave SW Calgary, AB T2S 0K2 T: 403-245-2443 / F: 403-244-3679 john@johnhaddondesign.com www.johnhaddondesign.com
Phone: 403.461.4163 Call today for a quote on your next project
builders
Construction firms specializing in peerless residences
Aspen Estates Over 5,250 square feet of living space, including a walk-out basement, is spread out over a scenic building site in the Aspen and Strathcona environmental reserve. The home combines sensual earth tones with spanning architectural features like an 18-foot-high ceiling over the main living area that welcomes the eye to a coffered ceiling in an untraditional shape. Avoiding the standard grid pattern, the design is centered on two circles from which beams run at angles, resembling helicopter blades. The rear deck leaves no excuse against outdoor living with 1,000 square feet that reach out toward a pristine view of the ravine. “We often have clients with something in mind,” says Umar, “and if they request it we will be there with them until the last nail goes into the house.”
galleries for sophisticated materials that showcase livable spaces with broad-reaching appeal. The company veers away from overly traditional and super modern concepts, focusing primarily on styles of a transitional sense, those with a contemporary sleekness, but timeless styling that engages a wide range of buyers.
Kalimar Custom Homes drawING families to Calgary’s inner city with custom comfort and luxury by Jessica Kirby Kalimar Custom Homes is rejuvenating Calgary’s inner city by tearing down old houses that are beyond repair and replacing them with high-end, custom family dwellings made to attract buyers who want an upscale living experience downtown. “Calgary is so spread out, and there is a push for higher density in the inner city,” says Khal Umar, who founded the company six years ago out of a simple passion for beautiful homes. “I believe it is the future for Calgary.” Umar graduated with a degree in economics from the University of Calgary and went to work for a
large developer, working his way up supervising large multi-family and custom sites. Tremendous residential growth in Calgary over the past several years has led to a market saturated with construction companies and project management firms. But Kalimar has remained in a strong position despite the competition. Besides its inner city work, the project management company also develops and oversees high-end residential estate projects in Calgary and surrounding areas. Its luxury homes are
A prime example is a recently completed custom home in the Ravines, an exclusive subdivision in Aspen Estates. Like many of Kalimar’s projects, the home was built on spec but sold before it was finished to the exact intended market: a growing family. In the interior, a careful mix of nature-inspired materials imitate the home’s natural setting. Resin and birch branch panels replace traditional wood columns at the dining room entrance and are a dramatic feature set into the den door. The lighting in the kitchen and dining room is also of a branch and twig pattern. “A two-tone palette keeps the features light and not too heavy on the eye,” says Umar. “The fireplace is painted wood and stained oak and it is solid oak hardwood on the floor with a light ebony stain.” Premium granite on the kitchen counters and HanStone quartz on the island seamlessly blend elegance and functionality. Steel-brushed solid oak panels on the base of the island accentuate the grain in the wood, and a dark brown glaze inside the grain picks up the colour from the other cabinets.
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
29
BUILDERS
scenic spread In both Aspen Estate’s kitchen and dining room, natural elements infuse the the transitional design scheme. A focus on materials and neutral colors enhance the home’s spatial flow.
On the lower level, cork floors lead into a wine room, which was custom built on-site using oak with a twotone stain that flows into black crown moulding. The exterior is clad in cedar shingles and brown rundle rock from Canmore, Alberta. From the street view, a single curved roof line among traditional peaks creates visual interest, flaring out to the right to match the stone column details along the front and back of house, which also has a flare at the bottom. Developers have slowly introduced green materials to the market as they have found it difficult to find sustainable materials that can stand against Calgary’s harsh environment. Building sites particularly in the inner city often aren’t conducive to geothermal heating systems, so the company regularly uses hydronic heating, run off of high-efficiency boilers. Custom solutions are an advantage Kalimar’s clients experience by dealing directly with Umar at every stage of the project. Whereas some companies shy away from working closely with home owners, Kalimar welcomes the opportunity and strives to make the experience rewarding.
30
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
“We understand that when someone is investing that much in a custom home they are going to want to change their minds about certain things,” explains Umar. “We try to make it easy.” With an eye on a growing future, Umar says the company is on the exact course he intended. He resists foraying into different market sectors, enjoying the high level of attention and focus provided by luxury residential projects.
A MESSAGE FROM John Haddon Design John Haddon Design is a purveyor of stunning custom homes. Since 1984, John has been designing homes, renovations, additions and multi-million dollar estates in Canada and the US. His distinctive portfolio extends from one end of the architectural spectrum to the other–both in style and project type. John Haddon Design focuses on creating the home of which you’ve always dreamt. Known for his easy going manner and flexibility, John stretches his creativity bringing your vision to fruition.
lhcanada.com
Kaleidoscope Designs Inc. A change with every turn
Laurie McBain Interior Design Consultant Phone: 403.279.7932 Cell: 403.813.0637
At Kaleidoscope we strive to ensure that your home reflects your personal sense of style and while the overall design plays a large part in that, the finishing touches are often what sets a home apart. We provide the expertise to create a complete enviroment; whether you are seeking luxury, elegance, playfulness or a sense of serenity, anything can be achieved.
www.kaldesign.ca kaldesign@telus.net
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
31
BUILDERS
GREAT OUTDOORS Located immediately off the main living area, a covered deck creates a seamless transition from interior to exterior. A twosided gas fireplace and a view to die for complete this space.
Riverdale Residence
Key values give this Calgary-based builder an edge in the industry by Eugenia Orr Creativity is not complete without functionality. Canterra Custom Homes, located in Calgary has been crafting custom homes for more than ten years that are unique, as well as practical and convenient. Canterra’s building process gives the client full control of every aspect of the design and the construction of their home. The company has a simple approach: to ensure that every home is styled to the specific needs and tastes of each client and their family. Canterra Custom Homes specializes in building homes on infill and knock-down lots in established and distinguished neighbourhoods and on acreage lots. The company’s showcase of homes is found throughout Calgary and in the surrounding communities. A Canterra home is easily distinguished through the custom millwork that is built on-site, tailored to each space. Canterra attributes their success and longevity to four key components: quality, craftsmanship, commitment and accountability. First, with an uncompromising commitment to quality, every facet of every project is done right. With every project, Canterra strives for high quality designs,
32
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
workmanship, materials and service that are second to none. Canterra is not afraid to challenge clients on cost, delivery or design, in order to make sure that every project is completed to their standards. Secondly, Canterra is committed to craftsmanship, which gives each home a distinct and unique quality. Each home is crafted with their customers’ needs firmly in mind. There was no shortage of craftsmanship at two of Canterra’s recently completed projects, Riverdale and Roxboro residences. At Riverdale, Canterra crafted distinction with select-grade walnut kitchen cabinets, four custom fireplaces, paneled walls, coffered ceilings, Picasso travertine on the basement floors, and a hidden master bedroom closet concealed behind the wall paneling. The home also features custom solid wood passage doors throughout, with curved upper and lower panels accentuated with curved bolection mouldings, which refer back to the moulding details found in many of the built-ins. The exterior of the home is accentuated with over 2500 square feet of Manitoba Tyndall natural stone and eyebrow roof line. The eyebrow is repeated inside the master bedroom as the shape of the vaulted ceiling.
The uniqueness of Roxboro is evident from the Pennsylvania bluestone exterior, white oak paneling, built-ins, vanities, baseboards and casings, as well as white Carrara marble countertops and Italian floor tile inlay. The quality of Roxboro is even more evident through the sustainable solutions utilized in constructing the home. Laminated veneer lumber (LVL), an engineered wood, was used to construct this home. The walls and floors were sprayed with one-half pound spray foam insulation that created a building envelope with a R30 rating. There is a high-velocity heating coil system and a freshwater-accumulation holding tank buried 18 feet underground that stores 2500 gallons of rain water to countermand any pump cycling limitations.
lhcanada.com
PhotoS: ©Trilogy Studios Ltd.
Canterra Custom Homes
The word luxury does not accurately depict the opulence of the Riverdale residence. Throughout the home, from the millwork and custom fireplace surroundings to the Brazilian granite and travertine tile on the floor and on the walls, each combines to make a truly decadent experience. The Riverdale is also a smart home, employing the use of a four-zone high efficiency boiler system with hydronic heating and two Carrier Infinity Series (carrier.com) high efficiency furnaces with air conditioning. Within the Manitoba Tyndall stone on the exterior of the home is an EIFS stucco system that includes more than one inch of Styrofoam insulation (dow.com).
Commercial / Residential / Renovations Custom Designed Railings
Roxboro Residence
We manufacture & install any species of wood, metal, stainless steel & glass for interiors & exteriors.
The beauty of Roxboro is topped only by the sustainable features found inside and out. The entire foundation and basement slab is cocooned in a bentonite-waterproof blanket to keep out moisture and humidity. The rest of the envelope was sprayed with foam insulation for a thermal resistance level of R30. There is a solar collector on the roof that supplements the hot water usage. The luxuriousness of the home is found in the white Carrara marble and white oak trim used throughout, three Town and Country fireplaces (townandcountryfireplaces.net) and fully automated Lutron audio visual system (lutron.com) that sets the mood in any room at the touch of a button.
Thirdly, Canterra is focused on commitment. The company works to build a mutually beneficial, long-term relationship with every customer that transcends the transaction. The completed home is merely the beginning of the relationship as they work with each customer to help them realize their ongoing life aspirations. The complexity and detail found at the Roxboro residence, with all the sustainable elements, made for a long-term commitment as the home took three years to build with a full-time crew. Lastly, Canterra values accountability.With a senior management team that is involved at every stage of every project, Canterra works diligently to ensure that each customer receives the full value they expect with no surprises or conflicts. The goal is a sense of pride and warmth that is as tangible as the key to their new home. With more than a decade of experience, Canterra Custom Homes is still going strong. Each member of the staff is dedicated to building homes that reflect the style and character of the people who live there. Canterra Custom Homes is striving to be the best and preferred home builder in Calgary.
A MESSAGE FROM PRESTIGE RAILINGS & STAIRS Prestige Railings & Stairs is proud of their long standing relationship with Canterra Custom Homes. We wish you continued success. With over two decades of industry experience, Prestige is one of the most respected, reliable and competitive suppliers of stair and rail products supplying Canada coast to coast and the western United States. From concept to completion, Prestige is able to design your dreams. A MESSAGE FROM ICON STONE & TILE Icon Stone & Tile Design Center and manufacturing facility (iconstonetile.com) provides exquisite product lines to many top interior designers, architects, builders and retail customers, furnishing high-end homes, top businesses, and other renowned commercial projects. ICON provides you with a one-stop-shopping experience with custom fabrication and installation of: granite, marble, limestone, onyx, slate, travertine, quartz, vetrazzo recycled glass, concetto semi-precious stone. Importation and supply of ceramic and porcelain tiles, faucets and sinks.
Design custom railings at our website: www.prestigerailings.com Calgary, Alberta 1-800-382-8502 sales@prestigerailings.com
22 TIME AWARD WINNER
50 YEARS
Bigger selection, stunning quality. Visit our Design Center Mon to Fri 8:30-5, Sat 9-3
www.iconstonetile.com 525, 36th Avenue S.E. Calgary Tel.: 403.532.3383
2008
A swimming pool is a reflection of your lifestyle; the focal point for family gatherings, entertaining or exercise. Alka Pool Construction Ltd. has been creating award winning swimming pools and waterscapes for over 50 years. Our passion for bringing our customers’ dreams to life is reflected in our legendary craftsmanship, inspiring designs, uncompromised quality and excellence in customer service. We continue to set the standard for excellence in building some of the world’s finest pools for our most important client – you.
A MASTER POOLS GUILD BUILDER 1-866-888-2552 • 604-320-2552
Proud to be associated with Canterra Custom Homes Design Team
www.alkapools.com
designers
Creative minds in interiors, landscapes and furnishings
mixed media A two-way fireplace divides the foyer from the dining room providing an artistic structural element. Dining table by Armani Casa (armanicasa. com), dining chairs by Barbara Barry (mcguirefurniture.com) with fabric by Jack Lenor Larsen (larsenfabrics.com) and Calvin Klein carpet (eastindiacarpets.com). Bronze mask by Robert Davidson (robertdavidson.ca).
Richard Salter Interiors Uniting landscape and design to achieve balance between concept and setting by Jamie Farshchi Husband-and-wife design team, Richard and Diane Salter wanted to create a harmony between their South African client’s West Vancouver property and the dramatic ocean, island and mountain views beyond. Floor-to-ceiling windows not only offer spectacular views of the bay and nearby Bowen Island, they also open to an outdoor living space, complete with fireplace and negative-edge swimming pool, creating a spatial continuity. “The homeowners really wanted that indoor/outdoor feel that’s quite normal in South Africa, so we took our design cues from the contemporary architecture and the natural environment that surrounds the property.” Richard Salter says. It’s a mandate that’s delivered throughout. The softness of the garden is brought into the living area of the 5,500-square-foot property through lighting and colour and Pennsylvania bluestone
features in both the flooring and the landscaping outside. The Salters first achieved simplicity of design throughout the property, then layered with architectural detail, light and colour. “We start with simple forms then add the detail,” Richard Salter explains, “in every room we have a feature, then work from there.” One such feature, a two-sided Italian limestone fireplace in the entrance hall, one of eight throughout the home, began its life as a large brick wall, a structural necessity that threatened the congruity of the design. “We had to work with this major structural element by making it a feature of the space,” Diane says, “through editing out what was not required, we were able to overcome quite a challenge, bringing the space together in an entirely new way.”
While the homeowners put the house on the market to move back to Toronto before the project was completed, they loved the space so much they have commissioned the Salters to begin work on their new home this year. The couple who then bought the property worked with Richard Salter Interiors to reflect their own tastes by adding some striking artworks, such as the large, bronze Haida mask in the entrance hall by contemporary artist Robert Davidson. Richard Salter Interiors is a full-service residential design firm specializing in both contemporary and traditional interiors, with an emphasis on theme, colour and light. The husband-and-wife team joined forces professionally in the 1980’s and see their work as a collaborative effort, with Richard’s conceptual ability complementing Diane’s attention to detail. “We’re stronger as a team than we are separately,” Richard Salter says. Their daughter Alexa Salter has also joined the firm this year as a designer and project manager in furnishings, after five years working with Kelly Hoppen Interiors and Rachel Laxer Interiors in England.
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
35
designers
St. Georges Residence Situated in the picturesque Gleneagles region of West Vancouver, this residence features accents that parallel its spectacular surroundings. Custom Italian limestone fireplaces and Pennsylvania bluestone tiles echo the coastal mountain range in the distance. Sofas and chairs by italinteriors (italinteriors.com) in the nearby living room bring symmetry, while the sectional by italinteriors and Pierre Paulin Tulip Chair (informinteriors.com) add colour highlights. The outdoor terrace elegantly frames the infinity pool. Panoramic sliding glass doors afford breathtaking views of the reflecting pool just outside. It’s a visually stunning oasis that is warmed by an interior fireplace that functions to integrate the indoor and outdoor spaces.
“Having our daughter on the team has been wonderful. She has been working at an international level and really brings a trendsetting knowledge of furnishing and design,” Richard Salter says. Interior architectural detailing is also a critical part of the Salter’s designs. Working alongside Liana Nickels, their technical expertise assists in communicating ideas, concepts and details. The Salters believe their strengths lie in the relationships they have with one another, their team and the relationships built with architects, their contractors and, of course, their clients. “There’s a real trust there,” Diane says, “We consider the setting, the architect and client
36
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
and bring all those elements together. Our ability to do that speaks to an intelligent design philosophy, a sophisticated style and an architectural integrity. We bring that all together to achieve a harmony in the end result.” For the Salters, it’s delivering that end result that’s the most thrilling part of the design process. “It’s really satisfying when we deliver a completed product,” Diane explains. “We often find there’s an element that reveals itself anew. It might be the lighting or window views that were far more exciting than anyone anticipated. It’s the wonderful surprises that the space reveals that makes it so special.”
A MESSAGE FROM Alka Pool Construction, LTD Alka Pool Construction Ltd. has been committed to providing our customers with excellence in custom poolscapes for over 50 years, starting from your initial consultation right through to the project completion. Alka’s team of professionals will custom design a pool or waterscape around your lifestyle, your entertainment needs and your budget. Building pools to last, Alka Pools sets the standard for integrity, quality and beauty with every custom pool or waterscape we build. We are proud to have worked on the St. Georges project alongside Richard Salter.
lhcanada.com
designers
CLASS ACT The original kitchen was dark and dated with a hanging pot rack in the middle of the room. A refreshed approach focuses on the fireplace and simple colours creating a casual however elegant room of fine cabinetry and exceptional stones.
Glen Peloso Celebrity designer, Glen Peloso, talks designing his own space, Philippe Stark and African Ceremonial Headdress by Jamie Farshchi For Glen Peloso, designer, columnist for the Toronto Star, magazine contributor for Home Trends Magazine and HGTV host, designing his own space is not the smoothest process.
other people. So my space now has simple elements, but it also has unusual elements like an African ceremonial headdress. It’s something I saw and thought was amazing.”
“It’s oddly difficult,” the designer says over the phone from his namesake firm, Glen Peloso Interiors in Toronto. “A friend can tell you all about her relationship and you know exactly what she needs to do, but when it’s your own relationship, you suddenly have no idea. Designing personal spaces is quite similar.”
He is, however, still a designer and the urge to experiment with his own space is ever present.
For someone who has over the years designed six of his own homes and makes the process look very easy on TV, it’s an endearing problem to have. Peloso puts it down to being so involved in the form and function of other people’s homes. “As I get older I find I want fewer and fewer things in my own space,” he says. “There is a North American ideology of consumption and for me it’s always been satisfied because I do it for so many
“I might go into the office and say, ‘Would it be too weird if I used tree stumps instead of a sofa?’” Peloso’s foray into television might have been something of an accident. He was working as an art director for HGTV when a line producer decided that he was on the wrong side of the camera. While speaking about design for television, Peloso’s facility with the medium became immediately apparent. “You’re working with a before and after format”, he explains “so you have to design something that will be dramatically different in the after shots and will look great on camera, but also keeping in mind how it’s going to be used when the TV crew leaves.”
Peloso says there are also certain tricks of the trade that ensure the beauty shots are just that. “If you have the space arranged how you would in normal life you might have ten feet of empty space in front of the shot, which will look weird on camera, so you rearrange, bringing things closer to the camera so it looks great on the monitor but you wouldn’t live in a room like that.” As a celebrity designer, principal of his own firm, writer and keynote speaker for national design trade shows, Peloso has a lot on his plate but says he wouldn’t have it any other way. “I think I’ve come to know myself well enough to know that I wouldn’t be able to function without doing a lot of different things,” he says. “It’s easy for me to become bored, but as long as you are organized and have a great team behind you, it all works.” As for his plans for the future, Peloso is looking to add one more title to the list: industrial designer. “One of my design heroes is Philippe Stark, his career has been so varied. He doesn’t just design houses, but also pens, watches, yachts, and carpet. The idea of design that allows you to be involved in the process from the ground up is very inspiring.”
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
37
Expect Excellence
SITTING PRETTY Accent tables and accessories are what make this room. Decked out in Barbara Barry furniture, (barbarabarry.com) this room is timeless and chic. White onyx surrounds the fireplace opening, imparting a very high-end feel.
CMID At the Meloche residence, CMID makes timelessness and freshness a dream come true By Eugenia Orr A single project has the power to alter more than the feel of a room. Carey Mudford had not planned to open her own firm, but a single project was the catalyst for establishing Carey Mudford Interior Design (CMID). For the past fifteen years, CMID has been creating fresh designs that focus on classic style to help create each client’s dream home.
Come Visit Our Exquisite Show Room To serve you better, our onsite Design Associates & Trade Consultants are available by appointment.
Early in her career, Carey Mudford was involved with set design for film and television. From set design, Mudford gained experience in retail design for department stores but found it a little mundane. “I fell into doing residential design and thoroughly enjoyed it. The projects are more interesting and
every project, every client is different,” says Mudford. CMID has vast experience giving life to homes through millwork drawings, reconfigurations, electric plans, fixture and furniture plans, drapery and interior decoration and accessories. At the Meloche residence, CMID was given carte blanche to completely stylize the interior renovation of this newly purchased home, located in Toronto’s King’s Way neighbourhood. After finding the house, the homeowner’s were looking to make it their dream home. The homeowners had experienced another home CMID completed with architect, Lorne Rose of Toronto and builder, LeBoeuf Properties, Inc. also of Toronto. They called
105 Doncaster Avenue, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 1L6 Tel: (905) 709-0881 www.amaticanada.com
lhcanada.com
Meloche Residence The homeowners found their dream house in a great location but knew they wanted to transform it. Carey Mudford Interior Design (CMID), along with Lorne Rose Architect and LeBoeuf Properties, renovated the existing home into a transitional design with clean lines and timeless details. Details include: layered crown moulding, tall baseboard, custom cabinetry, paneled walls, ceilings milled by Crisstar Cabinets, Antica Tile & Stone (antica.ca) tiles and custom carpets from W Studio (wstudio.ca).
upon the trio to recreate that same magic for them. The finished home boasts nearly 4,500 square feet and features a swimming pool, wine cellar and library. Details include layered crown moulding, high baseboards, paneled walls and detailed ceiling treatments.
Meloche. Over the years, CMID has become an expert in collaborating with builders, architects and all the trades professionals, to ensure a smooth process. “We work well with the trades and treat everyone with respect. We all can and have to work together to complete the project.”
Mudford’s favourite aspect of designing is the millwork. “I love putting it on paper, planning how it will lay out, and all the details necessary to complete the design. It’s a little more technical than other aspects of interior design,” explains Mudford. “Then the true test comes while working with a carpenter to translate the drawings from paper into reality.” As with many of their design solutions, CMID designed paneled ceilings for the Meloche residence, a feature that people recognize as a signature detail of the firm. Crisstar Cabinets Inc. of North York carried out the impressive millwork and cabinetry.
CMID is known for its attention to detail, thoroughness, developing close relationships with clients and knowing exactly what its clients are looking for. When planning a project, the firm also looks to the streetscape of the neighbourhood to gain a general feeling of the area to ensure the new homewhether rehabbed or newly constructed, fits in the neighbourhood. These values make the firm sought after and very successful. They have a project list that tops around 40 projects a year. Over the years, the firm grew one employee at a time, and Mudford with business partner Alicia Sass plan to keep a boutique firm. “We plan to continue designing beautiful homes that are elegant and comfortable,” predicts Mudford.
The homeowners let CMID design the project from beginning to end, an aspect that makes Meloche one of CMID’s favourite projects. “The clients wanted a fresh start and they let us create that new beginning for them,” reflects Mudford. “We were involved in parts of the house design to ensure continuity from the exterior to the interior, including the layout and interior accessories. The clients were easy decision makers, and the project was fun to do.” The home features tile from Antica Tile & Stone, carpets from W Studio, windows were dressed by Nicole Draperies, and furniture from Studio B. “We found accessories everywhere to make the home complete,” says Mudford. There are a multitude of trades, finishers and other installers required to complete large projects like
A Message from Barrymore Furniture Barrymore has been a Canadian tradition since 1919. Our craftsmen produce outstanding custommade upholstery at our Toronto factory and we also retail exceptional casegoods from around the globe. Our reputation for quality and durability makes us the manufacturer of choice for luxurious and carefully tailored furniture that lasts a lifetime. We are proud to be a preferred supplier to CMID and other renowned designers in Canada.
designer showcase
designer showcase
DAZZLING DETAILS An attention-grabbing mix of textures, shapes and colours unify the living room’s components. A polished chrome, glass and lucite table adds dimension and sparkle, while artful accessories incorporate both sharp and organic visual details. The elegant drapery panels were inspired by fashion designer Gareth Pugh, and the herringbone floor covering was provided by Elte (elte.com).
Tomas Pearce Interior Design Consulting Inc. The designers at Tomas Pearce take pride in being down to earth. Principals Melandro Quilatan and Tania Richardson have a close working relationship that began at an old job, where they found that their tastes contrasted in an inspiring way. “Melandro is very much a modernist, and I’m very much a traditionalist. However, Melandro lives in a very traditional space and I live in a very modern space,” says Richardson. They worked together for six years and developed a dream working relationship, even finishing each other’s sentences. story by Chris Terry
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
41
Even close collaborations can be shaken up by life changes. The design duo goes on to explain, “Long story short, Tania had a beautiful baby boy seven years ago and…” Richardson continues Quilatan’s thought, saying, “…I couldn’t juggle the career and duties as a mom. I handed in my resignation and started teaching design classes at one of the colleges here, picking up projects on the side.” Yet, Richardson happily decided to return to full-time design work when Tomas Pearce was founded. Tomas Pearce’s projects have a natural, livable feel. Pieces of art accent the room, while drapes add a sense of motion. When asked to describe their style, Quilatan says, “It’s a very difficult question for us to answer because each project is different. We’ve executed spaces from high tradition to extreme modern and every shade in between.”
Ordinary to Extraordinary Wall Coverings TF: 1.800.440.0911 2600B Steeles Ave. W., Concord, ON
Their work on The Yorkville Condominiums is a perfect example of this subtle balance between the established and the progressive. The Yorkville is located in a desirable section of Toronto, in the midst of a variety of sophisticated real estate. Tomas Pearce’s goal was to come up with a sales-office interior that reflected the clientele and the area. “This wasn’t the highest-end project in the commu-
lhcanada.com
SETTING THE MOOD The master bedroom is a romantic boudoir in every sense of the word. The bed is placed upon a custom platform with integrated headboard upholstered in rich brown velvet extending up the bed wall.
The Yorkville Most of the furniture pieces at The Yorkville, like the 24-foot sofas, were designed in-house and custom made. “We’ve tapped into the local talent. We love to support our local manufacturers, fabricators and artisans,” says Quilatan. The custom art pieces are from Toronto artists. Tomas Pearce also commissioned the beautiful charcoal glass light installation, which is suspended from the double high ceiling. It was built by Tsunami Glassworks (tsunamiglassworks. com) in Windsor. The polished nickel and backpainted glass tables; tables in the presentation room, pictured with drapes and long seat in the background; and the chandeliers were made by Jennifer Scott of Montreal (jenscott.com) stone imported from Italy is used in the main presentation area, featured in matte and polished finishes. The kitchen cabinetry is simple and sleek, featuring polished white lacquered doors. Above all the signature elements in the kitchen are the upper cabinet door that face leatherette panels framed with nickel edging, adding unique and modern glamour.
nity, but they wanted it to be the most noteworthy,” says Richardson. “It had to be cutting edge and speak to the consumer. Ultimately, it almost sold out before it even went to the public market.” “The challenge when it comes to designing spaces for sales offices is to appease both traditionalists and modernists,” says Quilatan. “You never know who is going to walk through. That’s why I think The Yorkville is very successful, because we have a balance of both aesthetics. We were lucky because we had a lot of square-footage to work with. Part of our internal mandate here was to reflect our condo common-amenity design elements from places such as the lobby to the sales-office presentation floor, providing agents boasting rights to the potential purchasers.”
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
43
Glass Crystals
Imagine...
Your entrance, dining room,
kitchen island or staircase.
Glass Plisse
White & Taupe Drops
INSTANT IMPACT Upon arrival, guests are impacted by the dark and dramatic volume of the reception area. Sales personnel greet guests from behind a custom contemporary black glass reception desk, in front of a rolled-iron backdrop featuring the condominium signage “The Yorkville.” From this vantage point guests are able to glimpse at the spectacular luxury of the presentation floor beyond. Suspended from the ceiling is an incredible art installation of staggered charcoal glass panes by Tsunami Glassworks (tsunamiglassworks.com).
Tomas Pearce creates comfortable spaces, using luxurious materials known for their longevity and easy maintenance. Material and texture are big parts of their aesthetic, from smooth marbles to silky textiles and even sustainable pieces such as driftwood.
Custom Lighting Art Glass Studio 121 Miranda Avenue, Toronto, M6B 3W8 (Castlefield Design District) 416.783.4100 • info@amstudio.ca www.amstudio.ca 44 luxury home CANADA FALL 2011
The Tomas Pearce team spent time on Queen St. in Toronto’s fashion district, selecting the best textiles for The Yorkville. Fashion often melds with design in Tomas Pearce’s projects. The idea for the sheer draperies in the living room at The Yorkville was inspired by Tomas Pearce’s Team Lead Andy Gearing’s discovery of the finishing details on blazers and blouses by English fashion designer Gareth Pugh. The drapes dividing The Yorkville’s closing room from the presentation room are one of Quilatan’s favourite details. Sheer draperies in a variety of textures, from lustrous silk to sexy velvet, swoop from high doorways and add fluidity, spiriting away the people as they walk through the condominiums’ rooms. lhcanada.com
WINNING PRESENTATION The spectacular architecture of the presentation floor include 17-foothigh ceilings and three skylights which float above black porcelain floors and wood paneled archway treatments. Two custom sectional sofas are set atop a tailored carpet and are accompanied by 12-foot chrome console tables. Grounding the seating area are two white onyx coffee tables with book-ended waterfall sides.
Potential Yorkville purchasers are well educated, well traveled and familiar with the different styles of interior design in the city. “We try to come up with signature elements for developers to use as selling features, elements that differentiate them from other condos on the market,” says Richardson. Tomas Pearce improved the bathroom lighting to address the needs of women. Typical Hollywood bulb lights can cast too much glare and are not good for makeup application. Instead, Tomas Pearce brought the lighting down to eye level, giving the face a flattering, accurate illumination. The bathroom also has sleek, single-lever faucets so that residents with physical limitations can use them with ease. “All these little details add up to something quite special,” says Quilatan. Anyone with an appreciation of fashion, luxury and comfort will love Tomas Pearce’s ideas. Whether traditional or modern, Quilatan says, “There is a lot of overlap between our industry and the fashion industry…” “…and we embraced that in this project. We wanted visitors to feel glamorous while they’re in the space,” says Richardson.
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
45
LIGHT CONTINUIT Y Toronto’s Reigo & Bauer HAVE A PENCHANT for graceful, well - lit spaces.
text by Brian Libby photos by TOM ARBAN
ILLUMINATING AURA Tall translucent white sheers surround the perimeter of the apartment, creating a cohesive glow of light during the day and a continuous soft perimeter at night. Smoked ash wide plank flooring by Solidfloor (solidfloor.com) provides a rich backdrop for the crisp white walls.
light continuity
The Beverly A study in juxtaposed light and dark tones, The Beverly’s white walls and cabinetry are accentuated by ash flooring and stained in coffee-like tones that bring out its individual grains. In the kitchen, smoked mirror surfaces help spread natural light, as do sliding doors in the bar area converted from the second kitchen when the two units were combined. Colour is introduced in small details: the spines of books lining floor-to-ceiling bookshelves; a hint of blue in the powder room wallpaper that matches the living room chairs; and the changing hues of the light itself.
A
s a child, architect Stephen Bauer’s family spent summers two hours north of Toronto, at an island retreat on Lake Joseph. The vacation home provided an ideal lesson in design and construction. Bauer’s father was building an addition to the original home, which had been built by his grandfather. These changes impacted Bauer’s future as an architect, as did his grandfather’s primary residence in Toronto, where hutches and counters retracted into ceilings and floors.
Today, Bauer co-heads Toronto firm Reigo & Bauer with his wife and business partner, Merike Reigo. They met as students at the University of Toronto and, after graduating and moving to London, returned to Canada to found the residential design-focused firm in 2005. Reigo & Bauer’s work is characterized by a penchant for the texture of natural materials fused with a minimalist’s eye for fine detail and clear lines.
48
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
If Stephen Bauer was born with hammers and T-squares in his DNA, Merike brings varied experience and a sense of the broader picture. “Merike has much more ability to think about projects at the macro level,” Bauer explains. “She’s very interested in every component and how to manage that, whereas I tend to naturally think about things on a micro level. She’s very good at handling many tasks at once where as I need to think of one at a time.” Despite this division of roles, both Merike and Stephen collaborate on every aspect of every project. “She definitely handles more of the costing, scheduling parts of the project, but she’s still heavily involved in design,” Stephen says. “In design, we share an equal part, but I tend to do more of the detailed drawings.” Yet the husband and wife team’s sophisticated designs are meant for mass markets: Reigo & Bauer has created prefabricated designs, home builder plans and explored developing their own projects. The firm has primarily pur-
lhcanada.com
A CLEAN DIVISION A continuous glass partition allows the owner’s home office and den to be situated away from the south facing windows. The rooms receive ample light while glare and the impact of the hot summer sun are minimized. WINTER 2011 luxury home CANADA Changing reflections of the49 shears add visual interest to this interior corridor.
“You get the benefit of light coming in but also the benefit of the room being set back so it doesn’t get direct sun. You get this incredible continuity.” Stephen Bauer, Owner 50
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
lhcanada.com
GALLERY QUALITY Between the living and dining rooms, a gallery was created to display the owners’ collection of paintings. The dining table was custom designed by Reigo & Bauer and rests below a sparkling chandelier by Nigel Coates for Slamp (slamp.it). A vintage steel and cowhide chair fill a cozy interior corner and complement the upholstered swivel dining chairs by Arper (arper.com).
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
51
CULINARY FINESSE The apartment’s kitchen was designed for the owner’s day-to-day use, while still retaining the ability to function efficiently for more elaborate events. Overhead, patterned glass mosaic tiles by Bisazza, (bisazza.com) adorn a lowered ceiling, adding definition to the kitchen area with texture and colour. The durable yet elegant Corian (dupont.com) countertops abut smoked mirrors used for the backsplash. Wherever possible, appliances are concealed integrated home CANADA WINTERby2011 52 luxury custom cabinetry panels.
lhcanada.com
GREAT ESCAPE Master bathroom walls clad in white marble with grey veins are visible from the bedroom beyond. Softly illuminated by recessed cove lighting, the marble connects a line of fixtures with the vanity at one end and shower room at the other. The bathtub enjoys a central position with views through the bedroom to the north facing windows beyond. Other notable elements are the floor-to-ceiling translucent glass partitions and a glass mosaic floor tile rotated 45° creating a diamond pattern.
INTENT TO CONCEAL At the apartment’s front door a vintage side table was refinished by Reigo & Bauer in a lemon yellow and paired with two stools in a red flock pattern. Beyond the entry a custom designed mahogany cabinet, also by Regio & Bauer, contains a built-in wet bar and beverage fridge neatly concealed behind sliding panels kept out of sight when not entertaining.
VIVID COLOUR The foyer (left) features a vintage side table refinished in lemon yellow and paired with two stools in a red flock pattern. Beyond the entry a custom designed mahogany cabinet contains a built-in wet bar and beverage fridge neatly concealed behind sliding panels and out of sight when not entertaining. The guest bedroom (above) was outfitted with a custom headboard wrapped in a plush diamond textured fabric. The bold colour is offset by stainless steel lampshades and crisp white linens.
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
53
sued residential work (although a library project is in progress) not only because of personal interest and experience, but in order to bring good design to large audiences. In Canada and the United States, most people live in detached, single-family homes, where less than ten percent are designed by architects. “It’s an astounding thing that you have people who have gone to great lengths to understand something and you’re not involved in the majority of building in the country. We thought, why not try and affect something that needs affecting?” says Bauer. “There were architects who used to do this, and quite famous ones: Frank Lloyd Wright. He tried to impact things on a much larger level. But from some point onwards, the profession became focused on high-end large projects. We’ve always tried to approach the office’s work with the thought that architecture shouldn’t be elitist. It should be something available to a broad range of people at different income levels.”
54
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
COVERT COMPARTMENTS Adjacent to the kitchen there is an informal breakfast table with its own bank of cabinetry housing flatware and a compact TV. Two-tone kitchen cabinetry is highlighted by high gloss door panels that reflect the translucent white shears and north-facing windows beyond.
lhcanada.com
Reigo & Bauer’s first project garnered instant attention. A 1,000-squarefoot speculative house, the modern design fits into its traditional neighbourhood with a pitched roof in front that slopes to one side in back. The front of the house is two stories of glass, with the front yard excavated for a light well that floods the basement in natural light. A small bridge gives access to the front door. In The Beverly, a more recent design, the architects joined two adjacent condominium units for a pair of PR professionals who enjoy entertaining. The plan, easily convertible back to two separate units if the clients sell, is meant to keep the occupants from feeling as if a wall was simply removed. Moreover, the architects sought a balance between private, intimate spaces and larger public areas. “They’d always lived in separate cities and wanted
to, in a way, continue with that lifestyle.” Stephen Bauer explains before describing another one of their desires for the space, “The ability to have separate places of their own within this larger unit, but also have time to spend together in a room and feel like it wasn’t this gargantuan place they couldn’t fit into.” The unifying element is the home’s perimeter floor-to-ceiling glass, which no wall or structure touches. Instead, Reigo & Bauer created rooms within rooms, joining together the living room, bedrooms, dining room and kitchen by the view from what is essentially, the architect explains, “A corridor between the glass and the interior room. You get the benefit of light coming in but also the benefit of the room being set back so it doesn’t get direct sun. You get this incredible continuity.”
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
55
POINT OF VIEW Accordion-curved glass walls include angled partitions that adjust the home’s natural light, with each of the five stories showing distinct luxury home CANADA WINTER 2011 56of the views ravine below.
lhcanada.com
PITCH PERFECT Fusing Math, Music and Architecture, SHIM-SUTCLIFFE ARCHITECTS STRIKE HARMONY BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SPACES
text by Jamie Ludwig photos by ed burtynsky and JAMES DOW
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
57
REWRITE A continuous glass partition allows the owner’s home office and den to be situated away from the south facing windows. The rooms receive ample light while glare and the impact of the hot summer sun are minimized. Changing reflections of the shears add visual interest to this interior corridor.
MINIMAL ACCESS Integral House’s exterior modestly reveals its serpentine curvature and frosted glass upper level. Although the home is five stories the entrance view exposes only the top two.
N
estled into the side of a ravine, the undulating wood and glass façade of Toronto’s Integral House complements its picturesque surroundings. In addition to luxurious living quarters and a library, the home also contains a balcony-flanked, limestonefloored concert hall that holds between 150-200 people, which has played host to both emerging and local musicians and luminaries from around the world, including Philip Glass. In addition to performances, the house has also been used as a meeting place for non-profit events as well as an incubator for up-and-coming fashion designers. Owner and resident Dr. James Stewart, a mathematician and former violinist with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, provided the inspiration, passion and generosity for such an incredible community space; but, when it came time to design his dream house, he enlisted the help of Brigitte Shim and Howard Sutcliffe of Shim-Sutcliffe Architects.
Stewart first approached Shim-Sutcliffe in 1999 with the idea to build a live/ work space that would reflect his love for math, music and architecture. Stewart proposed the name, “Integral House” and gave the designers nearly complete freedom to create, so long as they used curves rather than angles, such as the suggested integral concepts of calculus.
58
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
The team that has since described the Integral House as “the project of a lifetime” signed on. After plans for an initial site fell through, Stewart purchased property in Toronto’s idyllic Rosedale neighbourhood. The unusual site created a number of complexities for the design team—such as designing around the footprint of previously existing house zoning and building code regulations— but it also helped shape the house’s unique feel and character. The main entrance of the five-level home sits on the edge of the ravine. Bedrooms are located upstairs and a winding interior staircase descends down the hillside, leading in to other areas of the home. The effect is akin to, “Making a journey through the ravine without having to go outside. We’re trying to give you a sense of the landscape features and dramatic elements that we are working with,” says Brigitte Shim. The multiple floors and spacious layout provide for a “public house,” and “private house,” each with its own essential facilities, for example, an accessible entrance for catering teams and performers and separate bathrooms. The accordion-like, curving exterior of the building is outfitted with vertical “fins” that act as shades in various times of the day. It is one of the house’s
lhcanada.com
COMMUNITY CENTRE The open living space doubles as a performance venue, which has been known to host community events like chamber music and fashion shows. The limestone-laden hall holds up to 200 guests.
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
59
“The comfort and the sound and the mellowness of the space is something you hope for but can’t predict.” 60
BRIGITTE shim, SHIM-SUTCLIFFE ARCHITECTS luxury home CANADA WINTERowner 2011
lhcanada.com
WALK THIS WAY One of the home’s staircases, a collaboration between the architects and local artist Mimi Gellman (mimigellman.com), features hand-blown blue glass CANADA 62 luxury rectangular panes home with bronze fasteners and steel cables.
WINTER 2011
lhcanada.com
MIXED MEDIA Materials for the project were selected with sustainability in mind. Frosted glass, bronze finishes and wood accents complement large slabs to create a consistent flow between spaces.
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
63
“There are 23 geothermal pipes that go vertically into the ground that provide any heating and cooling properties. Everything is heated through in-floor hot water pipes, so it is very quiet, not a lot of humming and motor noises.” BRIGITTE shim, owner SHIM-SUTCLIFFE ARCHITECTS most striking and breathtaking features, but its design posed perhaps the biggest challenge for Shim-Sutcliffe. “We built a very large wooden model of the project and asked two aestheticians…‘What could we do to make it better?’” recalls Shim. The walls and the bulk of the wooden features in the Integral House were constructed out of white oak, a local wood that they chose for its color, texture and accordance with the surrounding areas. A natural benefit of using wood is its tonal and acoustical qualities. Several musicians who have performed inside the intimate concert hall have commented on how playing in the curvaceous room is like “playing within an instrument.” Another consideration of both acoustic and environmental benefits was to heat the building’s limestone floors rather than utilize a conventional (and loud) forced air system. “There are 23 geothermal pipes that go vertically into the ground that provide any heating and cooling properties,” says Shim. “Everything is heated through in-floor hot water pipes, so it is very quiet, not a lot of humming and motor noises.”
64
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
Geothermal Comfort Shim-Sutcliffe designed the Integral House to be heated with 23 geothermal pipes installed in the ground underneath the home. Because the ground absorbs energy from the sun as it hits the Earth’s surface, it is able to maintain a fairly consistent temperature despite the climate changes in the surrounding environment. Geothermal heating and cooling systems utilize this energy to provide comfortable living and working conditions for residents.
lhcanada.com
REWRITE A continuous glass partition allows the owner’s home office and den to be situated away from the south facing windows. The rooms receive ample light while glare and the impact of the hot summer sun are minimized. Changing reflections of the shears add visual interest to this interior corridor.
REFLECTIVE EDGE The glass-walled swimming area, complete with temperature-stabilizing technology, reinforces the fluid geometry of the overall design scheme by incorporating the environs.
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
65
NATURAL WONDER Inserted comfortably in a tree-filled ravine, the home’s exterior blends perfectly despite its 18,000-square-foot size. In the kitchen, a marble backsplash mimics the tonal qualities of the natural landscape while reiterating the overall design scheme.
Since the Integral House was completed in 2009, it has grown to surpass the visions of James Stewart and helped cement Shim-Sutcliffe as a leader in visionary, contemporary architecture. It is a piece of living art that has uniquely impacted the arts and non-profit communities beyond what is expected of a traditional house or music venue. Shim adds, “The biggest surprise is the different ways that musicians have used and experienced the space. It has been really amazing. It was acoustics and sense of performance, but when both the musicians are there, and the audience is there, it creates a very dynamic condition. The comfort and the sound and the mellowness of the space are something you hope for but can’t predict.”
66
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
lhcanada.com
Interior & Exterior Painting, Finish Carpentry, Complete Renovations & Interior Design
T&C
TOWN & COUNTRY INTERIORS 41845 N0.3 Rd., Chilliwack, B.C. V2R 5E9 Ph. 604.703.4066 / 604.703.4232
West Coast Geothermal is committed to designing and building the best quality, highest efficiency site-specific energy systems available. Servicing the Vancouver and Lower Mainland areas. For more information visit, westcoastgeothermal.com WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
67
WEST COAST WARMTH
UNIQUE EXTERIORS 68
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
The home was custom built to include easy access to the showroom of carslhcanada.com underneath.
Classically Driven
A subtle feminine touch brings elegance to the ruggeD West Coast style text by Amy Meadows photos by Barry Calhoun
STONE CASCADE The highlight of the kitchen is the 15-foot-long stone island, designed to be a functional architectural element. A waterfall edge returns the stone to the floor, giving the piece distinctive flair. The kitchen is equipped with appliances by Thermador (thermador. com), Sharp (sharpusa.com/ ForHome.aspx), and Bosch (bosch-home.com/us). Faucet luxury home CANADA 69 by Grohe (grohe.ca).
TD swansburg design studios gives a rustic timber frame home the deluxe interior treatment text by Tricia despres photos by Alec Watson
WINTER 2011
70
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
lhcanada.com
GATHERING WITHIN While the timber frames took center stage in this particular space, it is the natural stone fireplace and the seamlessness between interior and WINTER 2011 the luxury home CANADA exterior spaces that makes a lasting impression.
71
A HOME’S HEART The Caesarstone (caesarstone .com) kitchen countertop and rosemary Corian (dupont.com) island countertop provide ample workspace. Walnut cabinetry and custom-designed glass mosaics by Interstyle, (interstyle.ca) offer additional warmth and texture.
td
Swansburg Design Studio owner and principal designer Teresa Ryback has been approached with a number of unique requests throughout her eleven years in business, but working within the architectural structure of a timber frame home presented a new and exciting challenge for the Victoria-based firm.
“It was the first timber frame project we had taken on,” she explains. “And when the project was completed, it was indeed the prevalence of the timber frame that served as the common thread that pulled everything together in this home.” In fact, Ryback and her team seem to thrive on the creative opportunities the timber frame structure offers in terms of design. Ultimately confined to where the timber frames were located, the tdSwansburg team used 3D software to view the timber frame plans and virtually dropped them into the architect’s plans, allowing them to make changes to room layouts prior to construction. One of these changes took place in the kitchen, where the beams made it necessary to shift the entire kitchen over to balance the space. Four windows were added to the feature wall to allow for natural light. Design changes were also made in the powder room and pantry area. “As a designer, you want to pay homage to architecture that is so graphically strong,” she says. “We had all of the timber frames stained very dark to add elegance and to keep the home from feeling too rustic. Doing this also allowed us to bring materials such as walnut floors and cabinets into the space to create a refined interior. These design changes gave the home the symmetry and balance it needed. ”
72
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
“I often reflect on how elegantly symmetrical this home is. Balancing strong architectural framework with refined, sophisticated design elements is not only a rewarding challenge, but something that will be a source of inspiration for future projects.” Teresa Ryback, Owner and Principal
lhcanada.com
2009 Best Single Family Detached Home 3,000 sq. ft. & Over - Hodgson Residence
star t living the dream Vancouver, Victoria & the Islands info@tdswansburg.com P. 250.384.3990 F. 250.384.3944 www.tdswansburg.com p: 604.826.7007 • e: dean@topendhomes.ca • topendhomes.ca
Completed in 2011, the 8,000-square-foot Vancouver home includes a number of unique elements, but the one that captures the most attention is the expansive garage area, custom built to showcase the client’s automobile collection, and featuring everything from showroom lighting to sophisticated cabinetry resembling glossy red toolboxes. The homeowners were also interested in aging gracefully within the home, so much attention was paid to particular design elements such as a residential elevator with access to all three floors, expanded entrances to each room, grab bars in the shower areas, Smart Home technology from Lutron and the placement of the master bedroom on the main floor.
SHOWCASING SPEED This dream garage space includes fixtures from Norburn Lighting (norburnlightingandbath.com) backsplash by Interstyle Glasshues (interstyle.ca) in Soot Black and a slew of Mustangs and Shelby Cobras from the homeowner’s private collection.
The home was also built with the future in mind. The homeowners incorporated geothermal energy, providing increased energy efficiency and health benefits by utilizing superior indoor air quality solutions. Indoor comfort was also achieved by using advanced heating controls. “The homeowners wanted the home to be timeless and as current today as twenty-five years from now,” explains Ryback, a member of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association and Built Green. “It was also important to incorporate large gathering spaces throughout the home for family and friends. The outdoor living area was also of great importance, since entertaining is one of the couple’s main loves.”
74
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
lhcanada.com
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
75
Over 20 Years of Experience in Award Winning Design DEVOTION TO DESIGN • ATTENTION TO DETAIL • A PROVEN PROCESS
363 W. 6th Ave.,Vancouver, BC • P: 604-684-6824 • info@v6b.com • www.v6b.com
We source the world to bring you the finest products. lhcanada.com
A MESSAGE FROM V6B DESIGN GROUP V6B Design Group is an award-winning kitchen specialist. A market leader for over two decades, V6B provides unmatched design expertise and boasts the most experienced team of professionals in the industry. V6B’s strength is combining exceptional design with functional solutions for any space that requires extra consideration (kitchens, closets, mudrooms, laundry rooms, etc.). With suppliers from Italy, France, Germany, USA and Canada, V6B sources the world to provide the finest, most unique authentic products and materials. A MESSAGE FROM UNIVERSITY SPRINKLER SYSTEMS INC. Established in 1983, University Sprinkler Systems Inc. is the largest residential & commercial irrigation installer in BC. They have a strong commitment to excellence with contractors, homeowners and property managers completing projects on time and within budget. It’s been a pleasure working with Top End Homes essentially for their professionalism, talent and creativity.
A WELCOMING SPACE Friends and family are greeted via B.C. Door (bcdoor.com) grooved-panel double doors in fir and an inlayed glass floor from Interstyle (interstyle.ca). Stanley Hudson Street benches from Paramount Furniture (paramountfurniture.net) are also welcoming. Bringing in soft textures and spa-like colours, the master bedroom features a custom, chiseled sandstone headboard from Realstone Systems (realstonesystems.com) and Seagull Antique Brushed Nickel Chandeliers from Norburn Lighting.
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
77
tdSwansburg Design Studio was approached with the project early on in the process, and continues to work with the homeowners on finishing touches. A boutique firm that concentrates within the residential, hospitality and commercial markets, Ryback says she only takes on projects that inspire her and her team, with most of the residential work consisting of new construction opportunities. “We endeavour to incorporate green technology whenever possible into our projects,” says Ryback. “We have learned as a firm that as our clients become more familiar with Smart home technology, the greater the asset it can serve as part of our design repertoire. Looking to our future, our goals moving forward are to focus more energy on both the luxury residential and hospitality markets.” Undoubtedly, the chance to work on this luxury residential project has offered Ryback the chance to create a longstanding relationship with these homeowners. In fact, Ryback says she continues to visit often to help with everything from hanging artwork to purchasing art pieces and accessories. “I often reflect on how elegantly symmetrical this home is,” says Ryback. “Balancing strong architectural framework with refined, sophisticated design elements is not only a rewarding challenge, but something that will be a source of inspiration for future projects.”
78
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
Top End Homes Having worked with Top End Homes in the past, these owners knew there was only one builder for their West Coast dream home. “We have built many timber frame homes in a variety of settings–a private island, acreages and in the suburbs–and these homes shine no matter what their size or setting,” explains Top End Home owner Dean Hodgson, whose firm was a recent winner of the Gold Medal Georgie Award, the highest honour given to builders in BC. “Each homeowner has their own idea of what it takes to build their dream home, so I get involved right from the designing of the home to ensure each owner’s dream comes true. This latest home was unique in that we needed to have a showroom garage to display the owner’s Shelby Mustang collection.” It is obvious to anyone that Hodgsom has a passion for building timber frame homes and anyone lucky enough to walk through or, even better, live in one of his homes, is in for a pleasurable experience.
lhcanada.com
w
Home Business & Cottage Built-in Solutions
R.A. Ripley Electric Over 20 Years Experience Landscape Lighting Infloor Heating Interior Lighting Design Generators Hot Tub Wiring Pot Lights Electrical Upgrades
www.BrockBuiltin.ca Home Theatres, Telephone & TV Structured Wiring, Security & Surveillance Systems, Multi-Room MultiSource A/V Systems, Lighting & Climate Control, Beam Central Vacuum Systems, and More! 25 Kent St. W., Lindsay, ON • Ph: (705) 328-1866 133 Taunton Rd. W., Oshawa, ON • Ph: (905) 433-2518
Durham Region: 905.261.6503 Peterborough-Kawartha’s: 705.559.0909
Larger Than Life Ontario’s Fourteen Estates recall traditional building styles with upscale details text by Eugenia Orr
A PLACE TO PLAY No matter the temperature outside, swimming is always in season in the indoor pool. The massive windows and glass ceiling make the die-hard swimmer feel like the pool is actually outside.
F
ourteen Estates, a family-owned business in Ajax, Ontario, has been constructing custom homes for over thirty years. The company specializes in residential communities, commercial developments and executive country homes throughout greater Ontario. “We will build for anyone, whether on a piece of land, or a spec house on an inventory of land,” says project manager Aaron DeRosse. Rick and Karin Rondeau are the creative geniuses behind Fourteen Estates. A little over a decade ago, their son Shawn joined the team to continue the company’s mantra of exceptional quality and unmatched customer service. He is now executive manager. “We strive for quality in all aspects of the building process,” explains DeRosse. “We go above and beyond, exceeding the minimum construction standards.” This includes giving the customer exactly what they want and filling in the blanks with high design. Fourteen Estates has perfected this process, which is based on the excellent team assembled to complete each home. As builders, the company has amassed the best tradesmen who meet with clients and, at the same time, efficiently complete each project. Fourteen Estates ensures a smooth process with on-site management to address any issues that may arise. One of Fourteen Estates’ recently completed projects is the Grand Villa, which is part of the Barclay Fieldstone Estates Development, located on the outskirts of Toronto in Pickering, Ontario. “The Grand Villa is the flagship of the development, where we included every upscale detail,” says DeRosse. The Villa sits on one of thirty-five 1.5-acre lots within the development, giving the site an exclusive and private feel. The Grand Villa, one of twenty completed homes, is completely outfitted with every amenity. The home features an elevator, nanny
82
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
Grand Satisfaction For over thirty years, Fourteen Estates has been building high-quality custom homes in the Toronto area. A family-owned company, Rick and Karin Rondeau, along with their son, Shawn, have created homes that not only make the client happy with the final product but also inspire confidence throughout the entire process. A Fourteen Estates home can be identified by its intricate stonework, steep roof lines, rotunda patios, tailored garage doors, decorative exterior lighting schemes, copper cupolas and pristine landscaping. At the Grand Villa, Fourteen Estates created grandness with architectural details in the form of raised crown moulding, multi-level ceiling lines, arched entrances, windows and doorways, and separate nanny quarters. Inside, the home features six ensuite bedrooms, walk-in closets, a speaker system, an indoor pool, cedar spa and environmentally controlled wine cellar. The Grand Villa is situated on 1.5 acres in the Barclay Fieldstone Estates development in Pickering, Ontario.
lhcanada.com
CIRCULAR INTEREST The spiraling curves of this red oak staircase offset the striking zebra rug and zebra-inspired art deco telephone bench beautifully. The entrance of the Grand Villa (opposite) welcomes guests with a circle drive around a well-manicured landscape. The multiple rooflines draw the eye up toward the copper cupola at the center of the roof.
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
83
“We like the challenge of designing and building a home on a unique piece of land that maximizes the space.� Aaron DeRosse, Project Manager 84
luxury home CANADA
FALL 2011
250 Randall Cresent, Scaraborough, ON M1M 3K4 416.265.5185/416.230.8514 macinnis.paul@sympatico.ca
Custom Framing & Renovation
Make a welcoming statement in your home with the warmth and evolutionary style of the Marquis Collection. From classic and clean, to modern and sleek, you’ll love the endless possibilites you can create!
Established in 1977, Towne Fireplace specializes in custom fireplace designs. With a very wide variety of sizes and styles, there is always a fireplace to suit your style and heating needs at Towne Fireplace.
2 Old Kingston Rd., Ajax, ON. 905-686-3666 www.townefireplace.ca
TASTING DESTINATION This wine cellar will make a wine lover out of anyone with its stone walls and floor and storage for nearly 500 bottles. With room for many to gather around the table, it is not just wine storage, but a destination gathering space for tasting parties.
quarters, wine cellar, exercise room and library. “The home was designed to feel grand,” says DeRosse. The opulence was achieved with architectural details, including dentil moulding, arched openings, windows and doors, custom cabinetry and multi-level crown moulding. The kitchen and adjoining dining space are delineated by a jetted, arched opening, flanked by two columns and raised moulding detail. Columns accentuate the entrance to the formal dining room, and the room has an oval shape to accommodate large aisles around the table. Columns are also used to accentuate the deck and tub in the master bathroom, which features arched windows, dual vanities, makeup table and steam shower. Each of the six bedrooms is ensuite with spa-like bathrooms and separate entrances. The library features custom cabinetry and a curved niche in the wall, the ideal space for art and lighting. While the pool and spa may be indoors, the space has windows on all sides and features a glass roof allowing one to swim in comfort and experience the outdoors no matter the temperature. For those hot summer days, there are immaculately manicured outdoor living spaces that include an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven and fire feature. The goal of Fourteen Estates is not to build large homes, but rather to construct quality homes. “We like the challenge of designing and building a home on a unique piece of land that maximizes the space,” says DeRosse. Another challenge that Fourteen Estates meets is determining exactly what the client is looking for and translating that into reality. “It takes a skilled designer with experience to guide each client through the process,” says DeRosse. “It is also necessary to bring comfort and confidence to the client, as there are many who have never had a home built before.”
86
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
In a development, a certain integrity and feeling must be maintained throughout, while incorporating the prospective owners’ individual preferences. Fourteen Estates watches construction trends to maintain their foothold in the industry, while continuing to be a reputable business and giving each client what they want. “We attend trade shows and industry functions, look for new products and new styles in order to stay fresh,” says DeRosse. Fourteen Estates continues to create homes that are signature in style and grand in feel.
A message from PS MacInnis Construction Coming from a family of custom builders, Paul MacInnis learned early on the importance of high-quality workmanship. With over 25 years of experience, PS MacInnis Construction has focused fifteen years on custom residential framing. For the past seven years, Paul has developed a strong working relationship with Fourteen Estates and the Rondeau family. As lead carpenter for the featured project, Paul is grateful for the opportunity to showcase his skills. A message from Deluxe Stair and Railing Deluxe Stair & Railing Ltd. has been providing the highest level of quality and customer satisfaction to the most reputable builders in the Greater Toronto Area for nearly fifteen years. Our emphasis has always been about providing superior quality products in a timely manner and using old-fashion techniques which makes each product original. Our team at Deluxe provides an unparalleled level of craftsmanship and satisfaction to our customers, which sets us apart from the rest. Visit our newly designed website for a closer look at who we are and the exceptional work we have done in the past. Remember, nature creates but never duplicates.
lhcanada.com
RESIDENTIAL COMMERICAL
Nature Creates, Never Duplicates
INDUSTRIAL BASEMENTS LANDSCAPE GRADING LAND CLEARING PONDS HOURLY & CONTRACT WORK
Consultation • Fabrication • Installation
FREE ESTIMATES
Over 50 years in business! 1845 Sandstone Manor, Units 20-22 Pickering, ON L1W 3X9 T: 905.420.2493 • F: 905.420.0952 info@deluxestair.com • www.deluxestair.com facebook.com/deluxestair
twitter.com/deluxestair
2580 Brock Road N. R.R. #1 Pickering, ON L1V 2P8 Ph. 905-683-3757 WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
87
Serving Durham Region for Over 50 Years!
2010 & 2011 Award of Excellence Winner for Outstanding Trade We are proud to be a part of the Fourteen Estates Team!
When Quality Counts New Construction Insulation Custom Homes Re-Roofing Specialists Decra Metal Roofing
Heating • Air Conditioning • Solar • Geothermal • Gas Fireplaces and more! Ph: (905) 623-4242 / F: (905) 623-4258 www.tranquilityhomecomfort.ca peter@tranquilityhomecomfort.ca
Full Liability Insurance We do all our own work & guarantee it!
WSIB Office Show Room Display 133 Taunton Rd. W., U18, Oshawa
905-723-9022 www.goreskiroofing.ca
THE PLANS A showcase of sleek, modern architecture —and the blueprints that started it all A
Hurteau Miller
B
THE ECHO HOUSE
Kariouk ASSOCIATES Where some see limitations, this Ottawa-based architecture firm sees catalysts for spectacular designs by Frederick Jerant Paul duBellet Kariouk came to Ottawa in rather a roundabout way. “My family emigrated to New York City from France in the late 50’s,and many of their friends settled in Montréal. For that reason, I traveled to Canada frequently and loved it.”
Photo: PHOTOlux Studios, Christian Lalonde
The founder and principal of Kariouk Associates, based in Ottawa, goes on to explain, “I was working as an architect in Manhattan when I secured a teaching position at Carleton University—so I moved to Ottawa and opened my own practice there in 2001.” The firm offers residential and commercial new construction, interior renovations, additions, landscapes and museum installations, but its niche is custom residential design. Kariouk Associates often attracts a certain type of client: highly professional and discerning. “Typically, they’re in their 50s,” Kariouk says, “and they want a home that will serve their needs for their entire lives. They’re the exact opposite of people who buy and flip houses.” Stylistically, Kariouk uses a modern vocabulary tempered by specificity and pragmatism. “Every project has limitations and challenges, ranging from the site itself to zoning restrictions to the budget...those challenges actually serve as catalysts for my designs.” Because of Kariouk Associates’ painstaking design process, it’s not uncommon for three years to pass between penciling the first sketches and hanging the last picture.
EXTERIOR IMPRESSIONS Although the Hurteau-Miller Residence is quite sizeable at 3,500 square feet, a concerted effort was made by Kariouk Associates to minimize the home’s visual impact. By creating areas of transparency through which the surrounding landscape can be viewed and choosing exterior finishes which reflect the natural setting, the structure and environment exist in harmony.
fall 2011
luxury home CANADA
89
the plans Hurteau-Miller Residence
PhotoS: lux Studios, Christian Lalonde
This 3,500-square-foot home abuts the shore of Lac Bataille and offers a spectacular view. LEVELS OF Kariouk CONNECTION “The house is long,” explains, “and I The itopen floorplan of thefrom ground level didn’t want to block that view approachsupports more private spaces above. ing guests.” His solution was to use massive Each communalplaced area oftothis home–the windows, strategically provide a clear sauna–are sightlinekitchen, throughdiningroom the house and to the lake. The visually physically the first floor of the or western red accesible cedar-cladtohouse surrounding lakeshore. includes “public” areas —indoor and outdoor living rooms, kitchen/eating areas and sauna, —as well as the master bedroom suite, which addresses future accessibility issues. The space’s amorphous arrangement makes it ideal for easily moving from one area to another. One design goal was to minimize the exterior visual impact of the home’s size. This was achieved by partially nesting the second floor within the first, thus lowering the home’s profile. The boxy structure is cradled by an armature and holds numerous bedrooms that can accommodate the owners’ extended families when they visit.
90
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
lhcanada.com
the plans
GROUND FLOOR 1 11 2
A
Hurteau Miller
4 5
2
3
6
9
10
12
5
14
13
7 8
PhotoS: PHOTOlux Studios, Christian Lalonde
SECOND FLOOR
15
5
15
16
5
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Outdoor Shower Storage Carport Sauna Bathroom Mechanical Entry Walk-In Closet Kitchen Dining Room Exterior Living Area Living Room Alcove Master Bedroom Guest Bedoom Study
15
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
91
the plans
Echo House Echo House was a run-down Victorian home with small windows and dark interiors. The new owners wanted a loft-like ambience, even though the building’s footprint is a scant 750 square feet. Kariouk’s solution was to create a four-storey vertical loft. Four segregated rooms were transformed into a single, airy and spacious area. Large windows at the front and rear of the parlour visually extend the space and offer clear views of the historic Rideau Canal. But the professional couple also wanted distinctly private areas, such as a study, book vault, a master bedroom suite and a den. Kariouk responded by designing suspended interior modules. Their expanded window areas provide visual contact with other areas of the home yet provide privacy from the parlour and the street. The master bedroom suite, supported by a cantilever, appears to float over the front entry and yard. Floor-to-ceiling glass admits plenty of light, and serves to bring the canal practically to the home’s doorstep.
92
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
lhcanada.com
the plans
B
THE ECHO HOUSE 1 2 3 4 5 6
Parlour Fireplace Kitchen Dining Book Vault Shelving
7 8 9 10 11 12
Den Study Exterior Terrace Master Bedroom Ensuite Sitting Area
PEERLESS VIEW In the bedroom, large unobfuscated views of the water beyond lend a feeling of depth and proportion to the clean and cozy space.
GROUND FLOOR
2 1
4
3
SECOND FLOOR
7 5
8 6
THIRD FLOOR
PhotoS: PHOTOlux Studios, Christian Lalonde
9
11 10 12
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
93
the plans
“Design that does not yield a quality, unique project is, by definition, not design.” Paul duBellet Kariouk, Principal Client interaction is essential to a successful design, and Kariouk says that quite often his clients, “... have never worked with a designer or architect before and are a bit timid to get involved in the process. But as months go by, we become an effective team.”
The process begins with a series of client meetings in which Kariouk strives to be upfront regarding what is realistic in terms of budget and amenities. He then walks with them through a study of their daily and weekly habits, exploring how they live today, and how things might be different in twenty years or when grandchildren come to visit.
The main bedroom of the Echo House, in Ottawa, overlooks the historic Rideau Canal, but “the windows were too small to permit enjoyment of the view,” Kariouk explains. His plan was to increase the windows’ size and remount them using cantilevers. “If I had suggested that at the outset, I’m not sure they would have accepted it, but as the project and our working relationship developed, they agreed it would be the best method to achieve the intended results regarding views and light.” This illustrates Kariouk’s philosophy that strong partnerships are built through time and trust.
Kariouk uses the Hurteau-Miller Residence, in Val-des-Monts, Québec, as an example. “This getaway cottage was designed for a couple with a young son, but it will someday be their primary residence. By situating the master bedroom suite on the ground floor, we’ve addressed future accessibility issues.”
94
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
The firm uses hand sketches, computer animation, physical and computer modeling and other userfriendly techniques to help clients fully understand
their proposals and ideas. The various iterations are incredibly detailed, right down to the specific placement of light switches. “We often go through a dozen models, and just as many estimates,” Kariouk reveals. “Every aspect of the home is an opportunity to do things from scratch.” He compares the process to buying a dress off the rack, versus having the fabric woven and then perfectly tailored to custom specifications. At the end of the process Kariouk says that his clients are confident that the money they’re spending will result in great value for them and not merely as a financial investment but as a lifetime quality-of-life investment. “Responsible design isn’t about imposing pre-determined solutions,” Kariouk concludes. “I could design a house in a week and have it engineered in another week, but the result would not be an incredibly special, intensely personal home. Design that does not yield a quality, unique project is, by definition, not design.”
lhcanada.com
Photo: PHOTOlux Studios, Christian Lalonde
While three years may seem like a lengthy stretch, Kariouk insists, “My clients are thoughtful and not extravagant. There’s an incredible amount of soul searching and many decisions made as the design evolves. It can take a year just to work through the various construction and design iterations.”
architects
Providing concepts and programs for deluxe homes
NEW ELEVATIONS The open kitchen looks across to the more sheltered dining room, which is a few steps up – giving it a more intimate ceiling height than the rest of the ground floor. The front living room with custom dark wood cabinetry and generous windows, shag rug and soft furnishings generate warmth in the modern interior.
Altius Architecture Inc. Mastering Holistic Architecture in Ontario by Bridget Esangga
Photo: Jonathan Savoie
The terms “contemporary” and “modern,” when applied to architecture carry certain aesthetic connotations. For Altius Architecture, Inc. of Toronto these words, and the company’s reinterpretation of them, get to the heart of its guiding philosophy. Started in 1997 by three partners who met each other as architecture students, the firm took a young and idealistic approach to its work by questioning every assumption about the prevalent role of the architect in the building process. Cathy Garrido, Trevor McIvor and Graham Smith saw a disconnect between the design and building of a structure and a professional environment where architects lost their historical role as the master builder working solely on paper, in the realm of ideas. They decided their firm would
reconnect architecture to the concept of the master builder. “We want to see the age-old holistic approach put back into the process of creating buildings,” says Cathy Garrido, partner. “We believe that without this level of involvement throughout the entire design and construction process, it would be an insurmountable challenge to create buildings that are sustainable, livable, contextual, economical and beautiful.” Altius’ vision of modern architecture combines the idea of the master builder with the use of technologically advanced building materials and mechanical systems to respond to clients’ contemporary lifestyle and maintain structural clarity and economy. This architectural attitude
The Winnett House The Winnett House is a three-bedroom, single-family residence built in a true collaboration between the client and Altius Architecture Inc. The client approached Altius with a vision for an environmentally friendly home and inspirational image of contemporary and mid-century modern design. The finished home includes many of the original green features the client wanted, such as tankless hot water heating, a high-performance envelope, water-efficient fixtures, high-efficiency appliances, natural day lighting and passive ventilation. Altius’ architects worked with the client to refine the design and make tough decisions that ultimately balanced their desire for the most advanced technology with the realities of budget and timeline.
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
95
The Marvin Difference Marvin Windows and Doors brings its Built around you® philosophy to life for every customer and with every product it creates. A premier manufacturer of madeto-order windows and doors, Marvin offers unparalleled value with craftsman-quality construction, energy-efficient technology and the industry’s most extensive selection of shapes, styles, sizes and options. Marvin has a rich history of craftsmanship, knowledge and dedication dating back to 1912.
CLEAN LINES The floor-to-ceiling, custombuilt walk-through closet leads from the ensuite to the master bedroom.
Signature Services
1-800-263-6161 info@marvincanada.com www.marvincanada.com Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, & Vancouver
is not limited to any specific site, with successful residential projects in both the city and country, such as the Winnett House and Cliff House, respectively. The firm offers a full menu of services in addition to architecture, including interior design, landscape design and construction management.” We consider each project in a holistic manner and believe that natural landscape should flow seamlessly into landscape design, architecture and interior design. For us, there is no defined line where one realm ends and another begins,” states Andrea Kordos, an architect at the firm. This philosophy not only responds to the desires and constraints of the clients but also to ensuring that projects are sustainable, energy and cost efficient. Working in Toronto’s Cottage Country and other popular recreational areas, Altius made
a name for itself with its expertise in sustainable architecture and its full-service construction management. They also placed clients in the center of the process, listening carefully to their ideas, studying their lifestyle and presenting designs that address the individual needs of each client. Although Altius has a broad portfolio including commercial and industrial projects, the company continues to focus almost exclusively on the residential market. The Winnett House in Toronto is another master stroke of sustainable architecture that reflects and responds to the client. For this project, the client wanted to use all available technologies to save energy, water and incorporate environmentally friendly building materials and finishes. Altius worked with the client to realize this dream within the practical demands of budget and time restrictions.
Photo: Jonathan Savoie
Whether you’re creating something new or recreating history, the windows or doors you choose require a level of customization and expertise that goes beyond the ordinary. At Marvin Signature Services, we thrive on great ideas, unusual challenges, even projects that seem impossible to other manufacturers. Creating your exact vision is our specialty.
CLEARLITE ELECTRIC INC. Electrical Contractors
We earn the loyalty of our customers by providing the best buying experience for windows & doors.
INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL UTILITIES
We do it all!
Corporate Office, Showroom & Factory • 60 Clayson Rd., Toronto, ON Ph. 416.742.3546 • F. 416.742.9539 Campbellville Showroom & Distribution • 2675 Reid Side Rd., Campbellville, ON Ph. 905.854.2228 • F. 905.854.2721
75 Sandford Fleming Road Collingwood, ON L9Y 5A6 Ph: (705) 446-1407
Bring in the beauty & comfort of natural light in with VELUX Skylights & Sun Tunnels!
SHADOW AND LIGHT Clerestory windows draw in light, vent stale air and bathe the yard in a soft glow in the evening. The home is composed of volumes, organized around the core of the staircase, which rises within the home’s highest elevation. Generous overhangs keep out the hot summer sun. Expansive blackframed operable windows, white roof planes, charcoal-coloured wood siding, and muted brick express a subtle minimalism.
“We consider each project in a holistic manner and believe that natural landscape should flow seamlessly into landscape design...” Andrea Kordos, Architect
The result: “The clients were as ecstatic with the finished product as they were throughout the design process,” says Cathy Garrido, partner and project architect. The Cliff House, an off-grid residence set on a rock formation overlooking a pristine lake in the heart of the Muskokas, is a stand-out achievement. The client wanted a family retreat that respected its surroundings and is entirely off-grid. Given this mandate, Altius set to work designing a building where sustainability is integral to the experience of the place. The cottage depends on the environment for its mechanical functioning. Passive solar design—including highly efficient glazing, concrete slabs and stone walls—collects and stores solar heat to form the basis of the home’s heating system. www.velux.ca 1 800-888-3589
Operable windows and vertical ventilation space are strategically placed to push hot air up and out, pulling cool air in during the summer months. Green roofs minimize rain runoff and control temperatures while aesthetically connecting the house to the surrounding landscape. This house was completed in 2009 and is currently occupied; however, Altius continues to monitor energy use and adjust the system.
A message from VELUX VELUX is recognized as one of the most trusted skylight manufacturers on the market. VELUX skylights offer 3 layers of water protection, LoE3 glass for energy efficiency, and a 20 year warranty. Sun Tunnels are an ideal way to bring daylight into smaller rooms in a home. VELUX certified installers can help you find the right skylight and provide worry-free installations for any project at hand. Visit www.velux.ca or call 1 800-888-3589 for more information.
Photo: Jonathan Savoie
Altius built computer models and physical models that helped the clients, who were heavily involved throughout the process of design and construction, understand exactly what to expect.
ARCHITECTs
LONG AND LEAN A sectional sofa by Gus* Design Group, (gusmodern.com) and Gorka wood dining chairs by Akaba, (akaba.net) complement the clean living space and accentuate the view to the south east.
MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Nova Scotia firm strips architecture to its bare essentials to celebrate materials, craft and their client’s journey by Brian Libby Brian MacKay-Lyons of the Halifax-based firm MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Limited vividly remembers a family trip to Rome at the age of four, when he decided to be an architect. On a visit to the ancient Forum, “My brother and I were each reaching around a baroque column, hugging it to see if we could touch our hands on the other side. Where I grew up, no one had heard of an architect. But for some reason, right then and there I told everyone that was what I’d do. It sounds hokey. But, I’m a great believer in fate.”
In addition to his firm and teaching, MacKay-Lyons has operated for more than a decade from his farm an annual “Ghost Lab,” functioning as a kind of life-sized research lab in which his students and employees are able to get involved experimenting with building their designs. It started out with what the architect calls “a frustration with the unwholesome separation between the academic world and the world of practice. I wanted to make an example that re-integrated the two: the hand and mind.”
After founding the firm in 1985, MacKay-Lyons (who was joined by partner Talbot Sweetapple in 2005) has spent the last quarter-century as both architect and academic, teaching in Nova Scotia as well as American universities like Harvard and Syracuse. His approach to design is thoughtful yet passionate, reducing forms, materials and sites to their bare essentials yet celebrating the craft of building.
Yet a good architect is also part motivator. “It’s not salesmanship. It’s about enlisting the energy of other people. I always tell my students that to be an architect you’ll have to be content to be the dumb one in every conversation. The carpenter knows the wood better than us. The surveyor knows the site. We’re not the best at anything, really, but we get other people’s energy going in a cohesive direction, developing and finding that
The Sliding House Situated on an agrarian Nova Scotia hillside against a 250-year-old stone wall, and just above a house dating to 1753, the Sliding House is unapologetically modern yet fits easily into its surroundings. Taking its cue from local barns dotting the landscape, the house is shaped and clad like a boxy barn, even tilting its façade to resemble one nearby building slanting from decades of winds off the Atlantic. Inside, one is surrounded in wood above and below, punctuated by a few simple black sofas and fireplace. “There are novels and there are short stories,” architect Brian MacKay-Lyons says. “This is a short story. There’s a hill, and there’s the ocean. How do you make a dialogue between the angle of the hill and the flat line of the ocean horizon? You put the services at the back so you have protection against the north wind and the woods at your back.”
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
99
ARCHITECTS
WOODEN WARMTH Custom built poplar cabinets and bed in the master bedroom imbue the minimalist space with warmth,
“I go to the site with the client and sketch, trying to create the seminal sketch: the road map for purposeful action.” Brian MacKay-Lyons, FOUNDER
point of departure for a project—finding its soul,” says MacKay-Lyons. Since Sweetapple joined the firm, they’ve designed numerous public buildings such as the Canadian Chancery in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the School of Business at the University of Prince Edward Island and the Plaza Building at Brock University in St. Catharines.Yet, houses remain at the heart of their practice, displaying both simplicity and, at times, even whimsy. For example, the Slide House was built along a sloping rural site—taking its inspiration from an old 100
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
barn nearby that leans like the Tower of Pisa—with a façade that deliberately slants. It is clad simply and uniformly: in corrugated metal outside, poplar on the interior walls, floors and ceilings. MacKay-Lyons likens it to a watermelon that’s merely green on the outside and pink inside. The continuous band of glass, contrasted against broad swaths of a windowless wall, is like an angular interpretation of a bite taken out of said melon. But the simplicity of just one opening in the façade also has practical applications. “Certainly in this one there’s a conscious attempt to make it pure like that, like drawing in a single stroke,” MacKay-Lyons
says. “But here [in Nova Scotia] we also have the highest weathering rate in North America: hotcold, freeze-thaw, wet-dry. It favours a skin without many connections to maintain that tight envelope. I think of the houses we do as helmets, how it frames your experience and your understanding of nature.” When working on a house project, MacKayLyons explains, “I go to the site with the client and sketch, trying to create the seminal sketch: the road map for purposeful action.You can do it with a pencil and paper or with a stick in the dirt. But you do it with the client, informed by their engagement.” lhcanada.com
hiGH-rise
taking luxury to new heights
Insight Design Inc. Vancouver interior design firm puts a plush, understated face to a generation of condo towers in a burgeoning Pacific Rim metropolis by Brian Libby Nearly every morning when she walks into the Vancouver firm she founded fifteen years ago, Insight Design, Kari Henshaw says half-jokingly to her staff, “Good morning, Angels.” The joke, of course, is her reference to 70’s TV show “Charlie’s Angels,” which is a cheeky source of inspiration given Insight’s all-female and largely Gen-X staff. But the cheerful wishes are sincere and by design. “I have these little quotes written around the studio,” Henshaw explains. “At the top of the stairs it says, ‘If attitude were contagious, would you want someone catching yours?’ It’s so important to enjoy coming to work every day.”
Her upbeat attitude is more than talk. Employees are encouraged to contribute to all facets of the design process, which has helped Insight to enjoy a high-staff retention rate, several even here since the firm’s beginning. “We can sit down and are drawing and designing the same thing,” Henshaw says of the communication that exists among them. “We’re almost thinking each other’s thoughts. We just understand each other.” After starting the company in 1995 (for the first three years with a partner, and as sole owner ever since), Henshaw and her team have grown Insight’s portfolio to include a variety of work:
corporate offices, a health club, and both single and multi-family housing. Numerous Vancouver high-rise condo developers have hired the firm in an era when the city has added enough to transform the skyline and enliven the downtown with activity. With a reputation for luxurious yet comfortable interiors, Insight has also designed many model units for new condo projects in British Columbia and throughout Canada. There are the bold geometric and floral patterns of the Luxe condominiums in Burnaby, with its juxtaposition of minimalist modern with classic styles. Alternatively, there is the more understated spa hotel-like ambience of the Aerie I and Aerie II Penthouse projects, perched atop twin towers in West Vancouver. In each case, and others, the Insight fingerprint exudes simple tones, with an emphasis on textures, such as the embroidery of a taupe-colored area rug in the Aerie I living room. The firm also is selective and sophisticated about picking art and objects that subtly match
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
101
HIgh-RISE
ISLAND VIEW The expansive galley kitchen with its impressive island features appliances from Miele, (miele.com) which complement the granite countertops and glass tile backsplash.
Aerie I The center of this penthouse is its great room, including a long granite-covered cooking island in the kitchen, giving way to adjoining living and family rooms. “Even so,” says Insight Design’s Kari Henshaw, “yielding to the view meant…playing a lot on texture and luxury without it being over the top. It spoke of quality without being too pretentious.” Custom furniture came from Bari Design (baridesign.com) & Omega (omegacustomfurniture.ca) as well as additional pieces from Spencer Interiors (spencerinteriors.ca) and Inform Interiors (informinteriors.com) Lighting is by Lightform (lightform.ca), and wool rugs from Colin Campbell (colcam.com). Sapele tropical hardwood floors are manufactured by Mirage (miragefloors.com).
102
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
lhcanada.com
designers
Aerie II In this successor to Aerie I, the volume is turned up slightly to give off a less understated but more strikingly lavish ambience. Off-white gives way here to a bright, almost polar whiteness, for example. Accent pieces are in shiny silver instead of matte copper. Accessories were purchased at local shops Da Vinci’s Home (davincishome.ca), Brougham Interiors (broughaminteriors.com) and 18Karat (eighteenkarat.com). Art was sourced from Bau-Xi Gallery (bau-xi.com) and Jennifer Kostuik Gallery (kostuikgallery.com) in
We’re very careful in the things that we’ve picked: the perfect scale, texture and lines.” KARI HENSHAW, FOUNDER,
a room’s personality. The units are both large, some 5,000 square feet each, which meant tinier objects could easily get lost along a lengthy credenza or kitchen countertop. Overall, there is an almost cinematic quality at work, which perhaps comes from the firm’s method. “One thing we do consistently is there’s always a story being told from the time you walk through the door to when you leave. There’s a continuity moving through the space,” Henshaw explains. “Whether it’s residential or commercial or multifamily, we always put a storyboard together. When we’re out shopping, we have a copy of the storyboard with us. It’s not about matching everything. What we try to strive for is an eclectic appeal. We’re very careful in the things that we’ve picked: the perfect scale, texture and lines. There are differences in each room, but there is also a continuity of style. One room might be softer, another more bold.” Both the Aerie penthouses have floor-to-ceiling glass and spectacular views looking out at Bur-
rard Inlet; the palette is a series of soft greys and taupes. This allows one to absorb the color of the light itself coming off the blue water. “But, there’s a lot of rain in Vancouver, so you can’t make it feel too cool,” the designer cautions. Instead, it’s about finding a kind of universal appeal for a model unit that thousands will visit and view. “Aerie I, Aerie II, or any of our projects, you walk into a space and although it might not be your personal taste, you still can walk through there and get a great feeling,” Henshaw adds. “It has to appeal to everybody.You can’t do such a specific design that only a couple people would understand.”
A message from BOA- Franc/Mirage Mirage Floors are synonymous with comfort, beauty, and durability. Sixteen times recognized for outstanding quality in the last 9 years by dealers and other industry professionals, Mirage is indisputably the #1 hardwood flooring brand in North America. Choose peace of mind. Choose Mirage quality.
Mirage is proud to partner with Insight Design, one of Canada’s leading Interior Design firm. We wish you continued success.
vacation
second homes and getaways across the globe
CLEAN AND SERENE Interior light reflects from the ceiling planes in the evening. To preserve the uninterrupted surface, exterior lighting was installed on a beam below.
Marko Simcic Architect An island retreat in British Columbia hovers and undulates with musicality and innovation by Brian Libby When is a roof more than a roof? When Vancouver architect Marko Simcic made the top of the Ridge House, a cliff-hugging vacation home on British Columbia’s South Pender Island, into a breathtaking angular sculptural form. With perpendicular lines zigzagging up and down, it resembles an EtchA-Sketch drawing. The roof’s silvery steel mesh cladding matches the rocky grey outcroppings on which the house is perched.Yet for all its mass and presence, because the base of the building below is mostly made of glass, the roof seems barely tethered to the cliff. “The client was interested in a kind of dramatic sense that you were floating over that
104
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
ridge rather than being anchored to it,” the architect explains. “We were interested in exploring how this roof as one singular element could configure the project. It developed into one big folding form that did a number of things.” The roof isn’t just an aesthetic move. It extends beyond the house’s interior spaces to provide a covered awning, allowing the husband-and-wife clients to relax on a slate-covered patio even during the island’s frequently rainy weather. Inclusion of floor-to-ceiling glass on both sides of the house not only created the floating-roof effect, but also helped
Pender Island, BC Population: 2,500 ATTRACTIONS: Mt. Norman (highest peak on the island). Poets Cove Resort & Spa (poetscove.com). The island’s only vineyard, Morning Bay Vineyard & Estate Winery, proudly uses locally grown grapes.
lhcanada.com
VACATION
DINING AMID OCEAN VIEWS The kitchen looks out upon the distant ocean view. The black slate tiled floor extends out to the terrace and helps to merge the two spaces. Lacquer finished kitchen millwork with white Carrera marble countertops make the area gleam.
HIDDEN TREASURES Sloping angles and a clean colour palette enhance the continuity of the space and extends to both the north and south terraces. The kitchen has custom upper cabinets made with glass to promote reflectivity.
The Ridge House Unifying the house’s interior and exterior are a few simple, elegant materials. All the millwork is beach veneer, and the floors are black slate. The house’s defining visual quality–its roofline of folding angles– serves both functional and symbolic purposes inside. The clients are amateur musicians: he plays flute, she the piano. “The undulating roof is meant to faintly evoke the rises and falls of musical notes moving across a page.” Its shape also helps acoustics, Simcic adds. “Rather than a simple rectangular space that gives you problematic modulations, you’re breaking it up.”
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
105
vacation
FULL OF SURPRISES Seen from the dining area, the living area (above) touts low, clean lines and special details, such as the stainless steel curtain enclosing the fireplace. Low profile steps invite one to enter the study from the living area (left). The custom desk in the study is built into and cantilevered from the structural posts. A screen for the projection TV system drops from the top of the window frame. The home’s south façade (above right) offers hints to what lies within. The roof extends out towards arbutus trees and rock, while a large drop in the roofline defines and separates the guest spaces from the main living areas and contains narrow sleeping “pods” for children.
106
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
lhcanada.com
vacation
AN ACCURATE VIEW A low yellow cedar defines a court of reflective water (above) and serves as the home’s arrival area. When approached from the north, one can glimpse the southern ocean view beyond. Looking to the southeast from the master bedroom terrace on the lower level (right), the extended roof provides shade and protection, while a drop in the roof allows for landscape views and complete privacy to the east.
to bring daylight deep into the interior. Inside, the white walls and ceilings give way to the exquisite light and views, with wood-festooned columns and window frames adding a textural connection to the natural landscape outside.
you can basically do. For about five years, we were pretty much dedicated to that one project. I like to defer starting points as long as I can and spend as much time as possible beforehand figuring out what the design can be.”
This bold yet thoughtful architecture isn’t something Simcic can rush. His firm consists of only two to three people, usually just the architect and colleague Brian Broster. “I stay small and try to only take on work I want to take on,” Simcic says. “I’ve been lucky that way, I guess. Things have been relatively stable in the building industry here compared to the States, and, because of the scale and scope and size of my practice, one project like that is all
Simcic graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1990. Although he worked for numerous Vancouver firms in the ensuing years, he obtained his license in 1996 and was quick to form his own firm, “despite the fact that I didn’t really have work,” Simcic laughs. “I guess I was kind of interested in autonomy early on.” Eventually, small projects came Simcic’s way. He renovated a small church and collaborated with his wife, a landscape designer. Sim-
cic is also an accomplished artist, with acclaimed projects like “Park,” a sculpture on wheels that resembles a car covered by a tarp that was placed in a series of curbside locations. Ultimately, though, he turned toward architecture—or, rather, folded the lessons of his artistry into making buildings. “The results are always somewhat of a surprise for the clients. They’re excited about the result but they also say, ‘We had no idea this was what we could wind up with.’” Even so, Simcic resists the notion of having a signature style. “I would never want to say, ‘Now I have this bag of tricks, and I execute these projects with it.’ I like the notion of open-ended possibility.”
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
107
distinction
Serving a unique niche in the custom-home industry
COLOURFUL COMFORT An exceptional example of Custom Carpet and Interiors work is seen in this lively living space.
Custom Carpet and Interiors Technical expertise, a team approach, and an impressive showroom affords Custom Carpets and Interiors a competitive edge by Jamie Farshchi What Paul Saunders did at age sixteen and in year eleven at an Alberta high school, isn’t atypical for most teenagers: he skipped school for a few days. What was markedly different about his truancy is that the experience set the pace for him to establish a successful custom interiors business. “I came downstairs one morning and there was a new lunch box on the counter,” Saunders explains. “I asked my mother, ‘Did Dad get a new lunch box?’ He came around the corner and said ‘No, that’s yours, I’ve been talking with your principal and I’ve got a job for you.’ He took me out of school and sent me across
108
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
the road to this worksite. I was so grateful not to [be punished] for not going to school that I practically skipped across the road.” Saunders’ father saw potential in him, to gain valuable life experience through practical training, even at the risk of missing school. Saunders says it was a tough experience that ultimately paid off.
time it was a small flooring company trying to compete with better-known distributors in Vancouver. Under Saunders’ careful guidance, the company has now grown to become a competitive player with a 9,000-square-foot showroom and 12,000-square-foot warehouse, holding over a million dollars worth of inventory at any time.
“It was really a college of hard knocks,” he says, “but it worked because we’re doing all right.”
“Over the last twenty years I’ve come to understand what it is to develop a competitive company,” Saunders says.
After over 20 years laying floors Saunders bought Custom Carpets and Interiors. At the
Servicing British Columbia from the town of Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast, approximately
lhcanada.com
“You have to have your A game, be constant in your product knowledge, you really need to know what’s out there.” Paul Saunders, Owner 70 kilometres northwest of Vancouver, the company prides itself on its technical knowhow and range of supply. “A big part of our business is inventory, being able to supply cash and carry,” explains Saunders, “it’s also having the technical know-how to give sales support where it’s needed. You have to bring your A game and be up-to-date in your product knowledge; you really need to know what’s out there.” The company works with a client base of designers, homeowners and over 40 contractors. Saunders says it’s an understanding of service that helps them maintain their client base. “When a designer comes in they’re looking for as much ammunition as they can get. They want to know they’ve come to the right place and they come in to our store with confidence.” Saunders says, “We make sure the right product goes in the right area because you don’t want phone calls six months later saying something’s gone wrong. People come in knowing we have the knowledge, backup and installation.” With around 27 people in the field laying floors on any given day, Saunders sees his role as one of support. “I’m the director of the cruise,” he explains, “the guy who knows which job to give to which technician, which technician needs more time
and which of them needs his hand held. My job is to make sure everything works, and it does work.” Saunders also ensures that Custom Carpets and Interiors employs the best staff they can find and says it’s not hard getting people to relocate to Sechelt. “Sechelt is a destination place: it’s beautiful. When you live in a nice place, it’s easy to get people to relocate. We have moved up twelve techs from other parts of the lower mainland in the past few years,” Saunders adds. “One of our installers has been with us for nineteen years. We have another who’s been with us for fifteen years; all of our sales staff has worked with us for over five years. They want to stay with us. We must be doing something right.”
A MESSAGE FROM AMES TILE & STONE LTD. Ames Tile & Stone Ltd. is proud to be a preferred supplier of Custom Carpet and Interiors. We are committed to supplying leading-edge products to retailers, architects, designers and contractors throughout Western Canada. Our product portfolio includes: ceramic wall tile, an extensive selection of glazed and dry glaze porcelain tile, glass and metal mosaics as well as natural stone, including: granite, limestone, travertine, slate/ quartzite, marble and onyx.
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
109
directory
*advertisers in blue
Professional Services & Organizations
Altius Architecture Inc., altius.net, 95-96, 97
Design for Living Home & Garden Show, thehomeshow.ca, 12
Tomas Pearce Interior Design Consulting Inc., tomaspearce.com, 41-45
Lorne Rose Architect, lornerose.com, 39
Design Indaba 2012, designindaba.com, 12
Town & Country Interiors, 604-703-4232, 67
John Haddon Design, johnhaddondesign.com, 28,30
Globe 2012, 2012.globeseries.com, 12
V6B Design Group, v6b.com, 76-77
Kariouk Associates, kariouk.com, 89-94
Ideo Bain Interclima+ Elec 2012, ideobain.com, 12
Architecture
Mackay-Lyons Sweetapple, mlsarchitects.ca, 99-100 Reigo and Bauer, reigoandbauer.com, 46-55
Hansebau, hansebau-bremen.de, 12
IDS12 Interior Design Show, interiordesignshow.com, 12
Millwork Prestige Railings & Stairs Ltd., prestigerailings.com, 33
Shim-Sutcliffe Architects, shim-sutcliffe.com, 56-66
Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, kbis.com, 12
Photography
Lake Home & Cabin Show, lakehomeandcabinshow.com, 12
Alec Watson, alecwatson.com, 68-72, 74-75, 77-78
Associations
Light + Building, light-building.com, 12
Ben Rahn, afraestudio.ca, 22
Built Green, builtgreen.net, 74
Livinginteriors, livinginteriors-cologne.com, 12
Ed Burtynsky, edwardburtynsky.com, 59-61
Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association, gvhba.org, 74
Stockholm Furniture Fair, stockholmfurniturefair.se, 12
James Dow, cover page, 56-66
Construction & Design-Build Canterra Custom Homes, canterracustomhomes.com, 32-33 Fourteen Estates Custom Home Builder, fourteenestates.com, 81-86, 115
Surface Design Show, surfacedesignshow.com, 12 Surfaces, surfaces.com, 12 The National Home Show, nationalhomeshow.com, 12 Zow Germany, zow.de, 12
Jonathan Savoie, jonathansavoie.com, 95-96, 98 Jim Westphalen, westphalenphotography.com, 113 Photolux Studios, Christian Lalonde, photoluxstudio.com, 89, 91, 93-94 Tom Arban, tomarban.com, 46-55 Trilogy Studios Ltd., trilogystudios.ca, 32-33
Kalimar Custom Homes, kalimar.ca, 29-30
HVAC
Vince Klassen, klassen.bc.ca, 4, 32-33
PS MacInnis Construction, (416)-265-5185, 85-86
West Coast Geothermal, westcoastgeothermal.com, 67
Plumbing
Top End Homes, topendhomes.ca, 73, 78
Graham Plumbing & Heating, 403-461-4163, 28 Interior Design
Electrical
University Sprinklers, universitysprinklers.com, 76-77
Avalanche Electric, (403) 208-6915, 31
Brougham Interiors, broughaminteriors.com, 103
Clearlite Electric Inc., (705) 446-1407, 97
CMID, cmidesign.ca, 38-39
Plumbing Fixtures
R.A. Ripley Electric, 905-559-0909 & 705-559-0909, 79
Custom Carpet and Interiors, customcarpets.ca, 108
Kohler, kohler.com, 113
Da Vinci Homes, davincishome.ca, 103
Pools & Spas
Events
Dorothy Draper, dorothydraper.com, 112
Bauen & Wohnen Salzburg, bauen-wohnen.co.at, 12
Glen Peloso Interior Design, glenpelosointeriors.com, 37
BC Log Home Timber Frame & Country Living Show, masterpromotions.ca, 12
Inform Interiors, informinteriors.com, 102
Publishers
Insight Design Inc., insightdesigninc.com, 101-103
Lars M端ller, lars-mueller-publishers.com, 21
Buildex Vancouver, buildexvancouver.com, 12 Bulthaup Lecture Series, daniels.utoronto.ca, 12
Kaleidoscope Design Inc., kaldesign.ca, 31
Tuttle Publishing, tuttlepublishing.com, 21
Calgary Home & Garden Show, calgaryhomeshow.com, 12
Lightform, lightform.ca, 102
Canadian Home Furnishings Market Show, tchfm.com, 12 Casa Salzburg, casa-messe.at, 12 Cevisama Expo, cevisama.feriavalencia.com, 12
110
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
Richard Salter Interiors, richardsalterinteriors.com, 35-36
Alka Pool, alkapools.com, 34,36
Rizzoli, rizzoliusa.com, 21
Schools Carleton University, carleton.ca, 89
Spencer Interiors, spencerinteriors.ca, 102 tdSwansburg Design Studio, tdswansburg.com, 68-75, 77-78
lhcanada.com
Real Estate Development
Furniture
Retailers, Distributors & Suppliers
LeBoeuf Properties, leboeufproperties.com, 39
Akaba, akaba.net, 99
3form, 3form.com, 11
Barclay Fieldstone Estates, durhamregionluxuryhomes.com, 82
Armani Casa, armanicasa.com, 35-36
18Karat, eighteenkarat.com, 103
Arper, arper.com, 47,51 Barbara Barry, mcguirefurniture.com, 35-36,38
Specialty
Roofing
Bari Designs, baridesign.com, 102
Vernoy Excavating Limited, (905) 683-3757, 87
Goreski Roofing and Insulation, goreskiroofing.ca, 88
Barrymore Furniture, barrymorefurniture.com, 39
Tranquility Home Comfort Ltd, tranquilityhomecomfort.ca, 88
Etienne Hotte, etiennehotte.com, 14 Walls
Hariri & Hariri, afnewyork.com, 18
Stairs
McCaren Designs Inc., greenwalls.com, 112
Italinteriors, italinteriors.com, 36
Deluxe Stair & Railing Ltd., deluxestair.com, 86-87
Jasper van Grootel, jspr.eu, 18 Flooring
John Harris, jaharris.co.uk, 114
Pioneer Millworks, pioneermillworks.com, 114
Kurt Dexel, dexelcrafted.com, 26
Mirage, miragefloors.com, 102-103
Markus Johansson, markusjohansson.com, 14 Maximo Riera, maximoriera.com, 14
Stone & Tile Ames Tile & Stone, amestile.com, 109 Bisazza, bisazza.com, 52 Icon Stone & Tile, iconstonetile.com, 33-34
Destinations
Palette Industries, paletteindustries.com, 18
Mt. Norman Poets Cove Resort & Spa, poetscove.com, 104
Periphere, periphere.com, 14
Interstyle Ceramic + Glass, interstyle.ca, 72, 74, 77
Pierre Paulin, informinteriors.com, 36
Italcemnti Group, itlacementigroup.com, 11
Rainer Mutsch, rainermutsch.net, 18
Realstone Systems, realstonesystems.com, 77
Products
Robert Kelly Home Gallery, robertkellygallery.com, 7 Thomas Feichtner, thomasfeichtner.com, 14
Accessories & DĂŠcor
Tokujin Yoshioka, tokujin.com, 14
Gus Design Group, gusmodern.com, 99
Tom Price, tom-price.com, 5,17
Art Bau-Xi Gallery, bau-xi.com, 103 Jennifer Kostuik, kostuikgallery.com, 103 Robert Davidson, robertdavidson.ca, 36 Stuart Haygarth, stuarthaygarth.com, 20 Audio/Visual Lutron Electronics, Inc., lutron.com, 74 Brock Built-In Specialists, brockbuiltin.ca, 79
Glass Tsunami Glassworks, tsunamiglassworks.com, 43 Mimi Gellman Designs, mimigellman.com, 62 Kitchen & Bath Amati, amaticcanada.com, 38 Cecconi Simone, cecconisimone.com, 2 Downsview Kitchens, downsviewkitchens.com, 9 Rubinet, rubinet.com, 116
Carpets & Rugs
Technology Softplan, softplan.com, 10 Textiles Angharad McLaren Textiles, angharadmclaren.co.uk, 20 Bev Hisey, bevhisey.com, 27 Jack Lenor Larsen, larsenfabrics.com, 35-36 Missoni, missonihome.com, 20 Wall-Coverings & Paint Jonathan Adler, jonathanadler.com, 20 Metro Wallcoverings, metrowallcoverings.com, 42 Windows & Doors
Calvin Klein, eastindiacarpets.com, 35-36
Lighting
B.C. Door, bcdoor.com, 77
Colin Campbell, colcam.com, 102
Custom Lighting Art Glass Studio, amstudio.ca, 44
Marvin Windows and Doors, marvincanada.com, 10, 96
Decode, decodelondon.com, 112 Foscarini, foscarini.com, 113
Ridley Windows & Doors, Inc., ridley-windows.com, 97
Jennifer Scott, jenscott.com, 43
VELUX Skylights & Sun Tunnels, velux.ca, 98
Scholten & Baijings, scholtenbaijings.com, 20 Tejo Remy, droog.com, 30 Countertops Corian by Dupont, dupont.com, 72
Nigel Coates (Slamp), slamp.it, 51 Norburn Lighting, norburnlightingandbath.com, 74, 77
Window Treatments Moooi, moooi.com, 43
Fireplaces EcoSmart Fire, ecosmartfire.com, 112
Organizations
Woodwork
Towne Fireplace, townefireplace.ca, 85
USGBC, usgbc.org, 10
B+N Industries, bnind.com, 114
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
111
products + services spotlight
EcoSmart Fire An environmentally friendly open fireplace, the EcoSmart Fire is an Australian innovation featuring remarkable design flexibility. The EcoSmart burner is fueled by denatured ethanol, which burns clean and is virtually maintenance-free窶馬o flue or hard connection is required for installation. Available in a variety of ready-made designs, the EcoSmart Fire is also customizable in that it can be installed into any accommodating design.
Vessel Series, designed by Samuel Wilkinson, consists of three mouth-blown forms cut across individual angles. When illuminated the glass tint mutes the light without hiding the form and produces an unexpected irregular reflection that appears holographic. Every piece is mouth blown by eye, without a mould, by master craftsman Stewart Hearn.
(310) 914-3335 ecosmartfire.com
+44 (0)20 7254 9026 info@decodelondon.com, decodelondon.com
Decode
McCaren Designs Inc. With the new Greenwalls Modular Planting Systems, it has never been easier to create a living wall. Designed and engineered for maximum biofiltration of indoor air, thermal regulation, and striking aesthetics, Greenwalls offer a return on investment that can include lowering the heat gain, noise absorption, improved indoor air quality, reduced occupant stress, and ambiance. Cynthia Peterson or Jennifer Johnson (800) 524-7081 greenwalls.com
112
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
Mr. Color: The Greenbrier and Other Decorating Adventures Mr. Color, written by Carleton Varney, features his philosophies on color and takes readers behind the scenes of the interiors and exteriors at The Greenbrier. dorothydraper.com
lhcanada.com
Special Advertising Section
Kohler
New England-based photographer Jim Westphalen specializes in interiors and architecture. His images appear regularly in fine-shelter publications, including Design New England, New England Home, Better Homes and Gardens, Custom Home, and Fine Home Building, as well as dozens of home and garden books.
Contrary to traditional handshowers that feature a single sprayface, the revolutionary Flipside handshower features Kohler’s innovative Flipstream technology, where the sprayface rotates on an axis, offering four sides—each with a different spray option. The Flipside handshower is available in three design and two finish options (depending on the design chosen). Photo:© Kohler Co. Used with permission.
jim@jimwestphalen.com westphalenphotography.com
(800) 4-KOHLER kohler.com
Jim Westphalen
products+ services spotlight The Spotlight is Designed To:
showcase the top trends, innovations, and amenities.
connect LHC readers—elite
©2010_westphalen_photography
custom-home builders, contractors, architects, interior designers, landscapers, and more—with high-quality products and services for their luxury-home projects.
provide
a resource for LHC readers to use when presenting project ideas to clients. Formatted 1/3- or 1/6-page four-colour ads are available. To learn more, contact: Cory Bowen Publisher (773) 897-0300 cory@bowen-enterprises.com
Foscarini Inspired by a material that has always been linked to the world of construction, Aplomb, designed by Lucidi and Pevere for Foscarini, translates concrete from large-scale architecture to a small suspension light for interiors. An elegant product with a simple formality, the lamp has an airy design, the shape of an upside-down funnel, and creates precise, direct lighting, ideal for tables, peninsulas or counters, alone or in composition. Federica Giacchetto +39 (041) 595-3811 foscarini.com
WINTER 2011
luxury home CANADA
113
MATERIALS
trends in the mediums of creation
RECLAIMED WOOD B+N INDUSTRIES
John Harris Lounging the responsible way has never felt better with the Mitochondria Chaise Lounge (left) and Golgi Chair (right), both created by British designer John Harris. The Golgi Chair was crafted from reclaimed timber featuring an extraordinary walnut frame with interwoven leather seat. The Mitochondria Chaise Lounge was inspired by the form and function of the cell’s nucleus and chloroplast. Supported with solid walnut legs, the steel-under-frame construction glides through for an effortlessly adjustable position. jaharris.co.uk
114
luxury home CANADA
WINTER 2011
PIONEER MILLWORKS
PIONEER MILLWORKS PHOTO: Loren Nelson; Mitochondria Chaise Lounge and Golgi Chair PHOTO: Sylvain Deleu
B+N Industries breathes life into the art of paneling. The Reclaimed Wood Iconic Panels collection, formed from reclaimed and recycled wood veneer, includes three species: Western Redwood (right), which was revitalized from olive barrel staves, the Douglas Fir (left), which was recycled from old gym bleachers, and Asian Teak (not shown). The panel substrate and reclaimed timber veneer are both FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified. bnind.com
With more than 20 years of experience in reclaiming old wood, Pioneer Millworks has found a way to offer style, while maintaining an eco-conscious. The Settlers Plank Mixed Hardwood flooring line maintains a relaxed, barn floor look with rich browns, golds, tans and reds. pioneermillworks.com
lhcanada.com
A WA R D E D B E S T C U S T O M H O M E TO R O NTO H O M E B U I L D E R S ’ A S S O C I AT I O N 2 0 1 0 9 0 5•9 9 9•2 2 5 1 • 9 0 5•4 2 7•0 3 9 0 www.
FourteenEstates.com