Contemporary Ravine with Beige Natural Stone House by Cindy Rendely Architexture
This house was designed and built by the architect, Cindy Rendely Architexture, in North Toronto with main object to take advantage of its spectacular ravine setting; comfortably provide community and privacy as desired; and reflect the contemporary attitude and lifestyle of its owners.
The architect design this house in a stepped arrangement of volumes that open forthrightly into the landscape. Openness to the ravine and awareness of the changing seasons are reinforced by the many full-height glazed walls and doors at various vantage points, which also bring light, motion and sound into the interior.
The house wraps around an outdoor courtyard /dining room and a wide, feature staircase that unfolds into the back garden with U-shaped models. It hovers on top of a horizontal, stone volume that establishes an entrance hall at the front of the house. This is nestled beside a small, single storey brick volume that contains the garage and a small, ground floor apartment for the grandparents. The plan provides each family with privacy, but fully glazed walls and strategically placed entrances and amenities bring them together, ensuring that everyone participates in the daily activities of the household.
White washed natural white oak was used for flooring, millwork and furniture and Eramosa limestone was used in an array of forms: honed, sandblasted, polished, acid-etched, split-faced and bush-hammered – highlighting the remarkable and transformative qualities latent in one material. Details are articulated in aluminum, brick and stainless steel, as well as some mirror and blue and green leather – colours chosen to emulate sky, water and grass.
