Project: Riverdale Dormer House, Toronto
Architect: Post Architecture, Toronto
Builder: C4 Construction, Lakefield, Ontario
Interior design: Analogue Design Studio, Toronto—Tanya Yeung
Structural engineer: Canada Engineering Services, Toronto
Millwork: Laneway Millwork, Toronto—John Ozimec
Landscape design: Livingspace Landscape Architecture, Burlington, Ontario
A century-old red-brick home seemed like a straightforward renovation, given the material’s durability. Gloria Apostolou, principal of Post Architecture, saw many benefits in keeping the brick structure instead of tearing it down: it would ease neighborhood acceptance of a modern house and would grandfather the new design into old setback and zoning requirements. “Plus, you can’t really recreate these red-brick homes anymore,”
Apostolou adds. “That said, this house was effectively rebuilt: We inserted a new steel structure to take the load off the masonry walls and then patched the brick walls extensively.”
A large, square window that projects from the rear elevation frames the master bath’s soaking tub.
The original brick structure was sound but poorly constructed, and changes led to multiple problems. The team uncovered one such issue during demolition of a bay window addition, revealing a cavity of rubble below and instability in the brick around it. They also subsequently discovered that masonry piers supporting the house had hollow footings and required a complete redo. Even the front porch had to be rebuilt. Most of the project’s 15% contingency budget went toward masonry remediation.
The scissor stair opened up circulation and freed floor space on the main floor. It also provided wall space for additional storage: an adjacent coat closet, a fold-up desk, and an under-stair credenza.
“Once the masons got involved, it was cheaper to rebuild things than to fix them piecemeal,” Post says. “Luckily, the house sits across from a park, and the front is now mostly windows, so there isn’t a lot of brick left.”
Inside other double-wide masonry walls, a steel structure—hidden by drywall—provides support for a third-story master suite. Post had to get zoning variances to build up walls on three sides, so all four elevations now reach the maximum height allowance. On the front elevation, a large shed dormer was added to create a more modern look and to provide views of the park.
On the second floor, two children’s rooms overlook the backyard, with an adjacent full bath. A family room runs the entire length of the front of the home and provides a wall of built-ins with a Murphy bed, fold-out desk, and TV cabinet, so the space can be used to accommodate overnight guests, as a home office, or for movie nights.
The original staircase cut off circulation and light on the main floor, so the architect inserted a new scissor stair to open up the 22-foot-wide space and let natural light permeate the interior. The street-facing living room enjoys park views and flows seamlessly into the dining room. Just behind the stair is the kitchen, with a wine cellar and large island.
Bifold stacking doors connect the dining room to the back deck. Apostolou carefully aligned this opening with twin garage doors flanking either side of the detached garage. “With both garage doors open, the small backyard extends into the lane,” she says. “The garage then acts as a covered area the owners can use as additional outdoor space.”
Radiant floors heat the home and are complemented by a separate high-velocity cooling system. Although more expensive to install, the radiant heating costs little to operate and generates cozy temperatures.
“I’m not sure if the owner understood the implications involved in a whole-house renovation, but in hindsight, we wouldn’t have done anything differently,” Apostolou says. “For planning, zoning, and neighbor approval, this was still the best route to take. And the home looks similar to what was there, but it functions much better.”
Related Stories
Custom Builder
Floodproof on a Floodplain
An impressive addition to the IDEA Home series, the NEWLOOK Experience Home is a master class in engineering and creative design, with builder Michael Freiburger out-thinking an exceptionally tricky lot
Case Studies
The House That Blues Built
Fourth-generation custom homebuilder Albert Cummings knows a lot about two things: building a high-performance home and performing the blues. See where the two meet in The House That Blues Built
Custom Builder
Telling a Story That Preserves the Past
Custom builder and historic restoration and preservation expert Brent Hull walks us through the careful details of his Pennsylvania Farmhouse project
Custom Builder
2023: A Year of Case Studies
A look back at the custom homes and craftsman details we spotlighted last year
Customer Service
A Smart Home Built Smart
Custom builder August Homes blends efficient, high-tech home automation systems with high-performance, sustainable building strategies
Case Studies
New Pandemic Task Force to Enhance Building Safety
A soon-to-be-appointed Pandemic Task Force seeks to strengthen the built environment in the face of disease-related threats
New Home
Hosting Multiple Generations for Generations to Come
Despite juggling numerous program and site considerations, architect Joel Wenzel designed a long-lasting, multi-generational retreat that nestles seamlessly into its bucolic surroundings
Custom Builder
Trading in the Man Cave for a Music Room in The House That Blues Built
Fourth-generation custom builder Albert Cummings splits his time between the world of residential construction and the music industry, so it only makes sense that his personal home includes a customized music room
Custom Builder
Merging Ancient Construction With Modern Living
This vacation home pushes the boundaries of traditional log construction techniques and incorporates elegant details elevating this typically rustic building method
Custom Builder
Making a Custom Home Among the Redwoods
Designing a not-cramped-feeling, three-bedroom home on a tight lot surrounded by protected redwoods was no easy task. But through high ceilings, abundant glazing, and thoughtful spatial detailing, architect Heidi Richardson achieved the improbable.