In the heart of Toronto‘s Summerhill neighbourhood, a transformative tale of architectural reimagining unfolds. Barbora Vokac Taylor Architect (BVT A), known for their commitment to quality, wellbeing, and sustainable design, has unveiled the Summerhill Family Home, a profound renovation that breathes new life into an urban residence. This project, completed in 2023, is more than just a renovation; it’s a carefully orchestrated symphony of space, light, and familial connection.
The original structure, a relic of 1990s renovations, lacked the soul and functionality required by a modern, multigenerational family. As Barbora Vokac Taylor, the firm’s founding architect, eloquently puts it, “The home was located in the heart of a neighbourhood that the clients absolutely loved, but the existing home didn’t reflect them or their lifestyle.” Thus began a collaborative journey, one that navigated the unexpected twists of a pandemic, ultimately resulting in a “future-proofed” design tailored to the clients’ evolving needs.
BVT A approached the project with a delicate balance of preservation and innovation. They retained the robust double-wythe brick exterior and the existing stairwell, honouring the home’s history while infusing it with contemporary sensibility. The street-facing facade, carefully recomposed, respects the neighbourhood’s character while reflecting the clients’ modern tastes.
The interior, however, underwent a radical transformation. The once dark and partitioned spaces were reimagined as a series of interconnected “perches”—intimate gathering areas that foster both communal interaction and individual retreat. The living room and dining areas were swapped, strategically positioning the dining room at the front, framed by a floor-to-ceiling bay window that serves as a welcoming vignette. Custom walnut banquettes, Douglas Fir window frames, and white oak flooring create a warm, inviting atmosphere, while a preserved wood-burning fireplace adds a touch of timeless charm.
The kitchen, now the “hearth” of the home, acts as a central connector, facilitating seamless flow between the dining and living areas. “It was critical to keep visual connections between the spaces, but also to define physical separations,” explains Ms. Vokac Taylor, highlighting the delicate balance between openness and privacy. Lift-and-slide doors extend the living room onto the back patio, effectively doubling the entertainment space.
A new internal staircase leads to a basement transformed into a recreational hub, featuring a TV room, gym, and home spa. On the second floor, a children’s playroom, visually and acoustically connected to the living room below, offers both privacy and connection. Custom millwork “studiolos” in the children’s bedrooms maximize space, integrating desks, nightstands, bookcases, and headboards into a single, functional unit.
The third floor, bathed in natural light from a central skylight, houses the master suite. This retreat, complete with a walk-through closet and ensuite bath, opens onto a private terrace overlooking the verdant green roof of the new garage. The addition, clad in weathering steel, ages gracefully, its ochre hue deepening over time, a testament to the home’s enduring beauty.
Landscape architect Saraga Taylor Landscape Architects (STLA) collaborated on the exterior, creating a front walkway that provides privacy and noise reduction from the street. The rear garden, anchored by a three-car garage with a green roof, features a swim spa and a dining area under an aluminum pergola. The green roof, beyond its aesthetic appeal, serves as insulation, reduces heat island effect, and manages water runoff.
BVT A’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their preservation of the existing building envelope and the retrofit with improved thermal performance. “We were able to retrofit the existing portion of the home with a tighter building envelope, and by adding an interior partition we could add insulation to the inside face and improve thermal performance, including reducing heat loss in the winter,” explains Ms. Vokac Taylor.
The Summerhill Family Home is a strong demonstration of the power of thoughtful design, a space where the past and present converge to create a home that is both beautiful and functional. It’s a home that embraces its urban setting while providing a sanctuary for a modern family, a place where memories are made and cherished for generations to come.