Home > Houses > Urban Ravine House by Bortolotto Design Architect

Urban Ravine House by Bortolotto Design Architect

By Eric Meunier

|

Updated on

Canadian studio Bortolotto Design Architect has designed the Urban Ravine House project in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The architects have transformed an old 1,600 square foot home into a 4,000 square foot contemporary residence.

Urban Ravine House by Bortolotto Design Architect:

“Located in Toronto’s Summerhill neighborhood, the original 1,600 square foot, darkly traditional, staid 2 1/2 storey house was designed without consideration of its breathtaking ravine site. Today, sits a 4,000 square foot, four storey home that is oriented at all four levels to the natural beauty of the ravine to the south, with views to the city’s towers during the winter months and with views of a natural forest in the summer months. The house now has two faces, the traditional one facing the street and a modern one open to the ravine.

At the rear of the house which faces south, the inside is connected to the rear yard ravine through views to the spectacular landscape, the city and sky, and through outdoor decks and steps that lead down the sloped forested yard. As well, natural light is introduced to the centre of the house from the roof to the ground floor through a continuous vertical opening of a glass and wood central staircase via a skylight.

With design emphasis on openness and brightness, the fluidity of the house is reinforced by opening it up to natural light with glazing on the south side, the use of translucent walls and surfaces, and a double height space that serves the main living area; the family room. Overhangs at the south side are introduced to keep direct sunlight from entering through the glazing during summer months.”

First Level

Photos courtesy of Bortolotto Design Architect

Avatar photo
About Eric Meunier

Currently the Owner and Chief Executive of HODYO Design, Eric Meunier's expertise in the design industry spreads over 20 years. He was the driving force behind HomeDSGN's early success, founding this website in 2011. Today, he loves to channel his passion for design into remodeling houses and transforming interior spaces with his keen eye for detail and architectural finesse. Learn more about HomeDSGN's Editorial Process.

Leave a Comment