Page 89 - Designing Ways 264

Harty House

Ajax, Canada

Harty House, a suburban oasis, is a residential renovation project
designed by Toronto-based design firm Atelier SUN. The design
overcomes the challenge of converting a cookie-cutter builder home
into a minimal and tranquil living space.

Located in Ajax, a city on the east border of Toronto, the house was
built in the 1980s under the mass-produced development madness
with excessive structural elements such as columns and beams in the
space.

“It is such a challenging site. We were surprised to see seven columns
floating in the middle of the ground floor within an 850-square-foot
floor area. We had to incorporate the structural elements into the
function and aesthetic of the design by minimising the visual clutter
of the existing condition and effectively creating a minimal and
comfortable living experience,” Andrew Sun noted.

The foyer has a welcoming nook wrapped in wood panels, integrating
bench seating, a shoe rack, and a closet, creating a cozy atmosphere
at the entrance of the house. Adjacent to the foyer, a floating staircase
becomes the extension of the millwork. A wood panel stair wall not
only acts as a privacy panel that marries the structural support of the
stair, but also becomes the canvas that captures the beautiful shadow
casting off the steps.

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