House Caroline by Reign Architects

Located in the bustling heart of Toronto, House Caroline by Reign Architects is a modern addition to a charming Victorian home, resulting in a harmonious blend of old and new.

As one navigates through the city streets, House Caroline emerges like a hidden gem, its sleek, glazed gable a striking contrast to the surrounding heritage architecture. Boasting clean lines and minimalist aesthetics, the residence seamlessly integrates into the urban landscape while making a bold statement of its own.

Boasting clean lines and minimalist aesthetics, the residence seamlessly integrates into the urban landscape while making a bold statement of its own.

To transform the dark, partitioned dwelling into a bright, expansive family home, the brief called for flexibility and adaptability within a very restricted site. An emphasis was also placed on sustainability throughout the dwelling. This included preserving the existing building fabric and fostering a strong connection to the landscape, namely the maple tree in the backyard, which is now a central element in the architectural narrative.

Architecturally, the residence celebrates and integrates living experiences across its levels. Given the constraints of the narrow site, modern spatial planning was key to achieving both connection and privacy throughout. Embracing concepts of fluidity and versatility, each space serves multiple functions, allowing for seamless transitions between everyday living and special occasions. This design approach fosters a sense of togetherness among its inhabitants.

Given the constraints of the narrow site, modern spatial planning was key to achieving both connection and privacy throughout.

The interior is refined yet playful, with an air of understated luxury. The spaces are thoughtfully crafted to maximise natural light and create a sense of openness, blurring indoor-outdoor thresholds. Strategically placed windows frame picturesque views of the neighbourhood, inviting the outside world in. Glazing the existing pitched facade floods the uppermost level with an abundance of natural light. This floor boasts a soaring cathedral ceiling, echoing the roof form visible from the street, and is elegantly lined with solid Douglas fir beams. Inside, room partitions, which don’t meet the ceiling, create the illusion of a much larger space. This sense of openness is further accentuated by the double-winder staircase featuring an open balustrade and treads, maximising both light and transparency across all three levels.

The materiality of the design is grounded in the expression of natural elements. A serene palette of warm beige tones forms the foundation, with brushed natural oak flooring providing a cohesive base throughout the home. Complementary materials are thoughtfully integrated, particularly in the open-plan kitchen, living and dining areas. Here, oak joinery merges kitchen cabinets with a media and seating unit in the living room while also transforming into a simple yet delightful banquette seat in the dining space, perfectly nestled within the existing bay windows.

The materiality of the design is grounded in the expression of natural elements.

In a city where urban density often dictates design limitations, House Caroline by Reign Architects is a testament to the transformative power of design and its ability to blend with the surrounding cityscape while making a design statement. Setting aside conventional residential offerings, the result is a comfortable, refined family home that enriches the lives of its occupants while contributing to the wider urban community.

Architecture and interior design by Reign Architects. Build by HummingbirdHill Homes. Artwork by Erin Armstrong and Rachel Cameron.