[ Cindy Rendely Architexture ] The Ravine Residence

Situated in North Toronto, where the streets are lined with neo-historical châteaus in beige brick and taupe stucco, the Ravine Residence contrasts with its neighbours. The house was created as a multigenerational home for grandparents, parents and three children, as well as for a caregiver and her husband. The objective was to build a house that would take advantage of its spectacular ravine setting; comfortably provide community and privacy as desired; and reflect the contemporary attitude and lifestyle of its owners.

Architectural designer Cindy Rendely has created a stepped arrangement of volumes that open forthrightly into the landscape. Openness to the ravine and awareness of the changing seasons are reinforced by the many full-height glazed walls and doors at various vantage points, which also bring light, motion and sound into the interior.

A U-shaped plan of three volumes, the house wraps around an outdoor courtyard /dining room and a wide, feature staircase that unfolds into the back garden. The main wing of metal and stone houses the family of five and the caregiver suite. It hovers on top of a horizontal, stone volume that establishes an
entrance hall at the front of the house. This is nestled beside a small, single storey brick volume that contains the garage and a small, ground floor apartment for the grandparents. The plan provides each family with privacy, but fully glazed walls and strategically placed entrances and amenities bring them together, ensuring that everyone participates in the daily activities of the household.

The house is further distinguished by its consistent palette of local materials from exterior to interior. One stone and one wood ensure a harmonious aesthetic throughout. White washed natural white oak was used for flooring, millwork and furniture and Eramosa limestone was used in an array of forms: honed, sandblasted, polished, acid-etched, split-faced and bush-hammered – highlighting the remarkable and transformative qualities latent in one material. Details are articulated in aluminum, brick and stainless steel, as well as some mirror and blue and green leather – colours chosen to emulate sky, water and grass.

from  contemporist