Occupying the ground floor of a soft loft development, this project converted a commercial space into a ground floor penthouse. It was a start-from-scratch project, to take advantage of the high ceilings and natural light. The unit is predominantly south-facing, looking onto the walking path along the Lachine canal. It is a project which considers the boundaries of public and private, exploring how these boundaries can simultaneously be upheld and dissolved.
To define the boundaries of public and private, the plan consists of three nested volumes which build layers of privacy. The largest volume is the most public, an axial gallery from the front door to an external terrace. The middle volume demarcates the private portion for work and sleep, and the smallest volume contains the master bathroom. The three volumes connect through full-height pocket doors. Subtracted sections of wall reinforce the idea that these are volumes and not merely walls.
Looking in from the Lachine Canal, the oversized windows separate the public corridor into sections of living, dining, and cooking. At night, these three sections can be individually lit, reading as three distinct volumes. To confer privacy, roller shades have been recessed into the ceiling cove.
A simple palette of white oak floors and lime painted walls provides a calm buffer to the action outside. The structural concrete is revealed in places, heavily honed to pair with the soft tones. The dining table, bench in natural oak, and office in whitewashed maple were custom-designed. Underfloor heating and home automation are incorporated throughout.
