HOWLAND

Contractor: AD General Contracting

Structural: Kieffer Structual Engineering

Photos: Nanne Springer

Home again after a quiet sojourn to Ottawa, this couple needed to bring the slower pace of the nation’s capital with them to the hustle of Toronto. This was the second phase of a renovation to an existing semi-detached in the city’s leafy, sought-after Annex neighbourhood. The couple wanted an airy feel to the home. The solution was a high ceiling paired with a sunken living room. That offered maximum light and a view to the garden, along with the built-in option to “seal” the area from the main house to reduce noise. They wanted a refuge in the heart of the city, and they got it.

Modern backyard patio with beige outdoor furniture, potted plants, and a rusted water feature at the front, leading into a contemporary home with large glass sliding doors and interior views of two women, one sitting and the other standing inside.
Modern kitchen with black and wood cabinets, white marble backsplash, island with four wooden stools, and a white countertop.
Modern open-concept living space with a kitchen, wood flooring, minimalist furniture, and natural light.
Modern kitchen with black cabinets, white marble backsplash, marble range hood, white countertops, and a black island with a white top. There are two wooden stools at the island, and a fruit tray with grapes, apples, and a pitcher of water on top. A contemporary black and white pendant light hangs from the ceiling.
Minimalist living room corner with a black chair, a white round table with three black vases, a wooden slatted wall panel, and a marble fireplace.
Modern kitchen with black cabinets, white marble backsplash, and an island topped with fruit and cheese; a woman is reaching for items on the upper shelf.
Modern kitchen with a white island, four wooden stools, black and light wood cabinets, marble backsplash, and open shelving with decorative items.
Modern kitchen with black cabinets, marble backsplash, and a white countertop holding grapes, cheese, bread, tomatoes, a glass pitcher, and glasses.
A modern kitchen with black cabinets, a white countertop, and a woman holding a cluster of grapes near a fruit platter. Overhead, a minimalist light fixture is suspended from the ceiling.
A woman in black pants and a gray sweater standing in a modern, minimalist kitchen with light wood flooring and cabinetry, white walls, black and marble accents, and part of a living room with a white armchair and green plants.
Modern kitchen with black cabinets, marble backsplash and chimney, and wooden and white countertops.
Bright living room with large glass sliding door leading to a patio with outdoor furniture, woman standing near the door, and modern hanging pendant lights.