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Collection by Caroline Wallis

A Hillside Toronto Renovation Immerses Residents in the Surrounding Tree Canopy

Rich walnut finishes and Douglas fir beams help define this revamped midcentury dwelling.

Originally owned by an Eaton’s department store designer in the 1950s, Calvin Yoa and Caroline Tsang’s Toronto home has seen only one remodel, due in part to the integrity of the original. “With this particular project the bones of the home were good, so although technically it was largely a full interior finishes demolition, we preserved what original structure that we could,” explains Jenny Francis, principal of her eponymous Toronto-based design firm. The two story redux—completed in 2015—features Douglas fir beamed ceilings, walnut paneling, and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open into a deciduous canopy. Once the only house on the block, Yoa and Tsang’s residence retains its original midcentury look with updated features like radiant heating and a glass facade that beautifully blurs the line between the interior and the outdors.

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The front foor and entryway divide the home's private spaces—such as the bedrooms—with its shared living area. The kitchen, with its sleek walnut, lacquer, and white marble finishes, is the first thing the visitor sees. A pair of Artek pendant lights hangs over the island.
The front foor and entryway divide the home's private spaces—such as the bedrooms—with its shared living area. The kitchen, with its sleek walnut, lacquer, and white marble finishes, is the first thing the visitor sees. A pair of Artek pendant lights hangs over the island.
Tubular steel Paperclip stools from Kinetics, whose sculptural forms were inspired by their eponymous office accessory, stand next to the kitchen island.
Tubular steel Paperclip stools from Kinetics, whose sculptural forms were inspired by their eponymous office accessory, stand next to the kitchen island.
A gray Milo Baughman sofa divides the living area from the kitchen. The FK12 FortyForty stackable side table, seen bottom left, was designed by German architect Ferdinand Kramer in 1945 as a model of adaptable and functional furniture. The white oak flooring complements the room's spare color palette and under floor heating provides comfort year-round.
A gray Milo Baughman sofa divides the living area from the kitchen. The FK12 FortyForty stackable side table, seen bottom left, was designed by German architect Ferdinand Kramer in 1945 as a model of adaptable and functional furniture. The white oak flooring complements the room's spare color palette and under floor heating provides comfort year-round.
So as not to impact the surrounding tree canopy, the architect maintained the original footprint, but added sliding glass doors and the steel beams necessary to frame them. A Backenzahn side table from e15, made from European oiled oak, serves as a subtle geometric detail.
So as not to impact the surrounding tree canopy, the architect maintained the original footprint, but added sliding glass doors and the steel beams necessary to frame them. A Backenzahn side table from e15, made from European oiled oak, serves as a subtle geometric detail.
An elegantly utilitarian Kristalia table is as much a place to work as it is a place to entertain. Chairs are from IKEA.
An elegantly utilitarian Kristalia table is as much a place to work as it is a place to entertain. Chairs are from IKEA.
The entire lower level is a guest suite complete with a vintage recliner and vintage floor lamp. Just beyond the lounge area is a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door leading out to an adjacent ravine.
The entire lower level is a guest suite complete with a vintage recliner and vintage floor lamp. Just beyond the lounge area is a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door leading out to an adjacent ravine.
In the downstairs bathroom, a Zuchetti facuet adds a simple, black accent to the white tiles and sink.
In the downstairs bathroom, a Zuchetti facuet adds a simple, black accent to the white tiles and sink.