King West

By Kelly Dawson
King West
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Dissatisfaction with a high-rise rental inspired the construction of a new home.

After a couple traded the house where they raised their children for a condominium above downtown Toronto, they realized they didn’t prefer the shift. Sure, they enjoyed sprawling views and surrounding city life, but they didn’t like the daily routine of a parking garage and an elevator to get to their front door. They wanted to return to a stand-alone property, and because they’re actors, they searched for one that was close to entertainment.

The bungalow they found in the central King West neighborhood had its fair share of problems: floors drooped by six inches across a 25-foot frame and holes gaped through the roof. Architect Kyra Clarkson of MODERNest Inc. decided to scrap the site and build a new home as a second fresh start. “The goal was to create a handsome, contemporary home that nestles quietly into its urban context,” she said. Clarkson created a three-story design punctuated by natural wood accents and an abundance of light, confident that it’s “a home that is built to last, and a home that can accommodate change,” she said.

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“The black siding is contemporary, but the texture of the wood grain is friendly and complements more traditional neighboring houses,” Clarkson said. Windows are fabricated with Douglas fir. Ipe and stained black cedar make up the home’s various decks. Photo of King West modern home

“The black siding is contemporary, but the texture of the wood grain is friendly and complements more traditional neighboring houses,” Clarkson said. Windows are fabricated with Douglas fir. Ipe and stained black cedar make up the home’s various decks.

A 13-foot long dining table comprised of silver maple from Urban Tree Salvage is colorfully framed by Saarinen Executive side chairs. Over in the kitchen, a Liebherr refrigerator matches a Wolf stove. Photo 2 of King West modern home

A 13-foot long dining table comprised of silver maple from Urban Tree Salvage is colorfully framed by Saarinen Executive side chairs. Over in the kitchen, a Liebherr refrigerator matches a Wolf stove.

“The [design] is simple and flexible, with an open plan on the first floor that allows the kitchen to flow into the dining and living spaces,” Clarkson said. Concrete floors help to unify the spaces, which feature a B&B Italia Bend-Sofa and Saarinen executive armchairs in royal blue velvet. Photo 3 of King West modern home

“The [design] is simple and flexible, with an open plan on the first floor that allows the kitchen to flow into the dining and living spaces,” Clarkson said. Concrete floors help to unify the spaces, which feature a B&B Italia Bend-Sofa and Saarinen executive armchairs in royal blue velvet.

Unlike the home’s dark exterior, its bright interior “incorporates large skylight elements, generous windows up to the ceiling, and an operable sliding glass wall facing the garden,” Clarkson said. ROSS Windows & Doors allowed for the airy concept throughout the property. Photo 4 of King West modern home

Unlike the home’s dark exterior, its bright interior “incorporates large skylight elements, generous windows up to the ceiling, and an operable sliding glass wall facing the garden,” Clarkson said. ROSS Windows & Doors allowed for the airy concept throughout the property.

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