This home was the original birthplace of comedian and actress Beatrice Lillie (known as Lady Peel), but it now serves as a modern, bright and airy residence in Toronto. The historic home was remade with an open floor plan and a more efficient use of space. The exterior facade was only minimally altered to allow for changes in the new windows and to expose brick that had been previously covered by cladding. While slightly more modern, the exterior still respects the historic character of the neighboring houses.
The interior was dramatically altered to eliminate unnecessary elements, improve circulation and flow, and increase the amount of natural light. The ground floor is occupied by an open living, kitchen and dining room, while the second floor has space for the bedrooms and home office with a bridge that crosses over the living room. A previously uninhabitable attic was converted into the master bedroom complete with an in-room bathtub.
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Skylights, larger windows and openings allow more daylight to reach into the home and minimize the use of artificial lighting. Atelier rzlbd incorporated white finishes and locally-sourced materials. Voids and windows encourage the use of natural ventilation and the chimney effect. Passive design strategies turn the home into a modern and efficient space that retains some of its old charm.
Images ©borXu Design
