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A contemporary rear addition with a West Coast-inspired vibe seamlessly merges with the classic look of the original home – enhanced living and sustainability were key

Rear yard showcases a stunning contemporary addition that
Rear yard showcases a stunning contemporary addition that
Enduring love00003 -
Street view with a welcoming garden. - Enduring
Side driveway and garage to optimise space and
Main entrance showcases an existing façade that has
Main entrance opens up to a dramatic staircase
Family room off the main entrance. - Enduring
Open-concept family room and kitchen seamlessly connect to
Living room centred around a stunning fireplace that
Fireplace encased in a natural stone. - Enduring
Mudroom hallway looking at the rear yard garden.
Close-up of a freestanding bath with a garden

Designed by William Dewson, Dewson Architects

From the architects:

This century-old Toronto home has been transformed into a beacon of sustainable, eco-conscious design, deftly blending historical charm with West Coast aesthetics.

Spearheaded by Dewson Architects, this project brought together a family’s vision and thoughtful architectural solutions – resulting in a stunning, timeless, and sustainable home.

The story began when a family of five relocated from British Columbia to Toronto for new career opportunities.

Side driveway and garage to optimise space and

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Drawn to the elegance of their historic home, they wanted to preserve its character while introducing modern, nature-inspired elements.

This led the family to partner with Dewson Architects, renowned for its innovative yet community-focused designs.

We had certain challenges beforehand, says the homeowner.

“The existing garage was blocking most of the rear yard view.

“We also needed an architect to achieve the West Coast vibe we envisioned – a space that embraced an open garden design.

“Within half an hour of meeting Bill Dewson on site, he had sketched a solution that completely transformed the concept.”

Enduring love00003 -

A new vision

Rather than opting for an expensive underground parking garage, Dewson Architects proposed a more practical side driveway, allowing for an expanded backyard garden and saving significant construction costs.

As the project evolved, Dewson Architects recommended a rear addition that would seamlessly merge the traditional architecture of the original home with a sleek West Coast-inspired design.

With sustainability at the forefront, the family embraced this vision wholeheartedly.

To preserve the structural integrity of the historic home, renovations began with a full restoration of the century-old structure.

The construction team enhanced the home’s thermal performance by adding extra insulation, installing triple-glazed windows, and sealing the entire building envelope to eliminate energy loss.

This careful restoration ensured that the home’s elegance and charm would endure for another century.

Open-concept family room and kitchen seamlessly connect to

Proposals by Dewson Architects for the contemporary addition, which integrated modern elements to the existing structure, garnered neighbourhood support – a testament to the architects’ commitment to community harmony.

Our goal was to blend innovation with tradition, creating a space that honours the past, while embracing the future, said Bill Dewson, principal architect of Dewson Architects.

“The sustainable measures we’ve integrated not only enhance the home’s functionality, but also ensure its legacy for generations to come.”

Challenges and commitment to sustainability

During excavation, a leaking fuel oil tank was discovered, temporarily halting construction.

Dewson Architects quickly addressed the issue by removing the contaminated soil and upgrading the heating system to a high-efficiency model.

This unforeseen challenge reinforced the project’s dedication to sustainability, with the old tank recycled and every effort made to minimise environmental impact.

The finished house seamlessly fuses history with modern eco-consciousness.

Close-up of a freestanding bath with a garden

A green roof, recycled materials, and an open, nature-inspired aesthetic bring the outdoors in, allowing the family to enjoy the beauty of each season within a thoughtfully designed space.

The Forest Hill House now stands as an inspirational model of how old-world elegance and modern technology can coalesce, setting a new standard in sustainable, timeless architecture.

Walk through the transformed residence.

Credit list

Renovating architect
Building science consultant
RDH Building Science
Contractor
Patrick Lee Contracting
Windows
Heroal, by Door Studio
Arborist
Ontree
Structural engineer
Revive Engineering
Mechanical design
RDH Building Science
Interior designer
Sarah Richardson Design
Lighting
Dark Tools
Photography
Patrick Lee Contracting

Helpful links

Windows and Doors
Cabinetry Hardware
Home Builder
Heating
Taps
Home Design

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