Homes serve as sanctuaries, shaping our daily lives and influencing well-being. Well-designed homes optimise space utilisation, seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetics, and foster comfort and harmony. Armed with well-ventilated and amply lit spaces, well-designed homes become havens that encourage private relaxation and social connections at the same time. Located in the heart of Toronto's Forest Hill neighbourhood, Canvas House boasts these features and more. Designed by Toronto-based architecture and design studio PARTISANS, the 5,220 sq ft house is an example of innovative residential design that seamlessly blends contemporary living with a profound appreciation for art. It transcends conventional norms, not only in its undulating brick façade but also in its harmonious integration of art, light, and space.

Immediately noticeable and the most consistently striking feature of the house is its undulating brick façade. It is a steadfast departure from the surrounding Georgian homes. The monochromatic, off-white patterns create a playful juxtaposition with the period character and symmetry of the neighbouring houses. Inspired by the early works of American painter Larry Poons, the façade features a custom, square-shaped bond pattern, using a repeating module of five bricks.

The corbel variations within each module bring about a sense of randomness and fluidity, akin to the movements of a theatre drape. This dynamic exterior, reminiscent of pixelated art, not only pays homage to the client's background in theatre production but also challenges the traditional brickwork found in the area. The house, for its unconventional looks, initially drew resistance from its traditionally inclined neighbours. However, it is recognised for its ability to infuse a little whimsy into its surroundings.

The undulations in Canvas House's façade, serve a purpose beyond being an aesthetic feature. The pixelated façade is cleverly designed to serve a functional purpose - It swells outward to create an overhang above the front door, while strategically receding to allow light around the second-floor skylight. This purposefully unscripted yet intentional movement within the masonry reflects a careful balance of form and function, creating a living artwork that responds to the needs of the residents.

This harmonious blend of light and shadow continues inside the house where the spaces awash in natural light are shrewdly balanced with strategic pockets of shade. The organicism of the exterior façade subtly and gracefully flows into the interior through gently curving walls that seamlessly merge with ceilings and architectural fixtures. Door handles, handrails, and even the fireplace are carved from the walls, creating a sculptural effect that enhances the overall spatial experience. The intentional use of light throughout the interior design adds depth, creating a calm, airy, and contemplative ambience – an ideal setting for showcasing a captivating contemporary art collection.

Canvas House is not just a residence; it doubles as a private gallery. The studio has carefully and skilfully balanced the warmth of a home with the contemplative qualities of a gallery, creating a space where art and domesticity coexist in harmony. The white envelope of the interiors, bathed in light and shadow play, makes for an ideal backdrop for an extensive art collection, turning the house into a literal canvas for the resident’s treasures.

Canvas House is more than a residence or a place of rest. It is a contemporary amalgamation of a home and a gallery – simultaneously a place of solace and art. The sinuous façade of the house has revitalised the Forest Hill neighbourhood, challenging preconceptions and enriching the architectural tapestry of Toronto. It defies conventions and celebrates the fusion of art and architecture.

From its undulating brick façade inspired by Larry Poons to the meticulously designed interiors, every element of Canvas House reflects a thoughtful balance between form and function. PARTISANS has not only created a home for its inhabitants but also a cultural landmark that breathes new life into the Toronto architectural scene.

Project Details

Name: Canvas House
Location: Toronto, Canada
Year of completion: 2022
Design Firm: PARTISANS
Design Team: Alex Josephson (Partner In Charge)
Suzan Ibrahim (Project Manager)
Tim Melnichuck (Designer)
Nathan Bishop (Designer)
Contractor: Duffy and Associates
Landscape: PARTISANS
Structural: Moses Structural Engineering
Masonry Engineer: Picco Engineering 
Masonry: Finbarr Sheehan
Interiors: Patti Rosati