Casa Cascade
design-minded individualS
Our clients are often design-minded individuals; in the case of this project, the clients had undergone two previous renovations, but never with the involvement of an architect. With a desire to achieve something entirely different from their previous two houses, they brought us on board and gave us the freedom to realize this house’s potential. The success of this project is attributed to a joint vision and the trust that the clients put in us.
The clients, a growing family with four young children (under 10 years old!) wanted a warm, welcoming space to raise their kids, entertain their family and friends, and finally settle in to a place to call home. The design objective was to update an existing estate – a builder home built circa 2000 – to suit the taste and lifestyle of the young family. Though located on a large site in an established residential neighbourhood, the existing two-storey, 5000 SF home, had an inefficient flow of space and outdated interiors. An extensive renovation, which included the relocation of a side stair, a sunroom expansion, reorganization of the interior spaces, and all new materials throughout, transformed the interior of the home to suit the family’s modern aesthetic and lifestyle.
Among the project highlights
Among the project highlights is the sunroom expansion at the rear, with floor-to-ceiling bi-fold doors that open the room entirely to the exterior patio. The oversized doors and windows allow for light to pour in to the space throughout the day, and create a visual connection to the rear yard, which is equipped with both a swimming pool and a hockey rink for year round use.
Rather than demolish the existing traditional staircase, complete with an ornamental rod iron guard, the design solution captured the stairs’ curved potential to create a walnut-clad, ribbon-like guard, which wraps the second floor right down to the basement. The stair, once an eyesore, became a key design feature in the home and set the tone for the remainder of the detailing throughout. Working closely with the millwork fabricators, custom designed elements, including solid walnut casings, doors, and archways, walnut ceiling panelling, and an oversized wood entrance door, ensure that the project feels cohesive throughout.
Being the home owners third renovation, the goal was to create a space that they could finally settle down to raise their family in. In contrast to their previous houses, this renovation aims to create a relaxed, yet refined, atmosphere by introducing wood, warm metals, and natural stones. The finished space captures the family’s energy and youthful aesthetic, while taking a relaxed, accessible approach to design.