Canal Terrace House

Ottawa, Ontario

The extreme change in grade across a shallow lot presented challenges for the design of this contemporary home. The solution was found in an unconventional way, by locating the front door on the lower level of the home. This would normally be a problem, but here the floating staircase and interconnected floor levels allow people on main floor to see who is coming to the front door below.

The open stairwell immediately welcomes visitors into the main floor living area where the kitchen, living and dining areas are located, and washes the space with southern light. The fireplace surround of concrete tile is at the centre of the space.

The main living space has a direct connection to the terrace overlooking the Rideau Canal. Built-in benches act as a screen and wrap around the terrace providing privacy while maintaining views to the north and west. The terrace features a modern concrete fire pit, completing the outdoor living room.

The master bedroom on the second floor has sweeping views of the canal. Moving upwards, the view only gets better, and at the third floor the shallow roof acts as a canopy for the sheltered terrace. Below, the north façade was conceived as two stone masses flanking a wall which consists primarily of glazing, creating a massive bay window. On the opposite side of the home, the roof shape is a modern approach to the mansard roof, in order to moderate the height and mass of the four-storey elevation. The exterior material palette of synthetic stone, cement panel, and wood creates contrast, and their congenial composition strongly defines the south facade.

Year:  2016
Size:  4,000 sq.ft.
Photography:  doublespace photography