251 Lumsden Ave., Toronto
What: An architect’s own custom residence built with a bright and modern two-bedroom plan on 20 by 102-foot lot in East York
Asking price: $699,000
Taxes: not yet assessed
Agent: Paul Johnston, Right at Home Realty Inc.
“It sits on a fairly modest lot, but it’s also a little recessed from the adjoining properties, so I admit to having driven by twice wondering where on earth is this house? “ says Mr. Johnston.
Once there, he saw a rare opportunity not only to live in a unique and modern infill home near Woodbine and Danforth avenues, but also an affordable one at that.
“The starting price for new contemporary housing in Toronto is around $1-million,” says Mr. Johnston.
“So for someone to come to market with an architecturally-designed, custom home for under $700,000 is really in some ways kind of a coup given the increase costs of modern construction.”
Furthermore, it took just seven months for project manager and builder, Ali Malek-Zadeh of Urbanline Studios, and architect, Reza Aliabadi of Atelier Rzlbd, to fashion and form their own roughly 1,400-square-foot house.
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“It’s only a 20-foot [wide] lot, but they’ve been able to put a detached house on that lot that feels quite sizable,” says Mr. Johnston.
Completed late last year, the 2 1/2-storey structure is referred to as the “Shaft House” based on its design around a central sky-lit light well.
“It’s truly unique in that it is brand new and completely bathed in light,” says Mr. Johnston. “[The owner] has wrapped these rooms around that shaft so that they each benefits from some of the light that ends up piercing the structure.”
Some may find that hard to believe given the dark Corten steel façade at the end of a long driveway.
“The front almost lacks fenestration, but there three windows, two of which are hidden behind shading systems,” says Mr. Johnston.
“What the architect has very cleverly done is take advantage of the back light – which is south-facing – and skylight to introduce light into a house that – from the street – reads almost as a solid box.”
The back is encased with tall glass doors to the deck and fenced backyard off the kitchen, living and dining area, as well as a wall of double glazed windows in an open media room on the floor above it.
Given that the owners spend most of their daylight hours in those spaces, the bedrooms were allocated to the front of house. “The bedrooms are more discretely tucked on the north side of the house, which gets less light and are more private,” says Mr. Johnston.
While the light shaft physically separates public and private spaces, so does an unconventional layout that virtually spreads every room out on its own floor.
“The levels are staggered from each other so it’s almost like climbing up in a treehouse,” says Mr. Johnston. “It really is a very cheerful and sun-drenched house with a really clever … floor plan.”
For instance, in spite of the clear definition between rooms, the house still has an open atmosphere with nearly nine-foot high ceilings and low walls to open up sightlines into the rooms along the light shaft.
“It creates interesting opportunities for a cozy little spot for unusual furniture placement,” says Mr. Johnson, points out that kitchen island and prep area lies at the base of the atrium within view of the media room. “There is a great place to put a desk for kids to do homework.”
Multiple uses can also be found with built-in components, such as a floor-to-ceiling headboard in the third floor master retreat that frames a Queen-sized bed on one side and offers shelving for a full wardrobe on the other.
“That’s such a clever way for an architect imaging how someone is going to use the home and create furniture that functions for a dual purpose,” says Mr. Johnston.
Even the master bathroom, which is one of three in the house, features pot lights, a floating vanity, a tub and shower stall with a wall of glass overlooking a secluded rooftop terrace.
“This provides truly natural light from the shower, but also privacy,” says Mr. Johnston. “Getting that much light in the bathroom is terrific.”
Though Mr. Johnston hopes buyers won't take as long to “find” this unique property as he initially did, he is confident many will quickly discover how easily its fluid and flexible design can adapt to their lifestyle.
“It works for a family with a child or a couple children, or someone who has a work-at-home need because two of the rooms are easily converted into office space,” says Mr. Johnston. “Or it’s for a couple looking for a loft alternative.”
