Home of the Week: Gritty Toronto storefront masks a modern home
Artists craft a live/work space from sheet metal shop
Home of the Week: 1575 DUNDAS ST. W., TORONTO. Asking price: $1.55-million. In the search for curb appeal, most house hunters would likely drive right by a gritty shop on Dundas Street West. But Tamira Sawatzky and Elle Flanders were instantly intrigued by a building with a vintage sign heralding Star Sheet Metal Mfg. Co. above the storefront window.Naomi Finlay
With the Star Sheet Metal sign still attached to the façade and graffiti surrounding the entrance way, passers-by might not even notice that the space beyond the new glazing has been transformed into a modern and open studio/dining room. Upstairs, the master bedroom at the rear of the house has a wall of windows overlooking a green roof that sit on top of the living-room addition.Naomi Finlay
In the living room, built-in shelves are lined with books. Despite the open plan, the couple found many creative ways to add built-in cabinets and shelves throughout the house, adds Ms. Sawatzky. “Storage is really important.”Naomi Finlay
The banister on the stairs leading to the second floor was designed by Ms. Sawatzky and created by a local shop. The wall behind the stairs had such an interesting combination of painted surfaces and textures that the couple opted not to refinish it. Now it stands as a reminder of the building’s history.Naomi Finlay
Ms. Sawatzky, an architect with a residential practice, and Ms. Flanders, an artist and filmmaker, had decided to combine their talents into a venture named Public Studio. They needed a live-work space where they could pursue photography and architecture. The couple spent about one year renovating and moved in April, 2012. A long, narrow table near the window serves as a work table at some times and the setting for lively dinner parties at others. Beyond the dining area is a kitchen with an 18-foot-long white-marble islandNaomi Finlay