Home of the Week: Urban home on an urban pond
Mr. Wickens, who specializes in residential architecture, faced a couple of significant challenges in the Swansea build. One was the location next to the pond, which means that the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority had to approve the project, along with City of Toronto’s department of Urban Forestry. Acquiring permits was a lengthy process. To ensure that the house would never shift or sag, they built it on the type of helical piers that more typically support a commercial building or condominium tower. ‘There’s a fortress underneath the building,’ Mr. Wickens said. ‘It’s kind of an indestructible thing.’Craig Williams
The architect sought to combine Ms. Wickens’ love for traditional elements with Mr. Marchildon’s preference for a modern residence. Mr. Wickens interpreted ‘traditional,’ as a house that would feel warm and welcoming and domestic and protective.Craig Williams
The exterior was made to appear more traditional so that it would blend in with other houses in the neighbourhood and also let the occupants feel less exposed. ‘Some of it was about a big roof that kind of protected the house,’ Mr. Wickens said. ‘For the street it’s a very big house but it doesn’t feel as big.’Craig Williams
‘The double-sided fireplace is extremely traditional but in a way very modern,’ says Mr. Wickens.Craig Williams
The U-shaped kitchen provides an outlook over the pond and into the dining room. Ms. Wickens finds that the marble-topped counters feel warm and modern at the same time and blend well with the stainless steel. Tall wood cabinets and a built-in china cabinet also provide lots of storage.Craig Williams
A separate family room can be left open as part of the main floor space or closed off with sliding pocket doors. ‘I think that part of building a good, open space is knowing when to close off a room,’ says Mr. Wickens.Craig Williams
The master suite occupies the back of the house. A wall of windows has a view of the trees, pond and parkland, but a low bookcase below the window prevents the room from feeling too exposed. ‘The master suite has that kind of privileged view down this long length of the pond,’ Mr. Wickens says.Craig Williams
An office space beside the master bedroom.Craig Williams
‘The back was all about giving them as much overlook as possible of the pond,’ Mr. Wickens says.
Visitors arriving to the front door immediately catch a glimpse down the hallway to the large room at the rear of the house and the water beyond. ‘There was an idea to give a preview of what’s going to happen. You get a slice of it,’ Mr. Wickens says. ‘As you come down the hallway, it becomes very horizontal and panoramic.’
With the kitchen, dining area and living room all facing the rear, the family always feels connected to the landscape. A walk-out leads to a large deck with an outdoor fireplace.