Three’s Company

What was the challenge?

The primary motivation for the renovation was to transform an aging, dilapidated single-family home into an energy-efficient, maintenance-free, and stylish residence suitable for three families. The aim was to address the pressing housing crisis in Toronto by creating affordable and comfortable living spaces in a sustainable manner. By converting the original inefficient single-family dwelling into a multi-unit building, the project sought to provide a viable solution for ‘missing middle’ housing, which is crucial for low-rise neighborhoods. This approach not only enhances the availability of rental housing but also promotes environmental responsibility by opting for a renovation rather than a complete rebuild, thereby minimizing carbon emissions.

What was delivered?

The project involved a comprehensive renovation of a 1920s two-story home, expanding it both upward with a new third floor and outward to the rear. The remodeled structure now features two 2-bedroom suites on the lower and main floors and a two-level, 4-bedroom suite on the uppermost floors. The contemporary design includes heated floors, custom kitchens, and high-efficiency mechanical systems, ensuring a comfortable and healthy living environment. Exterior enhancements, such as white thin brick veneer cladding and contrasting black standing seam metal roofing, provide a stylish and maintenance-free façade. The interior boasts modern finishes chosen for their durability, and the use of hydronic heated polished concrete floors, along with spray foam insulation, ensures low utility consumption. Celebrated by city officials and the media, this renovation exemplifies a cost-effective and sustainable housing solution, offering an innovative model for citizen developers and multigenerational families.