ArchShowcase 
Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Adams Fleming House in Toronto, Canada by LGA Architectural PartnersOctober 12th, 2016 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: LGA Architectural Partners On a street of historic, working-class cottages in Toronto’s west end, adjacent to a railway line and a supermarket parking lot, a vacant auto-body shop may have seemed like an unlikely impetus for a residence with a domestic character. The clients—Debbie Adams, a graphic designer, and Peter Fleming, a furniture designer/craftsman—had a limited budget but considerable talent and resources. Working with Levitt Goodman Architects, the project became a laboratory for artistic collaboration and experimentation. Over several years they have transformed the industrial site into an artful urban oasis.  Image Courtesy © Ben Rahn/A-Frame Inc.
 Image Courtesy © Ben Rahn/A-Frame Inc. An introverted plan strategically shuts out the auditory and visual noise of the city and gives Peter and Debbie the opportunity to enjoy the quiet fugue of their home and their fi ne collections of modernist furniture and contemporary art. The private areas of the house are nestled into one corner, with the kitchen, dining and living rooms forming an “L” around them. These are bathed in sunlight and feature panoramic views of the gardens through oversized windows that were once the garage doors. The bedrooms and bathrooms are raised on a platform, creating domestic ceiling heights as well as much-needed storage underneath. A second storey was added with a large open studio space for work and musical jam sessions (Debbie and Peter play bluegrass strings). The roof is prepped for a future roof garden that will create the impression that the house is fl oating in a fi eld while also tempering the temperature and air quality of the house.  Image Courtesy © Ben Rahn/A-Frame Inc.  Image Courtesy © Ben Rahn/A-Frame Inc. Much charm comes from the elements that illustrate the house’s rich collaborative spirit. For example, Levitt Goodman composed a wall around the living room fi replace with panels of steel found on the site; Peter then rusted and waxed them to a red, velvety appearance. Levitt Goodman designed an ensuite bathroom in which Peter created an unusually shaped concrete tub, custom-fi tted to Debbie’s proportions.  Image Courtesy © Ben Rahn/A-Frame Inc.  Image Courtesy © Ben Rahn/A-Frame Inc. The garden is a successful mismatch of styles, including an outdoor dining room, a fountain plunge pool, a vegetable garden, a French-style orchard, as well as beds of native plants and grasses. Amid such dense planting, one can barely see the Goodwill donation trailer that sits in the supermarket parking lot just over the garden wall.  Image Courtesy © Ben Rahn/A-Frame Inc.  Image Courtesy © Ben Rahn/A-Frame Inc. The project not only cleaned up a brown fi eld site and infused a richly-planted garden, it also incorporated energy-effi cient systems that were rare when the project began. These include radiant fl oor heating, ondemand hot water, plenty of large, functional windows, skylights and “Sun Tunnels” that bring natural light into the heart of the house where there are no external windows.  Image Courtesy © Ben Rahn/A-Frame Inc.  Image Courtesy © Ben Rahn/A-Frame Inc. The fl uid collaboration of experts on this project has resulted in a house that exudes originality and extraordinary craftsmanship. A clear celebration of art is merged with an ecological emphasis, transforming industrial debris into a domestic sanctum with an artistic and rural sensibility.  Image Courtesy © Ben Rahn/A-Frame Inc.  Image Courtesy © Ben Rahn/A-Frame Inc. About Levitt Goodman Architects Levitt Goodman Architects Ltd. is an award-winning architecture fi rm that has been providing a wide range of architectural services since its formation in 1989. The firm has a proven commitment to providing excellent buildings with a high degree of design expertise. We have received recognition for our architectural work in many forums, such as the prestigious Governor General’s Medal of Excellence in Architecture, the 2001 Peter J Marshall Municipal Innovation Award of Excellence and several DX Design Effectiveness Awards, CMHC Best Housing Practices Awards and Urban Institute ‘Brownie’ Awards.  Image Courtesy © Ben Rahn/A-Frame Inc. Our designs celebrate the many ways to live and work The challenges unique to each project are an opportunity to innovate, to be inspired and to demonstrate how good design improves people’s lives. We have extensive experience in talking to diverse client groups about their needs and a history of making architecture a rewarding and fulfi lling experience. Collaboration is fundamental to our process We feel it is essential to generate ideas and work through problems together – in our studio, with our engineers, contractors and, most importantly, with our clients. It is a priority for us to establish and maintain good communication with everyone involved. Accountability, maintaining budgets and attention to detail are ensured by the continuous, hands-on involvement of the principals for the duration of any project.  Image Courtesy © Ben Rahn/A-Frame Inc. We never lose sight of the context We know that buildings are part of a bigger picture – socially, environmentally and culturally – and aim to make each design progressive, sensitive and relevant. We like to use energy- and cost-effi cient materials in inventive ways for results that are both design oriented and sustainable. Regardless of the size or type of project, our approach is always technically, aesthetically and economically well informed.
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Categories: House, Residential |
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