Bayview Village Ravine House, Toronto

This existing 1 storey bungalow with walkout basement on a ravine lot on a quiet street underwent a complete transformation with the addition of a second storey, front porch and bay windows into a modern dwelling with 10’ main floor and 9’ second floor ceilings.

The front porch is introduced as the key element to fit with the neighbourhood’s character and to tone down the scale of the second storey addition. The original compartmentalized ground floor is replaced with an open plan to showcase the ravine backyard and to create an airy interior as the home owners’ oasis.

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Before (exterior)

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After (exterior)

Sustainable and special features include:

  • Existing foundation and over 50% of existing walls reused to reduce cost and environmental impact.
  • Existing building footprint preserved with minor increase of floor area with new bay window additions and 2nd floor addition to maximize ravine backyard view.
  • Minimum impact to the ravine in the back which is controlled by “Ravine & Natural Feature Protection By-Law”.
  • Soy-based high-density spray foam insulation in all exterior walls (existing and new) and new roof to achieve higher than OBC code required insulation for extra energy efficiency.
  • Low e double glazed window throughout with Enermax high performance unit on the north side for extra comfort and energy conservation.
  • New front porch to provide solar shading to reduce solar heat gain on the south (front).
  • Front foyer as air vestibule to conserve energy.
  • Open concept main floor with 10’ ceiling to maximum daylight and ravine views
  • Open maple main stair to enhance sightlines and maximize natural light penetration.
  • Double-sided freestanding gas fireplace to supplement heat for extra comfort and serve as focal point.
  • East and west windows minimized for energy conservation.
  • Skylight with solar powdered blinds to admit controllable sunlight.
  • Sun tunnels to introduce daylight into interior areas, minimizing electrical lighting.
  • Heat recovery ventilator for better indoor air quality and energy conservation.
  • Ceiling fan for efficient supplementary cooling.
  • Energy star appliances.
  • Low flush toilets.
  • Low VOC paint for better indoor air quality.
  • Maple and porcelain tiled flooring throughout for better indoor air quality.