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ELLIS PARK HOUSE
L
ocated in Toronto’s Bloor West Village
neighbourhood the Ellis Park House
was conceived as an ecological urban
home that places a bold emphasis on
sustainability and contemporary living.
The home was constructed on an overgrown
infill site, just steps from Bloor Street, that was
considered unbuildable because of its 45 slope
and shallow depth. Where others saw obstacles
the design team saw potential for an earth
sheltered home, ideally sited in an urban context
with good solar orientation and exceptional
vistas over Toronto’s High Park.
In order to make the most of the site and
minimize disturbance the excavation was the
first example of permanent soil nailed shoring
in Ontario. Surgically cutting a three and H[