INTERIORS & INTERIOR DESIGN
SHIFT HOUSE
Dubbeldam Architecture + Design
A push and pull of interior volumes manifests in an exterior form that offers the occupants a meaningful relationship with the outdoors .
In Toronto ’ s postwar neighbourhoods , modest bungalows are being replaced by faux-historical mansions . Standing in bold contrast is Shift
House by Dubbeldam Architecture + Design . An unapologetically modern insertion , Shift House features a stepped façade defined by projecting and retracting volumes , highlighted by contrasting cladding to emphasize the volumetric gestures . Western red cedar fills the void left by retracted volumes , providing a striking foil to the charcoal gray exterior . Meanwhile , the gently sloping roof extends from front to back , maintaining a low datum line on the street as it forms a comparatively horizontal expression .
Shift House ’ s 300-square-meters are spread over two storeys and , through strategic spatial arrangements , respond to the family ’ s desire for a meaningful connection with the outdoors . The layout of the house consists of an interior grid of six staggered volumes , shifted in and out to shape the exterior envelope . The resulting sculpted façade with its interplay of solids and voids creates opportunities for greater light transmission , additional views , and access to outdoor space at multiple levels through corner windows , generous roof overhangs , green roofs , and balconies on the second floor .
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