Project Profile: Sunnylea
Introduction
In the heart of Sunnylea, we worked with a young professional couple who, despite loving their neighbourhood at Bloor & Royal York, had outgrown their small bungalow. With twin daughters, they needed more space but were adamant about staying in their beloved neighbourhood. As one of the homeowners put it, "They will need to carry my dead body out of here! I'm never leaving this house." We were recommended to this family by their Architect, PhD Design.
Approach
Our approach was to honour their deep connection to the neighbourhood while giving them the space they desperately needed. Following the architectural design by PhD Design, we planned to gut the existing bungalow, build a rear addition, and add a second story. This would give the family ample room while retaining the charm and character that initially drew them to the area.
Implementation
The project was both challenging and rewarding:
Gutting and Expansion: We completely gutted the existing bungalow and added a rear extension along with a new second floor. This allowed us to create a spacious and functional layout that met the family's needs.
Preserving the Neighborhood Aesthetic: A key challenge was preserving the original stone from the bungalow to finish a new section of the new front porch. This was crucial for maintaining the look and feel of the neighbourhood, which was important to the clients and us.
Unique Design Features: We added a playful element that the twin daughters loved—a hidden door from the main stairs landing to the second floor. This secret door allowed the girls to enter and peek into their father’s office, adding a touch of whimsy to the home.
Timeline and Coordination: Throughout the project, we worked closely with the clients & their designer, Meredith Ellacott-Hofing from PhD design, to ensure that every detail was perfect. Despite the expected challenges that can come with any project, we completed the renovation on time and within budget, delivering a home that exceeded their expectations.
Result
The results were transformative. This once-cramped bungalow is now a spacious and beautifully designed home that accommodates the needs of a growing family. Key outcomes include:
Ample Space for the Family: The family of four now has plenty of room to spread out. The fully furnished basement includes a playroom and workout area, while the main and second floors feature multiple family and sitting rooms, allowing everyone to find their own nook.
Seamless Integration with the Neighborhood: By preserving the original stone for the front porch and Tudor style trim, we maintained the home’s charm and ensured it still fit perfectly within the neighbourhood.
Client Satisfaction: The clients were thrilled with the outcome as we delivered a home that they will live comfortably in for years to come.
This project highlights our commitment to quality craftsmanship and our ability to transform a home to meet our client’s needs without sacrificing the character they love.