Instar House is a minimalist three-storey wood and steel structure, which is located on the southern edge of Allenby, a neighbourhood on the border between North York and Toronto.
Instar House
The Toronto-based architect Reza Aliabadi designed a single-family house, a minimalist three-storey wood and steel structure based on a clear distinction between two main volumes.
View Article details
- 30 August 2016
- Toronto
The evolution of design was based on a clear distinction between two main volumes which are both stretched east-west: a larger one in grey that contains all the served spaces; and a smaller replica in black that accommodates all the servant spaces. In order to maintain a sense of autonomy all the major glazed openings on the larger volume are connected and the exterior of this modest monolithic mass is rendered in seamless stucco.
The staircase – void which sits on the centre of the larger volume, not only allows for visual communication, also divides each floor level into two sections: on the main floor, a living room on the west and a kitchen – dining banquette on the east; on the second floor, two bedrooms that are connected through a glass bridge which overlooks the kitchen and provides a shared study area for kids; the third floor has been dedicated to a generous master bedroom with the sleeping zone on one side and a roof top patio on the opposite side where clients can enjoy an outdoor hot-tub while looking towards a beautiful park.
The smaller volume facilitates all the utilities and services: a mechanical and laundry room in the basement; a powder room and the entry foyer on the main floor; a shared bathroom and a laundry chute on the second floor; and a master ensuite on the top.
Instar House, Toronto
Architect: Reza Aliabadi
Structure: Gamaley and Associates
Construction Management: Jordyn Development
Area: 205 sqm
Completion: 2016