architect : bing thom

built : 1994

link to mls listing and the write-up by the realtor:

unique home, world renown architect bing thom whose work include ubc chan centre, canadian pavilion expo ’92, trafalgar square. london city plans of dalian & yuxi (in China), crafted this rare residential masterpiece. this suzhou-inspired sanctuary was carefully constructed out of modern skyscraper materials by a highly trained japanese team & furnished internally with luxurious custom-designed millwork & appliaces. from the south facing kitchen of the home residents can interact w/colorful koi fish gracing a huge koi pond. the residence sits on a 90×120 lot & includes an studio unit (for guests or a live in nanny) next to the 5-car garage. nestled in a quiet neighborhood & within walking distance of canada’s best private schools. this is the perfect place for sophisticated buyers or collectors of fine & rare homes.

the main entry foyer and open riser stairs. note that all the doors throughout the house go from floor to ceiling. other key interior details are the shadow lines at the base and top of walls.

 

the kitchen with a dining nook overlooking the koi pond on the south side of the house. the curved roof building in the distance if the 5-car garage/studio building at the rear property line. a lattice drop ceiling creates an intimate scale for the dining space.

 

the living room with view to the south and a corridor to the other parts of the house on the right. the corridor has a 3 step elevation change with enhances the experience and allows for view-point changes as moving from one space to another. once again the reduced ceiling height in the hallway creates a compression effect and upon entering the living room, an expansion (due to the height of the ceiling) is produced which psychologically increases the size of the room.

 

the garden on the north side of the house. expansive windows and doors allow visual and physical access to the garden. a concrete wall with a tall hedge at the sidewalk keep this space very private. take a look at this google street view and just see how private the house is.

 

bathroom features low-profile toilet but also screens at the windows to ensure sufficient privacy.

 

master ensuite has built-in millwork and wood panels for the walls to ensure continuity with the rest of the house. the low-profile toilet is nicely hidden out of view behind the tub enclosure. once again, the doors are from floor-to-ceiling and minimal shadow line ‘trims’ around doorways are implemented.

 

basement room features a library. this is a very nice way to finish a room rather than just having drywall on all three sides.

 

the back of the property features a generous reflecting koi pond.

 

the bridge between the interior and back deck. a beautifully crafted concrete house will stand the test of time, and having all that southern exposure windows should help with the winter solar gains. this houses really sits well in its 90′ x 120′ piece of land surrounded by lush landscaping creating its own private retreat.