Farleigh House By StudioAC

ByJon Dykstra Houses

This two-story house boasts large glass windows that allow for plenty of natural light and a spacious outdoor yard.

Team: Jonathan Miura, Jennifer Kudlats, Andrew Hill
Images by: Doublespace Photography
Build: Stein + Regency
Structural: Blackwell Structural Engineers
Windows: Division 8

In order to come up with the very specific design ideas, we create most designs with the assistance of state-of-the-art AI interior design software. Also, assume links that take you off the site are affiliate links such as links to Amazon. this means we may earn a commission if you buy something.

This shot shows a low-angle view of the two-story building and a small parking lot beside it.
This shot shows a low-angle view of the two-story building and a small parking lot beside it.
This is a close shot of the front of Farleigh, showing the black overhang detail on the second level.
This is a close shot of the front of Farleigh, showing the black overhang detail on the second level.
The side of the unit boasts a spacious patio featuring wooden flooring, with easy access to the living room via a few steps.
The side of the unit boasts a spacious patio featuring wooden flooring, with easy access to the living room via a few steps.
The living room is grand and open, featuring a striking sculptural island as the focal point, creating a visually striking knife-edge perspective for the viewer
The living room is grand and open, featuring a striking sculptural island as the focal point, creating a visually striking knife-edge perspective for the viewer
A dining room with a spacious and inviting space that creates a relaxed atmosphere for all who enter.
A dining room with a spacious and inviting space that creates a relaxed atmosphere for all who enter.
A photograph of the triangular island in the kitchen illustrates its multi-functional design, serving as a space for seating, observation, and food preparation, while facilitating social interaction among those present.
A photograph of the triangular island in the kitchen illustrates its multi-functional design, serving as a space for seating, observation, and food preparation, while facilitating social interaction among those present.
From upstairs, the striking sculptural island in the living room serves as a focal point and unique aesthetic element in the space.
From upstairs, the striking sculptural island in the living room serves as a focal point and unique aesthetic element in the space.
A close-up of the black window frame highlights its complementary design with the wall.
A close-up of the black window frame highlights its complementary design with the wall.
he triangular bathroom features a wide mirror mounted on the wall, with a skylight providing a relaxing ambiance
he triangular bathroom features a wide mirror mounted on the wall, with a skylight providing a relaxing ambiance
A floor plan of Forest Hill House
A floor plan of Forest Hill House
A first floor plan of Forest Hill House
A first floor plan of Forest Hill House
A second floor plan of Forest Hill house
A second floor plan of Forest Hill house

Located just off a busy retail/commuter street in Toronto this house was conceived as a simple architectural proposition. A box with one simple spatial gesture that attempts to refine quite common social orientations within the home.

Entry through the front of the house is modest and comprised of a small entry closet flanked by a reading lounge. This then transitions to a flexible dining area. At this moment a spatial tangent funnels ones experience and eye towards the full width of the home.

This space is centred around a sculptural island that at first glance presents a knife edge towards the viewer while it funnels towards the rear producing an unfamiliar triangulated form. It is this triangular form that allows for a more integrated and multi-faceted social interaction between inhabitants. The three sides of the island, one for sitting, watching and cooking allow users of each to interact simultaneously.

This same sculptural element has a fourth function not initially observed, when users ascend into the living room via a few steps the island, once a piece of furniture becomes a wall, a piece of architecture that defines and humanizes an open floor plan. Once seated your sense of space is altered and you feel comforted by the object in front of you. The simplicity and singularity of the project was furthered through material selection and application.

Consistency of the material approach from exterior through to the most private of spaces maintains the simplicity and calmness of the home. Large openings in the façade provide ample natural light which are often flanked by opaque operable panels to provide fresh air when desired. It is worth mentioning this is the first standalone house StudioAC has completed.

While it was exciting to pour energy into the exterior identity a spatial ethic that comes from doing architectural interiors will hopefully push us forward, having us question and refine ones interior experience and day-to-day living habits as initial inspirations of the work.

By Jon Dykstra · See their LinkedIn.