Toronto-based design and development company baukultur/ca recently completed the construction of two new build contemporary, highly sustainable homes. Strictly modern in its design, the building complements the existing neighbourhood, yet provides two-family homes on an infill lot and footprint which would be conventionally occupied by a sole single-family house.

The building, with two 4-level residences, is heading the way amongst the few but an increasing number of houses in Toronto designed to minimize the carbon footprint. Its specific use of materials and finishes reduces future maintenance, as well as supports future residences’ well-being.

Located on a tree-lined residential street in one of Toronto’s popular downtown neighbourhoods, just steps to public transport and the lively main road, zero79 combines several attributes that may very well lead the future of Toronto city living and construction. Providing modern design with clean lines, the project utilizes gentle intensification, off-site construction, all the while nurturing sustainable and healthy city living.

Two Homes Intertwined

With 25 feet in width available, it was necessary to create an innovative concept to realise the two ground-bound family homes on one shared infill lot. The solution provided by baukultur/ca arranges the two 3-storey homes intertwined, one behind the other, without losing the breadth of space, a loss that is typical of conventional semi-detached design.

The two homes interlock each other, yet the pair remain present and accessible through both the sunny front yard from the street as well as to the back where one would find a private backyard and garaged parking space. The homes share a meandering common wall which zones spaces within each home.

Although the concept of arranging two homes behind each other on one lot does not seem radically new, it is new to Toronto and created hurdles in the permit process which necessitated working together with city officials in order to be granted permission to build.

Built off-site and assembled on-site in only 5 days

Even though it did not provide the most economical solution, baukultur/ca decided without hesitation to pursue the plan to prefabricate the wall- and ceiling-panels off-site. The benefits of off-site construction, such as the reduced impact on the neighbourhood’s residents, a shortened construction period, the exceptionally efficient use of resources and waste reduction, and a superior quality build where the structural system would never be exposed to the elements, were crucial in choosing to implement this progressive method.

The prefabrication of the wall and ceiling panels began while awaiting the finalization of the building permit to be finalized and was completed simultaneously with the on-site construction of the concrete basement. The prefabricated panels were then assembled on-site, and within 5 days the building was completely sheltered from the elements.

Not only was the structural framing in place, when the panels were delivered and assembled on the property, but so were all windows, 6” of exterior insulation, the metal siding, and a temporary waterproofing membrane for the roofs. The building was erected and weatherproof in under a week of on-site construction.

80% Reduction in Green House Gas Emission

Expansive efforts were taken to create a highly energy-efficient building. The result is two homes which will emit 80% fewer greenhouse gases and use 60% less energy than if the homes were constructed simply to building code standards.

To achieve this, the homes incorporate a multitude of energy-efficient features, the most important of which are the heavily insulated walls and roofs equipped with a thick layer of continuous exterior insulation, well-insulated triple-pane windows providing lots of natural daylight, heat reflective roofs, a highly effective heating, cooling and energy recovery system, LED lighting with smart control, not to mention an airtight building envelope.

Apart from energy-efficiency, baukultur/ca also focused on providing superior indoor air quality and a healthy living environment within each residence. This was achieved through the thoughtful and meticulous planning of building assemblies in conjunction with the selection of either VOC-free or low VOC sustainable interior materials and one of the most efficient Energy Recovery Systems (ERV). The ERV provides the homes consistently with fresh filtered air while recovering energy from the exhausted stale air.

The homes are not connected to the city’s gas grid and function solely on electrical power. With the elimination of open flames and the possible sources of carbon monoxide and exhaust fumes within the house, this approach is commendable in its advancement of healthy residential living and, moreover, provides the most cost-efficient and resource-saving solution to heat and cool these highly energy-efficient homes in the future.

The homes will be the first in Toronto, and only the third in Ontario, to be certified with the Platinum Plaques by Built Green Canada, a 3rd party certifier that focuses on much more than mere energy efficiency but rather looks at the buildings from a holistic standpoint: The House as a System – which encompasses the preservation of natural resources, reduction of pollution, ventilation and air quality, and the enhancement of home durability.

baukultur/ca has created two-family homes which harmonize with the neighbouring context. Their bright appearance, with large windows and details from thermally modified wood, respectfully explores the existing building structures, shapes and materials in the surrounding area, yet the design finds ways to reinvent the existing with its own aesthetics to create a common language and understanding while developing a new sculptural presence for the homes.

The walls are cladded in precise, white and dark grey composite panels whereas the sidewalls and sloping roofs are covered in metal shingles providing rhythm to the otherwise closed surfaces.

The choice of interior finishes is bright and clean. The predominant colour is white. White walls and ceilings, white oak floors and white trim, with the occasional accents of the same materials used on the exterior and black or wooden detailing, enhance the sophisticated modern look and create a bridge between the interior and exterior.

This is an illustration of the floor plan for the house's levels. It also shows the different elevations to give you a better grasp of the entire home.

This is an aerial view of the house as it is being constructed.

These are the different parts of the house that is to be assembled on site.

This is the backyard of the house with a large wooden fence in the middle to separate the two houses. This view also shows the back entrance that can be accessed through a set of wooden steps that are connected to the walkway of the backyard.

This modern home has white and gray exterior walls complemented by the large glass windows accented with a wooden panel on the side. Here you can also see the side entrance through a long and narrow walkway.

This is a simple living room with a large gray sofa, a round wooden coffee table and a wooden armchair by the large sliding glass door that leads to a deck terrace.

This other view of the living room reveals the kitchen just beside the living room. It has a breakfast bar with two modern stools and some built-in shelves on the side.

This is the view from the kitchen showing the staircase beside it. It has a large panel of thin iron bars that works for aesthetic and safety purposes. This gives accent to the wooden tone of the stairs that pair well with the hardwood flooring.

This view shows the proximity of the wooden kitchen island to the living room on the far side. This kitchen island matches well with the light hardwood flooring contrasted by the sink.

The kitchen has a charming cooking area with a glass top to its modern stove and oven. This is topped with a dark brown wooden vent hood that makes it stand out against the white walls.

The simple white bed with black pillows. This bed blends quite well with the white walls and white ceiling that has a beige light in the middle. The wooden structure across from the bed has built-in cabinets.

The bright and white bathroom has a wooden floating vanity that supports a couple of porcelain sinks topped with wall-mounted mirrors and pendant lights from the white ceiling.

This is the other bathroom with a dark brown floating vanity with drawers. Across from this vanity is the glass door of the walk-in shower.

This is a lovely basement fitted with a gorgeous living room. It has a beige sofa that pairs quite well with the wooden wall panel across from it that houses a modern fireplace adorned with a potted plant on the side.

This view shows the living room and the dining area illuminated by the glass walls on the far side that brings in an abundance of natural lighting.

This is a closer look at the living room area with a beige sofa, a small round wooden side table and an armchair that pairs well with the large patterned area rug.

This is the great room that houses the living room, dining area and the kitchen within its white walls, white ceiling and light hardwood flooring.

This hallway leads to the back door with a large glass panel. There is a small console table on the side and you can also see a bit of the kitchen from this vantage point.

This is a charming reading nook at the corner of the bedroom with a wooden armchair, a small white side table and a large window to bring in natural lighting.

The primary bedroom has a large cushioned gray bed with white sheets to match the walls and ceiling. On the far side, you can see the sliding glass doors that lead to the balcony.

This bathroom has a couple of floating porcelain sinks on dark gray tiles of the wall that extends to the wall of the glass-enclosed shower area beside the sinks.

This bathroom has a patterned gray and white wall with the floating sink. This matches well with the beige bathtub on the far side that blends well with its beige walls and flooring.

Fact Sheet

Project Name: zero79
Location: Toronto, Ontario Canada
Design & Development: baukultur/ca
Builder: baukultur/ca
Designer: Felix Leicher
Structural Engineer: Gabris Associates
Mechanical Design: Trevor Day & Associates
Energy Modelling: Building Knowledge Canada
Contractor: Tipeq Homes Inc.
Custom Prefabrication: Pinwheel Structures in corporation with The Woodline, Germany
Client: For Sale
Construction Period: May 2019 – January 2020
Use: Two Attached Homes
Size: Each unit 3 storeys + finished basement; approx. 2.000sqft, in total approx. 4,000sqft
Press Distribution: v2com

About baukultur/ca

baukultur/ca was established 2015 in Toronto by German Architect Felix Leicher as a boutique design and development company with the mandate to create healthy, ambitious and unique spaces of the highest architectural standards.

baukultur/ca understands architecture as an important part of human culture and therefore sees their projects as contributions to the public dialogue about architecture. Each creation enhances the cityscape, thus having a positive impact on urban development.

The core of the design work is cultural and urban awareness, which enables them to create original concepts and authentic aesthetics that correspond with the purpose of each project and achieve buildings that are relevant. Ours is a thoughtful approach where each line shows a conscious decision.

During the design process, we explore the existing structures and urban context to create stunning modern spaces exceeding today’s standards and demands of healthy urban living. Our designs are always driven by the effort to create open, bright, modern but also comfortable, healthy and functional space.

baukultur/ca inherently understand the finished building as a piece of art where each design element fits the next and only together those pieces create a unique architectural unity, but at the same time, those buildings are objects of daily use which have to function and comfort at the highest levels.