design et al are delighted to announce that David Small Designs have been shortlisted for Luxury Residence – Canada Award in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2019.
The homeowners wanted to experience the beauty and serenity of their heavily wooded, 1.4-acre property from each corner of their living space. They enlisted David Small Designs to create a mid-century modern design that was custom, contemporary and respectful of the mature landscape whist ensuring the home was a barrier-free environment.
After several custom builds over the past 30 years, this house was designed to be the homeowners’ final home. This approach affected many of David Small Designs decisions, including the bungalow layout, the elevator, and the installation of solar panels; as well as many of the design adventures they chose to embark on.
The floor plan is essentially two buildings connected by a “glass bridge” – an open-concept space where the homeowners do most of their living. At one end is the coffee bar: a kitchenette with a small refrigerator, sink and coffee maker. At the other end is a key focal point: the black brick Guillotine fireplace with a custom concrete mantel that mirrors the unique roofline of the home. The skeletal steel structure of the “bridge” is on display. Walls of floor-to-ceiling glass capture uninterrupted views of the property; from the beautifully hardscaped walkway and landscaped front yard to the infinity pool and forested backyard.
The master suite was designed to be a nest floating in the backyard. The walls of glass capture both the lush green space and the serene flow of water trickling off the side of the infinity pool. The custom walnut bed frame, warm furnishings and in-floor radiant heating bring comfort to the open, yet intimate space.
With this being the client’s last home, nostalgia was an important part of the design for David Small Designs. The bright orangey-red front door can be seen from most angles within the home. It adds contrast and character and is a callout to the bold front door choices of the mid-century modern homes they grew up admiring.
The separate enclosed kitchen was both a functional and sentimental decision. It’s reminiscent of the layout of their childhood homes, but more importantly, it’s a smart layout choice.