programme: “Disconnect” is the term that would best describe the pre-renovation state of this house in relation to Marianne and Rob, its suave and uber-cool occupants. The solution was a total re-build from the inside out, taking the home from quaint cottage to uptown abode. Inside, layers of dated finishes were stripped away, as the compartmentalized floor plan gave way to a new openness. The roof structure was re-designed (still from the inside) to create a vaulted spine that runs the length of the living space. A large, open kitchen was created with a direct connection to the front of the house, as well as to the coveted outdoor room at the rear of the house. Rob didn’t ask for much, but he did insist on an outdoor “man cave” complete with timber frame glass roof, an architectural privacy screen, generous outdoor furniture, a concrete fireplace, and of course a manly BBQ for suckling pig roasts. A bit of “nudging” was required to convince Marianne to have the master suite on the lower level, but now that it’s in place she loves it. The interior design throughout was a Marianne original, one that Synthesis would be proud to call our own. We have always said that great clients beget great projects, and this is a classic example of that theory being proven.

programme: Our aim was to push the boundaries of transitional North American openness by introducing the quaint English charm. Our client wanted to create a house that was “bright, contemporary, clean, green and modest.” Entering through the main entrance, you are welcomed into an open plan kitchen and vaulted great room that is designed for both “relaxing and entertaining.” The great room’s skylights and large expansive windows “brighten up the area and provide a sun spot any time of the day.”