Architect house, built in the 1960s
Baker Residence
Completion date
2016
Project manager
Ingrid Savage
Photos
Adrien Williams
Clients: A professional couple whose children have left home
This house, originally designed by the architect Joseph Baker, has some superb architectural features: high ceilings, many skylights, rosewood insertions and Cherrywood floors. Built in the 1960s, it had lost some of its brilliance over time and with the work done, such that in 2016 its new owners decided to renovate.
They came to the designers at Desjardins Bherer with two conditions: preserve the structural beauty of the house, and create connected living spaces where one would want… to live.
Interconnected vessels
The many skylights bring ample daylight into the entrance hall. Broad and welcoming, the hall serves as a sort of focal point in this house of artfully connected rooms. On the right, the imposing artwork in the dining room draws the eye and on the left, the original fireplace of the library, formerly the master bedroom, astonishes. In the centre, a railing, perfectly combining rosewood with glass, protects the stair to the basement, which has also been renovated.
Let there be light!
The living areas are bathed in light. A broad platform underpins the living room, the preferred place to relax, read or watch TV. A bamboo and linen carpet warms the room, and linen curtains cloak the enormous windows onto the street, giving needed privacy without blocking the light.
At the other end of this large room is a sitting area leading onto the backyard terrace. It is the ideal place to have a drink, talk or simply keep the chef company. A fireplace has been added to enliven the space. Large rosewood doors between the sitting room and the kitchen admirably separate the areas, for more privacy on either side.
The completely open kitchen extends the sitting room. Its white lacquered cabinets blend into the background, placing the emphasis on the great rosewood island. The counter, in brushed raw stainless steel, sits on a brass detail. These same materials have been used to clad the niche between the two built-in ovens. Light pours in through the restored skylights and the large glazed bays opening onto the back yard. The suspended lights provide ample, uniform lighting in the kitchen and work areas.
The master bedroom receives copious light like the other rooms, since it also has large glazed doors leading to the terrace. The walls are finished in a natural-fibre wallpaper, giving the room a pervasive gentleness. The doors to the master bedroom slip into the walls, creating a large opening with a view to the fireplace, both from the entry hall and the dining room.
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11And there was light!
The renovated Baker house has a decidedly modern look. The architectural features so appreciated by the owners have been beautifully highlighted. The home offers living spaces… where the living is good.