Petaluma House,
flexible and functional

A split-level, open plan contemporary dwelling

Via v2com

Located in a rural subdivision near Whitby, and surrounded by very traditional custom homes, this gem of a house stands out with its’ clean lines, prominent roof aspect and an elegant composition.

Designed for a retired professional, both function and flexibility of space played a large role in the layout of spaces.

Designed for a retired professional, both function and flexibility of space played a large role in the layout of spaces.

A double-height glazed atrium filled with bamboo trees at the entrance brings natural daylight into the lower level entertainment and recreation rooms. An elegant, open-riser concrete and steel stair accentuates this space, nestled between the tall vegetation and an indoor waterfall.

The main living space encompasses an open kitchen, with a dining room, and a screened porch which has the ability to merge with the interior or the outside of the dwelling.

‘A double-height glazed atrium filled with bamboo trees at the entrance brings natural daylight into the lower level entertainment and recreation rooms.’

The slightly lowered living room is fully glazed and is connected with an ipe balcony. Elements of whitewashed Douglas Fir cedars and soffits, mahogany, concrete and glass appear throughout the house, providing a natural, yet timeless palette.

The client, a vintage car collector, needed a room to store his gems in an integrated and fully glazed attached car garage looking out onto the surrounding ravine.

‘The client, a vintage car collector, needed a room to store his gems in an integrated and fully glazed attached car garage looking out onto the surrounding ravine.’

Petaluma House features finished concrete floors throughout with radiant-in-floor heating and cooling. The house has ample daylight and provides a comfortable atmosphere with natural ventilation.

The master ensuite, a spa-like nook is located within the master bedroom, a modern approach with a very open yet natural feeling. Keeping age in mind, a pneumatic see-through elevator shaft was integrated into the design, connecting all levels and adding an industrial touch.

‘The master ensuite, a spa-like nook is located within the master bedroom, a modern approach with a very open yet natural feeling.’

Data Sheet

Architect: Trevor McIvor Architect Inc
Lead Architect: Trevor McIvor
Project designer: Steve Choe
Interior designer: Dorota Jackowski
Builder: Ortolan Building Design Ltd
Structural Engineer: Blackwell Structural Engineers

Location: Whitby, Toronto GTA, Ontario
Site area: 4,550 m2
Project Area: 5,000sf (460m2)
Project completion year: 2017-18

Images : Adrian Ozimek

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