See Behind The Scenes for this project

Taylor Creek Ranch, Taylor Creek Ravine
Contemporary architectural transformation

Rarely does the opportunity arise to nest a home at the edge of the treed ravines of Taylor Creek. Once imagined, then inspired, through the eyes of the homeowners, this home sets itself intimately on this sloped treed lot. 

Evolving from the belief that a beautiful home is more than just a very large home, this 1940s bungalow was meticulously redesigned to entertain its next life. Its contemporary architecture is defined by the beautiful play of wood, brick, metal and stone elements. The flow interchanges around the home between the dark black contrast of brick pillars and the live dynamic grain of the Canadian cedar facade. The multi level roof structure and wrapping canopies create an air similar to its neighbouring ravine. Further inviting exploration of the architecture, large limestone slabs form an opaque linear relationship to the front entrance visible from the street intersection. 

Sustaining a direct correlation to its natural environment, the open ground floor greets every visitor with almost 40 feet of windows, revealing the magnificent ravine views. While the canopies act to provide shading in summer months, the tilt and turn window systems were designed to prop natural cooling. Comfort, practicality and healthy living were key design elements emphasized from the beginning. With over 4000 SF of finished space, this home has all of the ideal features, with a walk out basement, grand entrance, large cedar deck and an entire dedicated floor for its 900 SF master ensuite and private balcony.

After deciding to go with finished concrete floors for a modern interior and easy cleaning, a radiant floor heating system was designed to eliminate circulation drafts in the house. Combined with 0 VOC paint selected, efficient lighting and dimming capability, a tight envelope and advanced window systems this home is built to be healthy and energy efficient.

Building re-use was also an interesting part of this project and created a major opportunity to divert from landfill and reduced construction costs related to new foundations. Various marble tops were even re-cut and utilized to construct the new vanities. The “Taylor Bench” is a highlight feature of the house, as the homeowners sourced 100+ year old logs from a Cambridge Hudson Family Barn and constructed this furniture piece wrapping around the 3 sided fireplace as a signature to his home.

Built with a true team approach to construction, all design and trades teams worked together to create the final product. Our job was to ensure design and quality construction was achieved at every step of the way. The homeoner's eldest daughter wrote “Thanks for giving us a very beautiful home” after move in, extending the best reward after a long project.