Hibou House

Hibou House
© Scott Norsworthy
Hibou House
© Scott Norsworthy

HIBOU HOUSE

Barbora Vokac Taylor Architect

CATEGORY
Houses, Extension

AREA
2156 ft²

STRUCTURAL
Blackwell Structural

CONTRACTOR
Bright Design Build

MANUFACTURERS
RelativeSpace, Stone Tile

YEAR
2017

LOCATION
Toronto, Canada

MILLWORK
Gibson Greenwood/Mabelle Kitchens/Lakeland Interiors

PHOTOGRAPHS
Scott Norsworthy

Designed for a young family that values connection – both with one another and with their friends and neighbours. This renovation thoughtfully updates an existing traditional 1950’s style home for a more modern lifestyle – one that feels relaxed and comfortable yet easily adapted for entertaining.

Hibou House
© Scott Norsworthy
Hibou House
© Scott Norsworthy

The layout improves the flow between the spaces in a way that makes the most sense for how the family lives.

The material palette is both subdued and raw: Raw, unfinished steel details contrast the warm woods, and clean white volumes to create a subtle background for life to be lived – rather than previously maintained.

Hibou House
© Scott Norsworthy
Hibou House
© Scott Norsworthy
Hibou House
© Scott Norsworthy

The clean backdrop allows the family’s artwork and objects to stand out and be showcased.

Dark smoked oak floors work with a modest ceiling height to create a sense of warmth and intimacy within the larger, now open, layout.

The custom millwork pieces function as large volumes, defining smaller spaces within the open plan, and custom details are located at key tactile moments, such as the custom flat bar steel handrail and panelled walnut guards.

The new addition – a minimal blackened wood-clad volume – contrasts again with the bright light-filled interior and the large sliding doors and windows at the rear of the house open up to maximize views to the garden, creating a strong connection between the interior and exterior livable spaces.

Hibou House
© Scott Norsworthy


Hibou House
© Scott Norsworthy
Hibou House
© Scott Norsworthy
Hibou House
© Scott Norsworthy
Hibou House
© Scott Norsworthy
Hibou House
© Scott Norsworthy
Hibou House
© Scott Norsworthy
Hibou House
© Scott Norsworthy
Hibou House
© Scott Norsworthy
Hibou House
© Scott Norsworthy


Hibou House
Existing Ground Floor Plan
Hibou House
Ground Floor Plan


Hibou House
Elevations 1
Hibou House
Elevations 2
Hibou House
Site Plan