Omar Gandhi Architects

1255 HOUSE

1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek

1255 HOUSE

Omar Gandhi Architect

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Moses Structural Engineers

LIGHTING DESIGN
Nick Andison

MANUFACTURERS
Roes Stairs, Tradewood Industries

LANDSCAPE
Aldershot Landscape Contractors

INTERIOR DESIGN
Studio H Design

GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Lakehurst Construction

PHYSICAL MODEL
David Burlock

DESIGN TEAM
Omar Gandhi, Lauren Mccrimmon, Samantha Scroggie, John Gray Thomson, Chad Jamieson, Jeff Walker, Ryan Beecroft

MILLWORK FABRICATION
Gibson Greenwood, Parker House Furniture

PHOTOGRAPHS
Adrian Ozimek

YEAR
2021

LOCATION 
Toronto, Canada

CATEGORY
Houses

1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek
1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek

Text description provided by architect.

1255 is a reimagining of a family home in the Greater Toronto Area. Situated atop a small hill on a property north of Lake Ontario, the project overlooks an abundance of natural features:

1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek
1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek

a narrow creek winds through the yard; a pond sits at the base of a maple grove; a heavily treed woodlot is active with wildlife.

The clients, who had lived in an existing home on the property for some time, understood they wanted to experience a greater connection to the natural features around them.

1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek
1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek
1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek

Working with the existing topography of the site, the project sets out to create strong connections to the surrounding environment to make the most of a unique property.

While much of the floorplan pulls from the previous house, the project can be read as four half-levels that terrace into the hillside. The uppermost level is a series of shifted volumes, each of which offers long views across the property.

Large corner windows provide an expansive visual connection to the yard, while long clerestory bands frame the sky and surrounding tree canopies. When descending through the house, residents pass through a series of open, communal spaces while sinking deeper into the surrounding garden.

1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek
1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek

A large stone deck branches off the main living space, providing direct access to the yard. At the lowest point, inhabitants find themselves submerged below the garden bed, eye level with the flowers.

All levels of the house are anchored by a large, curved stair comprised of oak slats. Each wood slat is angled to filter natural light throughout the day and to influence visual connections between each half level. The stair curls its way through the major shared spaces of the house, allowing for social connectivity between all levels while prompting users to circulate throughout the project.

1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek
1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek
1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek

A soft and refined material palette unifies the project. Cedar shingles line the upper level, while heavier limestone walls bury themselves in the hillside. Long bands of warm, oak millwork line the interior of the home, while lively Tyndal stone flooring slips seamlessly from interior to exterior.


1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek
1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek
1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek
1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek


1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek
1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek
1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek
1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek
1255 HOUSE
© Adrian Ozimek


1255 HOUSE
Basement floor plan
1255 HOUSE
Main floor plan
1255 HOUSE
Roof plan
1255 HOUSE
Site plan


1255 HOUSE
East elevation
1255 HOUSE
West elevation
1255 HOUSE
South elevation
1255 HOUSE
North elevation


1255 HOUSE
Section
1255 HOUSE
Section

Omar Gandhi Architects
T +1 902 4201580
Omar Gandhi Architects
1209 Marginal Rd Suite 300, Halifax, NS B3H 4P8, Canada