Crafthouse at St.Andrews
Status:
Completed
Year:
2015
Type:
Multi-Family Residential
Size:
Client:
The Sobara Group
Location:
Toronto, Ontario
Crafthouse at St.Andrews
Status:
Completed
Year:
2015
Type:
Multi-Family Residential
Size:
Client:
The Sobara Group
Location:
Toronto, Ontario
Crafthouse at St. Andrews marks the second phase of a sophisticated residential community in the St. Andrew–Windfields neighbourhood of Toronto. Commissioned by Orchard Ridge Homes to build upon the success of the original Crafthouse project, our firm developed five distinct house models for a ten home site plan. This development addresses a specific gap in the Toronto market by providing a cohesive collection of contemporary residences rather than the typical isolated infill house. By tailoring the scale and finishes to the York Mills market, the project explores how progressive, clean-lined architecture can harmonize with the established character of a prestigious suburban context.
The architectural narrative favors the quality of space over mere square footage. Moving away from the traditional, compartmentalized layouts and heavy ornamentation of nearby Edwardian style homes, we focused on visual transparency and an uncluttered interior vista. The floor plans prioritize the relationship between the kitchen, dining, and family areas, allowing them to flow together as a functional core for the modern family. To facilitate this openness, we integrated features like two-sided fireplaces and over-expressed hallways which define individual rooms without obstructing sightlines. The result is a home that feels interconnected from the front entryway to the rear courtyard, flooded with natural light through expansive glazing and glass railed stair cores.
Contextual sensitivity played a vital role in the design process, particularly regarding the nearby mid-century modern history of Don Mills. While the homes utilize a contemporary planar roofline and a minimalist facade, they pay homage to the bungalows of the 1950s and 60s through their proportions and material honesty. We selected a palette of limestone, brick, and metal to ensure both the physical longevity of the structures and a timeless aesthetic.
Our approach to craftsmanship is rooted in the belief that modern design requires an elevated level of technical precision. Because there are no moldings or bulkheads to hide behind, every joint and material transition must be exact. By focusing on the DNA of good design—proper scale, durable materials, and skilled execution—Crafthouse at St. Andrews offers a refined domesticity that honors its suburban surroundings while pushing the boundaries of modern residential architecture.
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