aleph-bau adds aluminum-clad rooftop structure to 19th century toronto rowhouse

aleph-bau, a practice led by iranian-canadian architect delnaz yekrangian, has overhauled a 19th century rowhouse in toronto’s summerhill neighborhood.

aleph-bau, a practice led by iranian-canadian architect delnaz yekrangian, has overhauled a 19th century rowhouse in toronto’s summerhill neighborhood. from street level, ‘twelve tacoma’ retains a somewhat subdued appearance. the brick façade has been painted a uniform white, while the form of the vernacular front porch has been reinterpreted with updated materials.

aleph-bau’s design notably includes a new rooftop structure clad with corrugated aluminum. while out of sight from the passing street, the full appearance of the volume becomes visible from the laneway at the rear of the property. a steel construction helps support the third-floor addition without burdening the party walls. the unusual shape of the new structure, and its adjoining roof terrace, is defined by the city’s strict zoning and code regulations.

the newly constructed storey contains sleeping quarters in addition to a library. below, the home’s master bedroom adjoins a walk-in closet and a bathroom fitted with a wall of plants. an external balcony replaces a previously existing bedroom offering views of the garden at the rear of the plot. primary living accommodation is found at ground level with the house’s entrance leading directly into the kitchen and dining area. the lounge adjoins a garden, which feels larger due to the removal of a previously existing sunroom.

the staircase, which has been re-positioned at the center of the dwelling, leads below ground to a basement that contains an entertainment room conceived as a ‘personal amphitheater’, as well as an additional bedroom. the scheme presents restrained interiors throughout, with a focus on maintaining an organized and uncluttered aesthetic. modular sliding storage units have been used in both the front hall and the bedrooms.