House 1
Located within the protected Niagara Escarpment, House 1 began as a modest one-bedroom cottage with a freestanding garage. The clients sought to expand the home in anticipation of a growing family, while preserving the site’s natural character and working within the strict limits of the Niagara Escarpment Commission.
With horizontal expansion restricted, the design strategy focused on building upward. A new second level accommodates the private area of bedrooms and washrooms, while the existing ground floor was entirely reconfigured to integrate a new staircase, home office, larger kitchen with scullery, and a light-filled dining area.
To further expand the program, a separate independent cottage was discreetly connected to the main house through a glazed walkway—allowing natural light and framed views into the surrounding gardens. Living spaces were carefully positioned to capture sweeping views down the escarpment toward Toronto, highlighted by two-storey bay windows that break open the façade.
Material continuity was central to the design: the original stone walls and flooring were retained and thoughtfully woven into the new additions, ensuring that the expanded home feels rooted in its landscape while offering a new chapter for family life.
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