A Sculptural Brick Exterior Creates A Unique Expression For This Home In Toronto

November 7, 2023
A sculptural brick facade for a single-family home in Toronto, Canada.
Photography by Younes Bounhar

Design firm PARTISANS has designed a home for a family in Toronto, Canada, that features a sculptural brick facade.

A sculptural brick facade for a single-family home in Toronto, Canada.
Photography by Younes Bounhar

The design of the Canvas House has been inspired by the homeowners’ love of contemporary art, with the outer walls of the home made of bricks arranged in a wavy, almost theatrical pattern.

A sculptural brick facade for a single-family home in Toronto, Canada.
Photography by Younes Bounhar

The facade is a departure from the usual symmetrical and straightforward designs of the neighboring houses.

A sculptural brick facade for a single-family home in Toronto, Canada.
Photography by Younes Bounhar

The brick pattern on the facade is inspired by the early works of an artist named Larry Poons. It’s made up of repeating groups of five bricks, with some parts sticking out while others are recessed.

A sculptural brick facade for a single-family home in Toronto, Canada.
Photography by Younes Bounhar

This design adds a dynamic and artistic touch to the house, setting it apart from the ordinary.

A sculptural brick facade for a single-family home in Toronto, Canada.
Photography by Younes Bounhar
A sculptural brick facade for a single-family home in Toronto, Canada.
Photography by Younes Bounhar

The facade swells and recedes in response to the functional needs of its openings, as seen around the second-floor skylight.

A sculptural brick facade for a single-family home in Toronto, Canada.
Photography by Younes Bounhar

Here’s a close-up look at the various brick patterns used in the creation of the facade.

A sculptural brick facade for a single-family home in Toronto, Canada.
Photography by Younes Bounhar

Inside the home, the play of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and intrigue, while the curvy walls flow seamlessly into the ceilings and other architectural features.

A unique design detail of the interior can be seen on the stairs, with the built-in custom-milled handrail that's recessed into the wall and includes hidden lighting.
Photography by Younes Bounhar

A unique design detail of the interior can be seen on the stairs, with the built-in custom-milled handrail that’s recessed into the wall.

A unique design detail of the interior can be seen on the stairs, with the built-in custom-milled handrail that's recessed into the wall and includes hidden lighting.
Photography by Younes Bounhar

The handrail also includes hidden lighting.

A unique design detail of the interior can be seen on the stairs, with the built-in custom-milled handrail that's recessed into the wall and includes hidden lighting.
Photography by Teddy Shropshire

Here’s a glimpse of the other areas of the home that showcase a variety of art, much like a gallery.

A modern home interior designed to look like an art gallery.
Photography by Teddy Shropshire
A modern home interior designed to look like an art gallery.
Photography by Teddy Shropshire
A modern home interior designed to look like an art gallery.
Photography by Teddy Shropshire
A modern home interior designed to look like an art gallery.
Photography by Teddy Shropshire | PARTISANS Team: Alex Josephson, Partner In Charge / Suzan Ibrahim, Project Manager / Tim Melnichuck, Designer / Nathan Bishop, Designer | Contractor: Duffy and Associates | Landscape: PARTISANS | Structural: Moses Structural Engineering | Masonry Engineer: Picco Engineering | Masonry: Finbarr Sheehan | Interiors: Patti Rosati