This Modern House In Canada Was Designed To Maximize The Views Of The Lake It Sits Next To

October 22, 2020
A modern house with a double-height ceiling, a bright interior, and a dramatic master bathroom.

Canadian architecture firm Taylor Smyth Architects, has designed a new modern house in Scarborough, a neighborhood of Toronto. Their clients wanted a home that would maximize the views of the lake and embrace the landscape.

The exterior of the house features a facade of white stucco walls and black metal accent panels, which were paired with warm oak-look phenolic panels (Trespa) on the garage door and soffits. These materials were chosen for their no-maintenance composition.

The exterior of this modern house features a facade of white stucco walls and black metal accent panels, which were paired with warm oak-look phenolic panels.

The interior of the home includes a double-height great room that has a wall of windows that look out to the swimming pool, yard, and lake views.

An exterior planter extends inside, along with a vertical screen of oak slats. These details help to define the separation between the great room and the dining room.

The interior of this modern house includes a double-height great room that has a wall of windows that look out to the swimming pool, yard, and lake views.
A modern house with double-height windows and ceiling, a wood slat partition, and a built-in planter.

Light oak floors are showcased throughout the home. In the dining room and kitchen, a wall of tan cabinetry connects the two spaces. In the kitchen, a large island creates additional counter space and room for seating, while the black and white cabinets have a more minimalist look.

In this modern dining room and kitchen, a wall of tan cabinetry connects the two spaces. In the kitchen, a large island creates additional counter space and room for seating, while the black and white cabinets have a more minimalist look.

Large sliding doors open out to the backyard, where there’s plenty of patio space for outdoor dining, a long rectangular swimming pool, and a yard.

A modern house with a built-in planter, and black-framed windows and sliding glass doors.
A modern house with double-height windows, a swimming pool, and a patio with room for outdoor dining.
A modern house with double-height windows, a swimming pool, and a patio with room for outdoor dining.
A landscaped yard with a swimming pool and small shed.

Back inside, we see there’s an open wood staircase with glass railings that connects the multiple levels of the home. A colorful accent has been added with the inclusion of suspended Bocci lights.

An open wood staircase with glass railings that connects the multiple levels of the home. A colorful accent has been added with the inclusion of suspended Bocci lights.
A modern house with an open wood staircase that has glass railings that connect the multiple levels of the home. A colorful accent has been added with the inclusion of suspended Bocci lights.
A modern house with an open wood staircase with glass railings that connects the multiple levels of the home.

In the master bathroom, white and black porcelain slabs are combined to create a dramatic contrast. There’s also a walk-in closet.

In this master bathroom, white and black porcelain slabs are combined to create a dramatic contrast.
In this modern bathroom, white and black porcelain slabs are combined to create a dramatic contrast.

In another bathroom, 3-dimensional tiles add texture to the wall behind the mirror.

A modern grey and wood bathroom with 3-dimensional tiles that add texture to the wall.

The home also has a wood roof terrace, that was specifically requested by the client so that they could enjoy the lake and views.

A wood rooftop terrace with a pergola.
Photography by Doublespace Photography Inc. | Architecture: Taylor Smyth Architects | Contractor: Arthur Ross Ltd.