![A modern house with a double-height ceiling, a bright interior, and a dramatic master bathroom.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-white-wood-house-architecture-interiors-211020-1034-01.jpg)
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.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-white-wood-house-black-window-frames-211020-1036-02.jpg)
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.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-double-height-living-room-windows-211020-1037-03.jpg)
![A modern house with double-height windows and ceiling, a wood slat partition, and a built-in planter.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-double-height-living-room-windows-211020-1037-04.jpg)
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.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-wood-white-kitchen-design-interior-211020-1037-05.jpg)
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.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-black-framed-floor-to-ceiling-windows-211020-1037-06.jpg)
![A modern house with double-height windows, a swimming pool, and a patio with room for outdoor dining.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-house-long-swimming-pool-deck-patio-211020-1035-07.jpg)
![A modern house with double-height windows, a swimming pool, and a patio with room for outdoor dining.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-house-long-swimming-pool-deck-patio-211020-1035-08.jpg)
![A landscaped yard with a swimming pool and small shed.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-pool-landscaping-211020-1036-09.jpg)
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.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-wood-stairs-211020-1036-10.jpg)
![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.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-wood-stairs-white-handrails-211020-1036-11.jpg)
![A modern house with an open wood staircase with glass railings that connects the multiple levels of the home.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-wood-stairs-white-handrails-211020-1036-12.jpg)
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.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-black-white-wood-bathroom-211020-1035-13-scaled.jpg)
![In this modern bathroom, white and black porcelain slabs are combined to create a dramatic contrast.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-black-white-bathroom-211020-1035-14.jpg)
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.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-grey-white-wood-bathroom-211020-1035-15.jpg)
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.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/wood-roof-deck-terrace-211020-1048-01.jpg)