![A modern extension has been added to a Victorian home, and includes a triangular window furnished as a meditation space.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-house-extension-270121-749-01.jpg)
Creative Union Network has designed a modern extension for a Victorian semi-detached dwelling in Toronto, Canada.
The homeowners wanted to increase their livable space by building a third-floor addition.
![A modern extension was added to a Victorian home, creating a third floor with extra living space.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-house-extension-270121-749-02.jpg)
From the conception, the design was constrained by the city of Toronto zoning-by-laws which restricted the heights and setbacks of the addition.
![A Victorian home with a modern extension.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-house-extension-270121-749-03.jpg)
Despite the difficulties faced, the architects were still able to create an open and airy space with an abundance of natural light.
![A modern house extension that added a third floor to a Victorian home.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-house-extension-270121-749-04.jpg)
The new design included numerous skylights and built-in air vents to emphasize the minimalist aesthetics of the space.
The open-plan interior, which can be used as an office or living space, includes a wall of custom designed shelving and cabinetry.
![This open plan interior, which can be used an office or living space, includes a wall of custom designed shelving and cabinetry.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-open-living-room-custom-shelving-reading-nook-270121-750-07.jpg)
Adjacent to the shelf is a triangular window nook that been furnished with a rug, plenty of pillows, plants, and a meditation bowl.
![A triangular window nook that been furnished with a rug, plenty of pillows, plants, and a meditation bowl.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/reading-nook-triangular-window-270121-753-08.jpg)
At the other end of the open room are a fireplace and folding doors that open to the balcony that overlooks the rear yard.
![In open plan top floor includes a fireplace and folding doors that open to the balcony that overlooks the rear yard.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-open-living-room-with-balcony-270121-750-05.jpg)
![A modern living room with plants, skylights, and a black fireplace.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-open-living-room-with-balcony-skylight-fireplace-270121-750-06.jpg)
There’s also a small kitchenette with white and wood cabinetry and a matching white countertop.
![A small kitchenette with white and wood cabinetry and a matching white countertop.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-white-kitchen-270121-753-09.jpg)
Through a doorway by the kitchen is the bathroom, where white tiles cover the walls and the front of the built-in bathtub. Wood shelving on the wall complements the wood vanity on the opposite wall.
![In this modern bathroom, white tiles cover the walls and the front of the built-in bathtub. Wood shelving on the wall complements the wood vanity on the opposite wall.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-white-bathroom-with-wood-accents-270121-753-10.jpg)