Prior to their renovation and addition, the clients lived in this 100 year old, semi-detached, Beach-neighbourhood house for twelve years. Their work as fashion photographer and model took them around the world to stylish architectural sites which served as inspiration for this well worn residence. While wanting to update the house to better reflect who they are and how they live, the clients also wanted the house to reinforce the existing fabric of the street by respectfully re-inventing both the exterior and the interior.

The house has an elusive quality of heart and soul which the project team tried to uphold. While the scope covered every floor and a new extension/connection to the rear yard, small moments strive to accommodate and celebrate the personality of the owners, the history of the house, and the process of its re-making. Open shelving allows rotating personal objects of affection, the mobile kitchen island is on wheels for flexibility, the exposed steel support brackets define the junction of new and old structure and existing brick piers were incorporated into the new entry assembly as a nod to the history of the home.