Step inside the Counterpoint House, an award-winning timeless home in Toronto's prestigious Lytton Park neighbourhood. This contemporary custom home, designed by the renowned Paul Raff Studio and meticulously crafted by SevernWoods, epitomizes minimalist elegance and architectural innovation, offering a clean and inspiring modern face, though the home has since celebrated its 15th birthday. This ageless family home offers an endless spring of inspiration stemming from thoughtful design and superior execution. Hear the behind-the-scenes stories, marvel at the luxe materials, and get insider insight into the execution that makes this one of SevenWoods’ fan-favourite custom homes.
Structural and Functional Innovations
SIPS Construction
The Counterpoint House employs Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS), a pioneering choice in custom home construction that enhances insulation and structural integrity. SIPs consist of a foam core sandwiched between two layers of oriented strand board, providing superior thermal performance and strength. This construction method allows for continuous insulation, minimizing thermal bridges and maximizing energy efficiency. The walls, custom-fabricated to precise specifications, support the home’s variable ceiling height, which tops out at striking 16-foot ceilings, and expansive open spaces without needing interior load-bearing walls.
Sophisticated HVAC Design
This modern home features a state-of-the-art HVAC system that combines radiant in-floor heating and forced-air ventilation. This hybrid system provides consistent and efficient heating and cooling, ensuring every corner of the home remains comfortable year-round. The radiant heating, installed beneath the walnut hardwood flooring and kitchen tiles, delivers gentle, even warmth that enhances the minimalist aesthetic by eliminating the need for visible heating elements. The forced-air system, strategically located on the second floor, ensures efficient airflow without bulkheads, preserving the home's clean lines and open spaces. This thoughtful design, developed in consultation with HVAC experts, maximizes energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Excavation and Shoring Expertise
Construction required innovative solutions to significant excavation challenges. With ten-foot ceilings in the basement and the main floor close to grade, SevernWoods excavated an eleven-foot-deep hole, navigating close lot lines on both sides. The team employed shoring techniques to stabilize the neighbouring properties, ensuring no disruption or damage during the build. The house's 24-foot width, free from interior load-bearing walls, demanded the use of 14- and 16-inch thick floor joists to support the expansive floor spans. This choice provided structural stability and allowed us to integrate plumbing and ductwork without the need for unsightly bulkheads.
Unique Features and Finishes
High-End Interior Finishes
The Counterpoint House is a masterclass in elegance and simplicity through carefully selected finishes. The walnut hardwood flooring adds warmth and richness, contrasting beautifully with the sleek, white Bulthaup kitchen cabinets. This kitchen, a centrepiece of modern design, features flat panel cabinetry that complements the home's minimalist aesthetic. The kitchen’s tile flooring, spanning the full width of the house, seamlessly integrates with the hardwood, creating a cohesive and visually appealing space.
Sustainability in Materials and Design
The Counterpoint House incorporates sustainable materials that enhance its environmental performance and aesthetic appeal. Using volcanic stone tiles for the exterior cladding provides a durable, breathable facade that resists moisture and prevents tiles from popping off. This natural stone, combined with a rainscreen system, ensures longevity and reduces maintenance requirements, reflecting a commitment to sustainable building practices.
A Sleek Kitchen
The centrepiece of the interior is the European Bulthaup kitchen, featuring sleek white flat-panel cabinetry. These cabinets offer a stark yet sophisticated contrast to the walnut flooring, enhancing the minimalist design while providing ample storage and functionality. The precision of the flush-mounted cabinetry underscores the meticulous craftsmanship involved in constructing the Counterpoint House, where every detail aligns perfectly.
Distinctive Doors and Windows
This wouldn’t be a SevernWoods custom home without thoughtful touches and bespoke details. The 12-foot-tall Slung triple panel door exemplifies the blend of form and function. Made of steel with wood cladding, this impressive door system provides a striking focal point while ensuring durability and ease of use. The innovative top-hung track system prevents the accumulation of debris, ensuring smooth operation and longevity.
Bauhaus windows and doors, crafted from teak, further enhance the home's aesthetic and performance. These high-quality elements offer exceptional durability and beauty, requiring minimal maintenance while providing maximum visual impact. The windows, designed to optimize natural light and ventilation, contribute to the home's energy efficiency and comfort.
No Baseboard Design
One of this project's most challenging and impressive features is its no-baseboard design. This minimalist approach requires meticulous attention to detail, as the drywall extends directly to the floor without the cover of baseboards. To achieve this seamless look, SevernWoods installed the flooring before finishing the drywall, ensuring a perfect fit and eliminating gaps.
To protect the drywall from potential damage, especially in high-traffic areas, a more durable type of drywall comprises the walls’ lower two feet. This innovation maintains the home's sleek appearance while providing more practical durability for the bumps and knocks of daily living.
Living Experience
Homeowner Satisfaction
This Toronto custom home has stood the test of time, maintaining its elegance and functionality over the years. Homeowners have experienced minimal issues, illustrating SevernWoods' exceptional craftsmanship and the thorough design process led by Paul Raff Studio. The home’s minimalist design and longevity are a rare and valuable pairing.
Adaptability and Flexibility
The Counterpoint House was designed with flexibility in mind, accommodating evolving family needs. Initially, the layout included a living space and a dining area that could be interchanged, showcasing the home’s versatile design. The spaciousness and thoughtful arrangement of rooms have allowed the homeowners to adapt the space as their family has grown and their needs have changed.
This adaptability extends to the guest accommodations in the basement, which feature two significant bedrooms with high ceilings, offering comfortable lodging for visiting family members. A large playroom for the children, who were young when the house was built, demonstrates how the home's design accommodates the family’s changing dynamics as it now supports lounging teens. This flexibility ensures the home remains functional and relevant, providing a welcoming environment for family and guests alike.
Our cost guide provides more detailed information about the pricing of projects such as these. Download a complimentary copy here.
SevernWoods Creates Luxury Custom Homes and Whole Home Renovations for Toronto’s Next 100 Years
For those inspired by the Counterpoint House and considering their own luxury renovation or custom home projects in Toronto, SevernWoods offers unparalleled expertise in creating bespoke homes that combine aesthetic elegance with practical functionality. Contact SevernWoods today to begin your journey towards a custom home that embodies the pinnacle of bespoke living and modern design.
Award:BILD Winner Photos: Ben Rahn/A-Frame Inc.
