Located in Ottawa, Ontario - The Westboro Home - a modern single-family residence designed by Kariouk Associates, was created with the goal of being light-filled yet private.

 

 

 

 

The site - an infill lot within an existing neighbourhood - was challenged by building code criteria which limits the placement of side windows on the lot line (due to risk of fire), and the change in grade between the neighbouring property. With the site having a steep slope - and one of the neighbours having raised their yard - an approximate 2.5 metre difference in neighbouring lot heights posed an obstacle. 

However, by responding to both the site and the client’s needs, Kariouk Associates created a custom residence that artfully met the design brief. 

 

 

 

 

The solution was to wrap the structure around a two storey, light-filled garden courtyard. Not only did this strategy allow for ample natural light to be incorporated into the design (without being constrained by the restrictive lot line building code requirements), the courtyard also creates visual delight as it bridges the indoors and out, while maintaining privacy. 

 

 

 

 

With the courtyard resulting in a U-shaped structural foot print, three walls of windows drench the space with natural light on each floor. 

Furthermore, from the moment one steps into the foyer, sight lines run from the front to the back of the house which capture the lush courtyard and rear garden views.

 

 

 

 

On the entertainment level, a floating staircase keeps the space open while creating visual intrigue and interest.

 

 

 

 

An exterior garden bridge spanning the backyard connects the dwelling to a three-season reading pavilion located at the rear.

Both inside and, a neutral light and dark colour palette creates a unified setting that complements the series of articulated zones of open plan living.

 

 

 

Visit Kariouk Associates to check out their impressive body of work.

All images sourced from John Kealey Photography

 

Researched and Written by Christine Chow, Undergraduate Student of Environmental Design, OCAD University