Semi Suite
This cleverly stacked semi adds much-needed density (and rental housing) to its East End neighbourhood
Tree lined neighbourhoods of single family homes are some of Torontoí s most desirable areas, but as anyone trying to live in one of them can attest, there arení t nearly enough to go around. As the cityí s population swells and its housing supply dwindles, architects are looking for new ways to add density to these neighbourhoods while preserving their unique character. Peter Mcneil and Clarissa Nam the married principals behind the new architecture !irm COMN created a clever solution: a pair of mirrored semi detached homes on one small corner lot in Greektown.
Like Torontoí s laneways,î says Mcneil, who now lives in the northernmost semi with Nam and their yellow lab, Ringo, many corner lots are underutilized and could play a role in efforts to increase the supply of housing.î
With distinct living spaces gently de!ined by split levels and an elegant !loating staircase, this 90 square metre home feels open and airy despite its modest footprint. An alcove off Jones Avenue leads to the designersí unit via a glass front door alongside a !loor to ceiling window. From the living room, a half !light of steps leads up to the kitchen and dining area, with a guest room and home o#ice space half a !light below the entry level.
Often, in small open concept spaces, different functions are happening right next to each other in the same room, making things feel cramped,î says Mcneil. Placing the living room on a split level helps to de!ine it from the kitchen, dining and entry areas, but still feels open and connected to the rest of the house.î
By positioning the main !loor living area slightly above street level, the home also gains privacy from the busy street outside without sacri!icing natural light. Similarly, on the top level, a small roof terrace is protected by a perforated metal screen, which provides a modicum of outdoor space while allowing for a large bedroom window thatí s shielded from the thoroughfare.
We !ind the home incredibly comfortable to live in and enjoy the bene!its that come with living in a smaller space,î says Mcneil. Theyí re not the only ones who appreciate this unique take on neighbourhood life, it turns out. Renting out the other half of the house, he says, was a cinch. COMNARCHITECTS.COM