Toronto home has ‘Iron Man’ style
$7M house with movie star looks gets plenty of attention,
People who live in glass houses shouldn’t be surprised when spectators slow down to get a better look. But the Ghaedsharafi family not only expects attention at their ultra-modern $7-million showplace, they appreciate it.
“The idea was to build a unique, eye-catching house that was nowhere to be found in Toronto,” Khashayar Ghaedsharafi explains about the luxury home he shares with his brother and parents in Thornhill.
They even put in a car lift so their classic BMW could be seen through the glass wall above the garage.
Co-listing agent Danial Zolfaghari, of Alan Newton Real Estate Ltd., calls the masterpiece of more than 10,000 square feet “one of a kind, an art piece.
“The house has it all,” from wet bar, saunas and movie theatre to heated driveway, elevator and smart-home technology, he says. Zolfaghari likens it to the spectacular California mansion that served as the cinematic home of Tony Stark in Marvel Studios’ “Iron Man” movies.
While it’s an arresting sight from the street, there’s much to admire inside.
Through the pivoting front door to the grand entryway, themes of fire, water, wood and stone set the tone for the custom-designed residence.
Water washes down a feature wall of black granite Versace tiles while tall, narrow art installations alive with real flames flank either side of the door.
Two wide steps lead down to the spacious open-concept main living area where a 22foot ceiling, glass curtain wall and floating staircase soar upwards to the second-floor skylights and bedrooms.
Roland Kogan, the other listing agent, describes the centre atrium as “the heart of the home” anchored by white oak flooring that connects the living and dining rooms with the family room and kitchen. A red oak artistic feature wall overhead and red oak decorative accents along the curved outer wall continue the natural wood theme.
The double-sided fireplace in a black accent wall between the living and family rooms was designed by a Los Angeles architect specially commissioned for the project.
The home’s design was a collaborative effort among family members and architect Ali Malek of Urbanscape Architects, according to Ghaedsharafi. The construction company owned by his brother Maziar built the house last year to replace an existing structure on the corner lot northeast of Steeles Ave. E. and Bayview Ave.
“We wanted it to be bold, freeflowing,” explains Khashayar Ghaedsharafi. “The whole house is sharp angles, corners and curves.”
The spiral staircase with glass railings was such a “complicated job” it had to be measured and made by hand, he says.
Using metal support beams and columns allowed open spaces without the constraints or boundaries of walls, says Ghaedsharafi, who counts the family room among his favourite places because of the tall picture windows and glass door.
“It really feels like there’s no separation between outside and inside,” he observes.
“The house is so bright,” says Kogan. The atmosphere of natural light and light floors offset the dark hues that met both the architect and family’s desire to create a stand-apart from other GTA homes.
The floor plan was carefully thought out to include a mainfloor in-law suite and home office with a separate entrance, he adds.
With seven bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, there’s plenty of room for overnight guests or a multi-generational family. Perhaps someone who’s already admired the house from outside.