The kitchen is tucked into the former garage of the original coach house to allow for a larger space and contemporary layout. The marble floor and counter are accented by dark walnut cabinetry with bronze recessed pulls.
Owner Diego Burdi says: 鈥淭he main floor living-dining room is special because it’s book-ended by the front interior court yard and a 40-foot-long glass wall looking into the ravine and garden. It鈥檚 almost like being in a fish bowl especially when it鈥檚 raining or snowing or windy.鈥
“All three floors look out to the ravine totally changing as the day goes from morning to evening,” Burdi says. “All four seasons totally transform the interior light and scenery.鈥
From the beginning, 海角社区官网interior designer Diego Burdi, of Burdi Filek, was going to be very involved with the design of his new home, Ravine Residence. 鈥淥ne very important factor for me was that our studio was in charge of all interior design and interior architectural detailing 鈥 washrooms, kitchen, main stair and all interior millwork and floor finishing,鈥澛燘urdi says. 鈥淚 wanted the house to become one with the ravine.”聽
He hired architect Kelly Buffey of Akb Architects to work with him. Says Buffey, 鈥淒iego Burdi had a strong vision, so we approached the project very much as a collaboration. We took the lead on the architectural elements and his team developed the interior design.鈥
Located in south Rosedale, the original structure began as a coach house and was later expanded through a modest mid-century addition at the rear. And, now, ultimately, a beautiful renovation.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Buffey explains, 鈥淥ur goal was to preserve a quiet, understated street presence, while contrasting it with a dramatic and elegant rear elevation that opens expansively to the inherently private ravine.
“The architecture extends into the landscape with bronze-clad walls that reach outward, integrating the architecture of the home into its natural surroundings.鈥
Burdi wanted the main rooms to be as large as possible 鈥 to become one with nature. 鈥淭he house is far back from the street, totally nestled into the ravine. All three floors look out to the ravine, totally changing as the day goes from morning to evening. All four seasons totally transform the interior light and scenery.鈥
From the street, the house looks like a two-storey home, while at the rear a walkout basement reveals a full third level. The ground, or middle, floor includes an entry foyer, a kitchen built within the footprint of the previous garage, a dining room and living room. The upper floor includes a primary bedroom suite with walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom, as well as a guest bedroom, washroom, and multi-purpose room above the former garage. The lower-level walk out basement includes a lounge area and library. All told, the home measures 3,670 square feet.
Building deep within the protected ravine posed significant structural challenges. Explains Buffey, 鈥淭o safeguard the mature trees at the rear, we used helical piles for building foundations and architectural landscape walls, which minimized excavation and reduced the overall impact of construction on the established tree roots.鈥
Says Burdi: 鈥淚 have to say that both Kelly and Rob (Kastelic) were extremely accommodating all the way through the process. It was a joyful collaboration.”
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation