Says owner Julie Turnbull: 鈥淥ne of the most cherished aspects of our property is our incredibly special backyard. Surrounded by trees, it offers a sense of privacy and seclusion. The beautifully maintained gardens and the inviting cocktail pool create a perfect outdoor retreat.鈥
鈥淭he more wood, the better. Indoors, walnut stands out as a prominent feature, adding warmth and elegance to our living spaces,鈥 says owner Julie Turnbull.
Ottawa鈥檚 Rockcliffe Park is best known for its stately, prestigious, conservative homes, surrounded by statuesque trees. So, when Julie and Dave Turnbull decided to build a home of mid-century modern design for their family, who knew how the neighbourhood would react? The couple would have to wait and see.
鈥淥ur dream home had to embody the essence of modern mid-century design, creating a perfect blend of comfort, style and connection to nature,” Julie Turnbull said.
“We wanted separate rooms, floors and zones for our two boys and ourselves, to enjoy together as a family.鈥
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Building the 3,175-square-foot home was a challenge, said their Ottawa architect Christopher Simmonds, because the lot was located on a curve in the road and oddly shaped.
鈥淭he big question was could we get enough house on there to satisfy the client. Because there was a little bit of a rise from the street up to the main living level, we were able to create a split level and tuck the garage a half a level below the living area,鈥 Simmonds said.
The home鈥檚 living areas are located on the main level, then a half level up are the kids鈥 bedrooms. A home office and main bedroom and ensuite are on the next level, connected by a little bridge over an atrium. Turnbull loves the thoughtful layout, with its various floors and levels. 鈥淚t provides family members with their own personal zone, while still offering inviting common areas for us.鈥
Privacy is maintained at the front with clerestory windows. In the kitchen, two walls of glass look out into the outdoor living area, at the back, with a small pool, big deck and a patio.
How was the home received?
Heritage Ottawa was satisfied with the design when Simmonds pitched the plans for the house. 鈥淲e received compliments on the new design from them. Their main concern were the trees on the property. We had a registered botanist look at the condition of (them) as we discussed our design and our approach to preserving them.鈥
鈥淲e tried to have this feeling of restfulness in every space and calm, creating a sense of flow, proportions and continuity of materials,鈥 said Simmonds.
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It’s worked out.
鈥淲e often have neighbours stop to chat when we鈥檙e outside and remark on how lovely the house is. They appreciate that it blends in well with the landscape and has natural elements and materials,” Turnbull beamed.
鈥淭he predominant feeling we experience in our home is one of peace and quiet, a true sanctuary sheltered from the storm.
“This serene atmosphere is occasionally punctuated by the delightful noise and chaos that comes with raising our young boys and (from the) dog.鈥
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