TORONTO – Designed by Dubbeldam Architecture + Design, Shift House features a stepped facade defined by projecting and receding volumes, highlighted by contrasting cladding to highlight the volumetric gestures. Western Red Cedar fills the gap created by the recessed volumes and provides a striking contrast to the anthracite exterior.
The Shift House's 3,200 square meters are spread over two floors. The house's floor plan consists of an internal grid of six staggered volumes that slide inwards and outwards to form the external envelope. The resulting shaped façade, with its interplay of volumes and voids, creates opportunities for greater light transmission, additional views and access to the outdoor space on multiple levels through corner windows, generous roof overhangs, green roofs and second floor balconies.
Facing the backyard, a double-height atrium with a fully glazed wall offers expansive views of the neighborhood's mature trees, allowing natural light deep into the interior and enhancing the grandeur of the modest space. At the center of the atrium is a sculptural staircase bordered by a massive balustrade made of white oak and Baltic birch.
“The scissor configuration of the staircase forms a compelling and dynamic three-dimensional geometric composition, enlivened by the procession of figures ascending and descending between the various levels of the house,” said Principal Heather Dubbeldam. “We wanted the design of the staircase to convey a sense of craftsmanship while evoking a sense of movement and energy. This is achieved through a clear wood grain on one diagonal and the monolithic nature of the stair guard.”
The volume shifts of the interior are emphasized by changes in ceiling height, materials and colors at the transitions. These conscious changes create an increased awareness of the spatial changes in the house. In the double-height space, projecting second-floor bedrooms create recessed areas for the kitchen and living room below, while a wood-clad ceiling panel extends from the stairwell to the foyer and defines the edge of one of the interior rooms. Walls painted in gray-blue tones serve as further defining elements in contrast to the white walls and oak floors.
The house has many sustainable systems. Strategically placed, operable windows maximize passive cooling and natural ventilation, while a small pump powers the underfloor heating system. Photovoltaic panels on the roof provide an additional power source, while LED lights and an efficient, high-speed cooling system reduce electricity requirements. Green roofs and robust landscaping minimize stormwater runoff, and triple glazing and low-e coatings reduce both heat gain and heat loss.