Canal Terrace House

The extreme change in grade across a shallow lot presented challenges for the design of this contemporary home. The solution was found in an unconventional way, by locating the front door on the lower level of the home. This would normally be a problem, but here the floating staircase and interconnected floor levels allow people on main floor to see who is coming to the front door below. The roof shape is a modern approach to the mansard roof, in order to moderate the height and mass of the four-storey elevation. The exterior material palette of synthetic stone, cement panel, and wood creates contrast, and their congenial composition strongly defines the south facade.