44

MASSEY

STREET

A Brief Summary:

44 Massey was an old house. Based on historical records, it is estimated that this house was built in the late 1800’s to house factory workers of the Massey-Harris Company. This style of home is very common throughout the older parts of Toronto and is commonly referred to as a “worker cottage” which Toronto has a proud history of. Purchased in 2016, this house was extensively renovated to modernize a maturing structure and bring new life to its little spot within Toronto Ontario. Approximately 50% of the original structure had been demolished and restored, where an additional 40% additional structure and space was added. This strategy greatly increases the usable space relative to the footprint of the property, which is ever so important for increasing density, minimizing land sprawl/carbon sequestration, and contributing to affordability.

The Intent:

Modern homes present a technical challenge. Gone are the days of building homes simply without design. There are over 30 different systems involved in a modern home that all have to integrate well together. Over 30 systems that must be placed in tight spaces, many which are out of sight and hopefully out of mind, so we can enjoy our space to its highest beauty and fullest extent.

Building green was the main intent of this project. This includes both energy efficiency with use of utilities, but also live vegetative media, both of which connote the term ‘Green’.

Improving usable space per footprint is also of high importance to bring more efficient of space.

The process of turning an old Toronto worker cottage into a modern, well designed, contemporary downtown home has proven to require diligence, determination and grit. The end result must always be envisioned and as the phrase goes: The Devil Is In The Details. Building 44 Massey was difficult and lengthy. However it is the features it incorporates is what makes it special. The goal of this house is to have it stand out in comfort and enjoyment as a place to stay a while.

Modern architectural features were added, such as replacing the existing traditional roof for a modern flat roof, allowing for a live vegetative roof and potential for rooftop patio space. The expansion of the foundation provides greater space and better daylighting design with skylights into the basement for natural lighting. The house has an insulation and air sealing strategy that surpasses building codes and provides excellent energy efficiency and comfort for its inhabitants. The existing 100+ year old front brick facade was left in place to maintain the architectural aesthetic relative to the rest of Massey Street. Moreover, new exterior fiber cement siding for the rest of the house provides a modern aesthetic transition and provides excellent fire protection from adjacent buildings.

Interior features were site-built and were meant to promote a minimalist look with natural features such as wood accents and moss wall features. Space is a premium with this property and extensive care was taken to maintain as much open space as possible. An extensive mechanical design throughout eliminates bulky elements and such as shaftways or ceiling plenums. Moreover, casements and baseboards were eliminated to maintain a minimal and contemporary look.

Soundproofing strategies were incorporated to minimize noise from both neighbouring houses as well as within the house to significantly decrease noise pollution and increase comfort. Natural daylighting was planned, including a sun/shadow analysis to maximize natural light ingress throughout house. This includes items such as custom built 8’ high doors and strategically placed skylights from the roof to bounce light down the stairwell. Ecologically sound, the house also incorporates several wood features from the old roof rafters that were reclaimed and rebuilt onsite into features such as the front entry door.

The main entry door of the house is made of reclaimed 100+ year old Western Canadian Pine reclaimed from the original roof rafters of this house. The rafters were sent to be milled where the frame was custom welded and to accomodate the massive size and age of the wood. Japanese hidden hinges were used to provide an extra feeling of luxury. This door is big and heavy, and it looks it.

Entry doors to the house and their respective units are controlled by smart locks. These locks are internet connected and can be unlocked with an entry code or via a mobile app. Using the locks app allows the door to unlock automatically as you arrive, and autolock after you enter. The same is true as you're leaving the house.

Security is a high priority and the feeling of safety and security is important for occupants of the house.

The bathroom, contains a custom made white concrete trough sink that was custom built on-site. The vanity was custom made to maximize storage and designed for ease of daily use of two people. Electricity is provided within the middle drawers to house electrical appliances like blow-dryers and charge battery items like toothbrushes, razors etc.

The toilet is an Australian wall hung toilet among a custom built maple accent wall. This toilet is high efficiency and provides clearance below for better sanitary conditions.

The shower is a dual person shower, and is supplied with a tankless water heater to provide an endless hot water luxury experience. The walls and floor consist of microcement which provide no joints such as with tile. This provides a smooth kinesthetic experience and is more sanitary as there are no grout joints to collect microbiomes.

The kitchen is located on the 1st floor, which is the main entertaining area. The kitchen includes all major appliances such as a microwave, wall oven/range, induction range and a full sized fridge. All amenities such as cookware and cooking utensils, glassware, flatware are provided.

The main dining area also serves as a meeting table and open space for collaboration. Where the den provides a large screen TV and a couch to comfortable seating and lounging.

The back patio space is a private outdoor area where a small BBQ and patio set is provided for warm weather entertaining. It provides an indoor/outdoor space to allow easy access to the galley style kitchen.

The units are equipped with an independent air soured heating and cooling system. Moreover, it has an integrated fresh air ventilation system that runs continuously. This is imperative for adequate ventilation, air filtration and excellent indoor air quality for better sleep and cognitive function. The system is meant to run smoothly and silently in the background.

Heated floors are provided throughout and run on an independent system. A snow melt system maintains snow levels on the front porch and stairs in the winter months.

Live vegetative roofs (green roofs) are placed on every part of occupied footporint of the house. There are 5 total green roofs on this house. This replaces the taken footprint and provides vegetations and flowers to help with bee pollination and butterfly habitats. These green roofs also provide a moisture buffer and protect the house and its roof from the damaging effects of UV rays over time.