This new one-storey residence, hidden from the street, in the centre of an urban built-up block, sits on a severed lot, behind Hilliard House, designated and built in 1880.

Architecturally, it consists of:

1. A curved stone wall, that shields the Great Room from the approach view.
2. An inclined floating roof over a void, the Great Room, fusing with the rear garden.
3. A white solid volume anchoring the void of the Great Room, and housing the garage and remainder of rooms.

The sequential experience of these elements, offers a delightful surprise of finding home within this hidden house.

Design and Documentation.

The project provides unique intensification within an urban residential block and the rear of a historic property by leveraging the depth and the natural micro-environment of the Hilliard House property, existing street infrastructure and utility services. Done respectfully, and treading lightly on the site, this new house is welcomed by neighbours and heritage advocates alike. It supports client and society goals for aging-in-place and harmonious living within existing context.

The single storey height and scale preserve privacy for the rear yards of abutting neighbours and preserve the primacy of the Hilliard House massing and relationship to the public streetscape.