House 117 in Toronto is a carefully composed residential project designed by Izen Architecture Inc. in collaboration with DS Interiors Inc. The home demonstrates how disciplined material choices and precise detailing can shape an architecture that feels both restrained and expressive. Located within a quiet residential streetscape, the project stands out through its elongated grey brick facade and deeply recessed windows. The design by Izen Architecture Inc. balances architectural clarity with warmth, crafting a residence where interior and exterior operate as a unified composition.
A Distinctive Brick Language
The exterior identity of House 117 begins with its distinctive masonry. The facade uses elongated grey bricks, each twice the length of a conventional unit, establishing a strong horizontal rhythm across the building. At the base of the volume, the bricks rotate into a vertical orientation, subtly altering the texture and emphasizing the elevated main floor. This careful manipulation of the brick pattern creates a layered visual depth while maintaining a disciplined architectural language.
Deep-set windows further reinforce the building’s calm yet deliberate presence. Framed with sharp metal detailing, the openings introduce shadow and contrast to the otherwise restrained facade. The consistent use of black metal elements across the exterior creates visual continuity and anticipates the interior detailing, demonstrating the integrated approach championed by Izen Architecture Inc..
A Stair as the Spatial Spine
Inside, the house is organized around a sculptural central stair that functions as the home’s spatial anchor. This vertical element visually connects all floors while allowing natural light to cascade downward through carefully placed openings. Rather than treating circulation as merely functional, the design transforms the stair into an architectural experience that shapes the daily movement through the home.
Light plays a defining role in this spatial sequence. Strategic voids and cuts allow daylight to penetrate deep into the interior, shifting the atmosphere throughout the day. A pop-out at the stair introduces side lighting across the landings, while in the primary bathroom a skylight integrated directly into the shower transforms a routine moment into a quietly dramatic architectural gesture.
Material Continuity and Spatial Warmth
The interior palette is intentionally restrained, relying on a small set of materials that appear consistently throughout the house. Warm wood flooring runs across the entire residence and wraps vertically around the central core on the main level. This gesture subtly organizes the open floor plan, creating a perception of separate zones while maintaining spatial continuity.
Precision detailing reinforces the overall sense of cohesion. Baseboards dissolve into minimalist shadow gaps, lighting fixtures are fully integrated without visible trims, and full-height pocket doors allow spaces to close when needed without interrupting the visual flow. These carefully calibrated elements reveal the collaborative dialogue between Izen Architecture Inc. and DS Interiors Inc., who also served as homeowner and interior designer.
A Kitchen and Living Space Defined by Contrast
The kitchen establishes a bold yet balanced material composition. Black veneer cabinetry, black granite counters, and dark fixtures create a grounded visual base, while a natural stone island introduces dramatic veining and texture. Floor-to-ceiling glazing fills the space with daylight, ensuring the darker palette remains elegant and inviting rather than heavy.
Adjacent living and dining areas continue this careful interplay of materials and light. A three-sided fireplace framed by curved, reeded millwork forms a sculptural focal point within the family room. Nearby, the dining area accommodates large gatherings around a table crafted from two slabs of natural stone. Above, a rope-like LED pendant introduces a subtle artistic gesture that contrasts with the otherwise disciplined interior language.
Throughout the home, this balance of minimal materials, warm light, and precise detailing defines the atmosphere. The result is a residence where architecture, interiors, and landscape work together seamlessly, reflecting the holistic design philosophy of Izen Architecture Inc. and DS Interiors Inc.
| Technical Sheet | |
|---|---|
| Project Name | House 117 |
| Location | Toronto, Canada |
| Architect | Izen Architecture Inc. |
| Interior Design | DS Interiors Inc. |
| Brick Material | Shouldice Stone Urban Brick Smooth |
| Project Type | Residential Architecture |
| Program | Private Residence |
| Year | 2026 |
| Map | View Location |