A Mind-Bending Staircase Brings This Toronto Townhouse to the Next Level

Architecture 31-1-2020 DWell 330

Clean lines, pops of color, and sweeping forms transform a traditional townhouse into a sleek, contemporary abode.

The central staircase connects all three floors of the 7,000-square-foot Toronto townhouse.

In Toronto’s Forest Hill neighborhood, a bold, sophisticated renovation has injected new life into an old townhouse while carefully retaining the building’s 20th-century bones.

The modern renovation is largely the work of local firm Reigo & Bauer, who incorporated bright colors and sculptural forms to reshape the home—starting with a curving central stair that ties the house together.

Built to replace a traditional rectangular stairway, the curving open-riser staircase features extra-wide black treads that pop against white stair walls. — Built to replace a traditional rectangular stairway, the curving open-riser staircase features extra-wide black treads that pop against white guardrails.
Doublespace Photography

The sculptural curving stair captures the changing light during different times of day. — The curving staircase captures changing light at different times of day.
Doublespace Photography

The home’s new sense of drama is further enhanced with improved sight lines to the outdoors—a nearly unbroken expanse of glazing pulls in views of a refreshed landscape designed by Amantea Architects—and vivid colors, textures, and patterns that add depth to the predominately neutral and minimalist backdrop.