Nothing is impossible if enterprising people have a real dream. Like, for example, the couple from Canada, who spent enough time looking for an acceptable option for buying a home, but opted for abandoned garages. Warped wooden buildings were on a very tiny plot of land, but provided great opportunities. for thinking and creative people, despite the fact that others took the purchase and the planned transformation for madness.
Truly, the proverb “what is rubbish for one person is treasure for another” cannot be more eloquent, than for an abandoned garage with a barn, which for a long time were empty almost in the center of Toronto (East End area). Located in one of the most prestigious areas of the city, dilapidated wooden buildings for most residents evoked only longing, but there was a married couple who saw the potential in a small piece of land measuring 7.6 x 8.5 m
Julie Dyck and Michael Humphreys passed by this place on a daily basis, as the garages were located on the way from the rented apartment to work (on Queen Street). They thought about the fact that it would be nice to get their own garage, because they still did not have enough money to buy a house. The couple very quickly made a decision and purchased abandoned buildings for 50 thousand rubles. dollars, which by Toronto standards is more than ridiculous money.
Given the location of the site, Julie and Michael really did not want to turn it into a banal parking lot, but build a 65 sq. meters no one will allow. Family friend architect Drew Houser suggested a great way out, to build commercial real estate with the right to live. Only under such conditions it was possible to obtain an official building permit, of course, taking into account all the instructions of the fire and sanitary and urban planning services.
Since the land area is minimal, the house had to be raised in height so that both the workplace and a comfortable living space could be organized. Drew Houser actively helped in this, who, together with his arch studio, developed a project involving a 5-story building in the form of a tower. In the final version, on such a tiny area, it was possible to organize 238 square meters. meters of living space.
In the best tradition of building commercial facilities, the house has a massive steel frame, which the contractors installed in just 2 days. The fantastic fastening lines of the pile-frame structure aroused increased interest among the neighbors, who always considered it crazy to build a residential building on an open plot right next to the road. But as the mini-high-rise took on a real shape, there were a few onlookers who also began to take an active interest in ultra-high-speed construction technology.
So that the working and living space does not look squeezed and limited, the project provides for generous glazing. The entire flight of stairs connecting all floors is made in the form of a glass atrium, which allows an unlimited amount of sunlight to enter the house. This decision contributed to an increase in the volume of living space and made it possible to save a lot on electricity, because the need for artificial lighting arises only at night. It should be noted that due to the strict fire safety rules provided for such buildings, there are small balconies on three floors, and on roof - an open terrace, where, in addition to the fact that Julie broke a personal garden, there is also a Jacuzzi, in which it is pleasant to splash around in warm weather, enjoying the city landscape.
According to the authors of Novate.ru, in order to ensure the safety of the building and make it as resistant to all weather conditions and significant seismic loads, frame made of steel and concrete was reinforced. For fire safety reasons, balconies are also provided, allowing you to quickly leave the building. Otherwise, they adhered to the concept of open planning and free zoning, allowing you to change the purpose of the rooms and experiment with space.
On the lower level, which can be considered the basement, there is a garage, a basement, a utility room and an entrance hall. The first residential floor is given over to office space, which is very convenient in the face of epidemiological restrictions. Julie Dyck and Michael Humphreys are master jewelers so they can work from the comfort of their homes. Moreover, the jewelry design studio is within walking distance from the main streets. At this level, in addition to the working space, there is a cozy corner where visitors can have a good time.
The second residential level has a large kitchen, dining room, family living room, bathroom and access to an open balcony. Since the owners are very fond of cooking themselves, up to baking homemade bread, it is not surprising that the kitchen is allocated most of the space.
Large kitchen island, floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, built-in appliances, impressive marble countertop made from refurbished cladding, which was removed from the facade of the 72-story First Canadian Building - all this radiates homeliness and comfort and emphasizes the modern luxury.
In the living-dining area, in addition to soft sofas, a dining area, and open shelving for storage, there is also a gas fireplace, although the heat in the house is maintained thanks to the “warm floor” system.
On the third level, there is a flexible space that can be used both as a home cinema room and as a guest bedroom. In order to free up space, we decided to install a built-in bed, which is easy to hide in a closet as unnecessary. This level also has an individual bathroom with a toilet, there is also an exit to the balcony.
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The fourth floor is completely given over to the arrangement of the matrimonial bedroom. Large bed, built-in wardrobes, chest of drawers with snow-white facades, a private bathroom, in which, in addition to a shower there is a luxurious bath, a private balcony, located at the level of the tops of the trees - all this is conducive to relaxation and full relaxation.
Part of the fifth floor is given over to the organization of a living room with a kitchenette, which can be used as an independent space for the owners themselves, or as another guest / children's room. From the living room there is access to a large terrace where you can sunbathe or relax in water treatments, grow greens, vegetables, flowers, and enjoy beautiful views of the city.
Interesting fact: On the purchase of a plot with a dilapidated garage and a barn, as well as on the construction and complete arrangement of their dream home, the couple spent a total of just over 900 thousand rubles. USD (2004-2008). They have now decided to sell their custom property for $2.250 million to take on a new project.
The construction of extraordinary skyscrapers is not limited to private residences. Take, for example, a high-rise building, which is the tallest skyscraper in Sweden, assembled from wooden panels.
A source: https://novate.ru/blogs/201121/61222/