Instar House / Atelier RZLBD

Architects: Atelier RZLBD
Area: 2,200 ft²
Year: 2014
Photography: Borzu Talaie
Construction: Jordyn Development
Structure: Gamaley and Associates
City: Toronto
Country: Canada

Instar House, designed by Atelier RZLBD in North York, Toronto, is a minimalist three-storey residence spanning 2,200 ft². The structure replaces a 150s two-and-a-half-storey building locally known as the “half-house.” The new design focuses on simplicity and functionality, using a combination of wood and steel. A central staircase divides the home, leading to a third-floor master bedroom and rooftop patio with views of a nearby park. The seamless exterior is finished in stucco, giving the house a monolithic appearance.

The design divides the house into two distinct volumes, both oriented east-west. The larger grey volume holds the primary living spaces, while the smaller black volume holds the primary living spaces, while the smaller black volume is dedicated to utilities and services. The glazed openings in the larger section are connected for cohesive light and views, contributing to the house’s uniform aesthetic. The seamless stucco exterior further enhances the contrast between the two volumes, creating a unified yet distinct architectural form.

A central staircase divides the floors, facilitating both visual communication and functional separation. On the main floor, the living room is situated on the west side, and the kitchen and dining area are on the east. The second floor houses two bedrooms connected by a glass bridge, with a shared study area overlooking the kitchen. The third floor is dedicated to the master bedroom, with a sleeping area on one side and a rooftop patio with a hot tub on the other, offering views of a nearby park.

The smaller volume contains the home’s utility spaces: mechanical and laundry rooms in the basement, a powder room and foyer on the main floor, a bathroom and laundry chute on the second floor, and a master ensuite on the top floor.