Totem House / Atelier RZLBD

Architects: Atelier RZLBD
Area: 1,600 ft²
Year: 2013
Photography: Borzu Talaie
Project Team: Reza Aliabadi, Lailee Soleimani
Structure: Ali Saeed
Construction: Ali Malekzadeh
Client: Robert Langton and John Farrauto
City: Toronto
Country: Canada

Totem House, designed by Atelier RZLBD, is a 1,600 ft² modern residence created for two avid travelers with a passion for minimalism and modernism. A striking feature of the home is a vertical gallery, or “totem,” that displays sculptures collected from their global travels. This central totem, illuminated by both a skylight and dedicated LED lighting, serves as the focal point of the house, visible from every floor. The design emphasizes a geometric pattern based on squares, with clearly defined living, kitchen, and bedroom areas. The exterior is composed of monolithic charcoal brick, contrasted by sections clad in wood for visual variety.

The home was built for Robert and John, who sought a space that reflected their love for modern and minimalist design while showcasing their sculpture collection. Atelier RZLBD tailored the design to meet their lifestyle needs, creating a space that combines functionality with their distinct style. The minimalist aesthetic aligns with their appreciation for clean lines and simplicity, while the vertical gallery adds a personal and artistic touch, making the home a true reflection of their travels and tastes.

A vertical gallery, referred to as a “totem,” sits at the center of the house, displaying their collected artworks in designated niches. An open wooden staircase wraps around the totem, allowing for multiple perspectives of the art pieces. During the day, a skylight above the staircase provides natural light, and at night, LED lights illuminate each niche. The totem is the focal point of the home, visible from every corner on all levels.

The design is rooted in simple geometric forms, starting with ten 10′ x 10′ squares arranged on the linear site. These squares define the interior rooms, as well as the backyard, landscapes, parking, and entry. The totem divides the living/dining area from the kitchen on the ground floor and separates the two bedrooms on the second floor.

Robert and John’s kitchen reflects their minimalist approach to cooking. A gas burner cook-top without a hood stands out, with all other appliances concealed behind floor-to ceilings white cabinets.

The master bedroom on the second floor merges seamlessly with the ensuite, using marble tiles to define wet zones without breaking up the space with walls. A freestanding bathtub offers a peaceful views of the courtyard.

The exterior is a monolithic charcoal brick structure. Two small sections on the north and south facades are clad in wood, creating the illusion that the wood is the core material of the brick mass. This interplay between the materials gives the house a unique character, while the landscape design ties it harmoniously to the neighborhood.