Nestled in Toronto’s prestigious Forest Hill neighborhood, a century-old home has been transformed into a beacon of sustainable, eco-conscious design, expertly blending historical charm with West Coast aesthetics. Spearheaded by Dewson Architects, this project brought together a family’s vision and thoughtful architectural solutions, resulting in a stunning, timeless, and sustainable home.

The story of Forest Hill House began when a family of five relocated from British Columbia to Toronto for new career opportunities. Drawn to the elegance of their historic home, they wanted to preserve its character while introducing modern, nature-inspired elements. However, the project wasn’t without obstacles – a leaking fuel oil tank and an obstructed garden view, among other hurdles. This led the family to partner with Dewson Architects, renowned for their innovative yet community-focused designs.

“We had certain challenges beforehand,” explained the homeowner. “The existing garage was blocking most of the rear yard view. We also needed an architect to achieve the West Coast vibe we envisioned – a space that embraced an open garden design. Within half an hour of meeting Bill Dewson on site, he sketched a solution that completely transformed the concept.”

A new vision

Rather than opting for an expensive underground parking garage, Dewson Architects proposed a more practical side driveway, allowing for an expanded backyard garden and saving significant construction costs. As the project evolved, Dewson Architects recommended a rear addition that seamlessly merged the traditional architecture of the original home with a sleek West Coast-inspired design. With sustainability at the forefront, the family embraced this vision wholeheartedly.

To preserve the structural integrity of the historic home, renovations began with a full restoration of the century-old structure. The construction team enhanced the home’s thermal performance by adding extra insulation, installing triple-glazed windows, and sealing the entire building envelope to eliminate energy loss. This careful restoration ensured that the home’s elegance and charm would endure for another century.

Proposals by Dewson Architects for the contemporary addition, which integrated modern elements to the existing structure, garnered neighbourhood support, a testament to the architects’ commitment to community harmony.

“Our goal was to blend innovation with tradition, creating a space that honours the past, while embracing the future," said Bill Dewson, Principal Architect of Dewson Architects. "The sustainable measures we’ve integrated not only enhance the home’s functionality, but also ensure its legacy for generations to come.”

Challenges and commitment to sustainability

During excavation, a leaking fuel oil tank was discovered, temporarily halting construction. Dewson Architects quickly addressed the issue by removing the contaminated soil and upgrading the heating system to a high-efficiency model. This unforeseen challenge reinforced the project’s dedication to sustainability, with the old tank recycled and every effort made to minimize environmental impact.

The finished Forest Hill House seamlessly fuses history with modern eco-consciousness. A green roof, recycled materials, and an open, nature-inspired aesthetic bring the outdoors in, allowing the family to enjoy the beauty of each season within a thoughtfully designed space. The Forest Hill House now stands as an inspirational model of how old-world elegance and modern technology can coalesce, setting a new standard in sustainable, timeless architecture.