+ tongtong renovates mid-century pool house in toronto

+ tongtong renovates mid-century pool house in toronto
photo by colin faulkner
all images courtesy of + tongtong

canadian multidisciplinary studio + tongtong has renovated a mid-century pool house in toronto, a bold and considered design located in the garden of a large traditional property. the multifunctional scheme comprises open-plan interiors able to readily transformed into a guesthouse, office or event space. the building, which measures 1,000 square feet, had undergone several attempted renovations that resulted in the original design being compromised.

the expansive patio has been extended parallel to the roof plane above
photo by colin faulkner

in order to reemphasize the building’s structure, the flat roof is accentuated, bringing the roofline forward, while windows are pushed in line with the ceiling allowing natural light to filter inside. elevations are clad in cedar slats replacing the former stone façade, with the expansive patio extended parallel to the roof plane above. internal space is programmed to function as a pool house for guests changing and showering, in addition to a guest suite for extended stays. the volume is articulated around a large, free-standing unit that delineates public and private areas.

internal space is programmed to function in a variety of different ways
photo by colin faulkner

the public section offers its occupants audio visual and entertainment equipment articulated around an elongated table built from salvaged wood that runs through the center of the room, while the private area contains a shower and a toilet, both enclosed behind blue glazing. in this area of the dwelling, a comfortable bed folds down from the wall providing sleeping accommodation for overnight guests.

‘its true potential was really buried under a lot of different interpretations,’ explained principal john tong. ‘I wanted to redefine its modernity while making a place that is warm and full of ease.’

a bright orange wall is used to showcase the client’s art collection
photo by colin faulkner

an elongated table built from salvaged wood runs through the center of the room
photo by colin faulkner

a shower and toilet are enclosed behind vibrant blue glass
photo by colin faulkner

the private area of the design
photo by colin faulkner

a murphy bed folds down from the wall providing sleeping accommodation for overnight guests
photo by colin faulkner

elevations are clad in cedar slats replacing the former stone façade
photo by colin faulkner

the pool house gently illuminated at night
photo by colin faulkner

project info:

project name: pool house
location: toronto, canada
architect / designers: + tongtong inc (project started at 3rd uncle design)
lead designer: john tong
design team: morgan o’reilly
landscape architect: + tongtong and neil turnbull / hedgerow
builder: parallel general contractor
size: 93 sqm / 1,000 sqf
photography: colin faulkner
stylists: emma reddington and liz ikiriko

furniture & accessories
carpet: ELTE
sting ray rocking chair: mjolk
spine lounge chair: mjolk
art & toy collection: private collection of the owner
coffee table: designed by + tongtong, table top by canadian salvage timber