trevor mcivor architect organizes petaluma house around bamboo-filled atrium

located in a rural subdivision near whitby in canada, petaluma house by trevor mcivor architect is a split-level, open-plan contemporary residential dwelling. surrounded by traditional custom homes, the house stands out with its clean lines, prominent roof structure, and elegant composition. this dwelling has been designed for a retired professional, and both function and flexibility of the space play a large role in the layout of the spaces.

images by adrian ozimek

the petaluma house by trevor mcivor architect features a double-height glazed atrium filled with bamboo trees at the entrance. this area allows natural daylight into the lower level where the entertainment and recreational rooms are located. an open-riser concrete and steel staircase accentuates this space, nestled between the tall vegetation and an indoor waterfall.

the main living spaces consists of an open kitchen with a dinning room, and a screened porch which has the ability to merge with the interior or the outside of the dwelling. the slightly lowered living room is fully glazed and is connected with a balcony. the natural yet timeless material palette features whitewashed douglas fir cedars and soffits, mahogany, concrete and glass.

the client, a vintage car collector, needed a room to store his collection in an integrated, and fully-glazed attached car garage which looks out onto the surrounding ravine. age was also kept in mind by integrating into the design a pneumatic see-through elevator shaft that connects all levels and adds an industrial touch.

project info:

architect: trevor mcivor architect inc

lead architect: trevor mcivor
project designer: steve choe
interior designer: dorota jackowski
location: whitby, toronto gta, ontario
site area: 4,550 m2
project area: 5,000sf (460m2)
project completion year: 2017-18
builder: ortolan building design ltd
structural engineer: blackwell structural engineers
photography: adrian ozimek