DESIGN BLOG
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Artist Studio, Toronto, ON
Brutalist motifs allow for the creations to be focal points in this artist studio/garage space. A wall of windows and clean, simple lines were important to this client, as well as an emphasis on durability for years of repeated mess and clean-up.
Designing artist spaces is a delicate balance between creating an inspiring environment and allowing room for interpretation. This client requested a dual-purpose studio and garage with lots of natural light. Our design team turned towards brutalism for this solution and opted for simple concrete forms. This provides the artists with an expansive, blank slate that allows creation to be the focal point.
Because this space is aimed to facilitate creativity, our team kept in mind the years to come of mess and clean-up, thus choosing extra durable materials like epoxy flooring and commercial-grade appliances. A wall of windows and skylights accompanied by a gas fireplace brings physical and visual warmth into the otherwise cool space. The skylights and awning windows are electric to provide ease when used to naturally ventilate the studio.
This studio is fully equipped for years of endless creation, mess, and clean-up.
Blunted Aisle, Toronto, ON
This Downtown Toronto cannabis retail shop seeks to provide an approachable, refined, and high-end experience to a customer base that has been brand-faithful for 70+ years. The deep history of the Blunted Aisle brand helped steer this commercial architecture project towards it’s unique and recognizable finished design.
Our commercial architecture specialists designed a cannabis retail store that combines a high-end retail experience with a friendly and approachable atmosphere. StijlTree worked alongside Blunted Aisle to reflect their company values and enhance their brand impact when designing this interior. Our goal became creating a sleek, modern space all while being a familiar face to the community that Blunted Aisle has been serving for 70+ years.
This small 130 sq ft commercial storefront on Queen St East was fit with etched vertical wood slats that draw the eye upwards to a bright coffered ceiling. These two features set the tone for a space that feels large and bright while still being visually interesting. To comply with Ontario dispensary standards, a vestibule was proposed to obstruct the view of the point of sale counter from the street. We turned this requirement into an anchoring point of the store by defining the first wall in Blunted Aisle burgundy. This visually directs customers to the brighter main portion of the cannabis shop while emphasizing the brand presence. These combined aspects made this commercial architecture project into a bright, refined space that feels approachable to the community.
Modern Home Renovation, Toronto, ON
This modern renovation of a classic Toronto Bay and Gable features an open floor plan, a large master suite with an exposed stand-alone tub in the bay window alcove, and plenty of outdoor spaces to complete this family home.
Our interior design team gave this classic Bay and Gable home a well deserved interior facelift. We took care to maximize space by creating an open concept main floor with plenty of storage and light by including built-in cabinets and bay window seating.
The third floor is where the biggest transformation is seen. A large dividing wall and dropped ceiling were removed to reveal a grand area perfect for a master suite. The bay window alcove was converted into a luxury spa with a large stand-alone bathtub and built-in wall storage that can be seen from the bed.
The front of this house was also given a minor facelift with the addition of a new porch and balcony. The existing rooftop to the rear of the house was pre-equipped with skyline views so a rooftop patio was aptly built. These minor additions bring major value to this family home by expanding the usable outdoor spaces available.
Interior Home Renovation, Markham, ON
This luxury home renovation includes coffered ceilings, upgrades to the fireplace, and the removal of the original dining room wall for a more open concept on the main floor. The spiral staircase helps highlight the high ceilings in the foyer complimented by a modern chandelier. The foyer and the kitchen feature marble flooring. These aspects combined make great use of space and light. The new design and layout of the home lend to an updated and more modern feel. The removal of the dining room wall makes the space feel larger, and the design is cohesive and polished.
The renovation also featured a new kitchen. The updated kitchen includes an island with a bar with seating for four. The kitchen also features and adjacent breakfast nook. The kitchen features custom cabinetry and an under-mount range hood for the gas range. The kitchen contains ample counter space and the custom cabinetry features intuitive design, such as a built-in spice rack next to the gas range.
The customer reported a high level of satisfaction with the finished product and their experience working with Simply Exquisite Construction and StijlTree. The client was very happy with the accommodating service and quick, professional responses and assistance from our team. They were very pleased with the results of removing the wall that was between the dining room and kitchen and how the designers and contractors were receptive to feedback throughout the project.
Full Client Testimonial:
Rental Cottage, Huntsville, ON
This Cottage in beautiful Huntsville, ON sits right on the edge of a lake. It combines wonderful architecture with a scenic view like no other!
This Cottage in beautiful Huntsville, ON sits right on the edge of a lake. It combines wonderful architecture with a scenic view like no other!
Apartment Complex, Windsor, ON
This Apartment Complex in Windsor, ON, connects people to the surrounding neighbourhood with an emphasis on views of the river and a subtle neoclassical motif.
This Apartment Complex in Windsor, ON, connects people to the surrounding neighbourhood with an emphasis on views of the river and a subtle neoclassical motif.
The Apartment Complex's interior apartments feature modern design that focuses on light and playfulness. Healthy, happy living is what inspires this space and connects it with the outdoors
This parking Garage seeks to provide variance and a play of light and form with its cantilevered storeys and allusions to the Brise-Soleil of Le Corbusier.
Queen Anne Home, Kentucky, USA
This Queen Anne Home was designed to replicate an existing historical home and incorporate a modern interior. The client wished for a beautiful recreation in the Queen Anne Style, complete with ornamentation and witch hat.
Replicating a masterpiece
This Queen Anne Home was designed to replicate an existing historical home and incorporate a modern interior. The client wished for a beautiful recreation in the Queen Anne Style, complete with ornamentation and witch hat.
The home features 3 stories, inclusive of a basement and an attic. The main living space was on the spacious first floor, complete with a kitchen in the rear. The high ceilings and thick walls give this home a solid, homely feel. The client is an artist that uses the hexagonal room for a studio space. This allows them to have an abundance of light and inspiring views of the surrounding plains.
Jaffari Community Centre Exterior Addition, Richmond Hill
The Jaffari Community Centre’s addition follow the hierarchy and architectural language of the existing structure while setting itself apart using materiality to indicacte a space of learning.
The Jaffari Community Centre is looking to expand with further classrooms. The design follows the hierarchy of the rest of the building with a central entrance that extends forward past the rest of the building. The lancet arches reflect Byzantine architectural styles and add to the rhythm of the building.
Winter Cottage, Alberta
The Cottage in the shadow of Rockies reflects the mountains in its roofline and design. The abundance of light and tall open spaces allows for the integration of natural motifs and views.
The Cottage in the shadow of Rockies reflects the mountains in its roofline and design. The abundance of light and tall open spaces allows for the integration of natural motifs and views.
Young Architects Competition - Observatory, Roccascalegna, Italy
This competition sought to use a natural motif of fungi and natural materials to convert a castle into an observatory.
Using the themes of fungal growth and mmushroom clustering, the project, dubbed "Mycelium" sought to create a harmonious space on a mountain overlooked by a ruin. The project created a site plan, accomodations, as well as additions to the ruin to accommodate tourist traffic.