2 Hedgewood Road WILLOWDALE, Ontario

This house is built on the edge of a ravine looking south. The east and west walls are opaque providing privacy from the street and the neighbouring lot. The north wall of the house is glass brick providing light and privacy. A garage is separated from the house making an entrance courtyard. Behind the garage is a bed-sitting room. The roof of the garage is accessible from the second floor bedrooms and a stair from the entrance courtyard.

The structure of the house developed around the tartan of living and servicing functions and networks. The upper level of the entrance floor has the service functions and heavily trafficked areas; kitchen, entrance, main circulation spine and dining room. The lower level of this floor has a two storey living room, library and visual connection to the conservatory in the lowest floor. This lower level has a sauna and dip pool, the conservatory, a walkout deck, the furnace and storage area. The structure of the house is a light steel frame with acoustical decking. Slate floors are the material in heavily trafficked areas and industrial wood block floors are in living and sleeping areas.

The large trees to the south prevent heat gain in summer and allow the sun to penetrate in winter and warm the floor slabs. Canvas shades can also be drawn. Duct runs and electrical systems are left exposed and are coordinated with the structure to be a clear expression and support of the adjacent activity.

Canadian Housing Design Council Award, 1974.