Brynhurst | Private Residence | 2,600 sq ft Renovation/Addition


John and Patsy Bell found a three-storey 1,800 square foot home on a leafy cul-de-sac. Next they turned to Lynn Appleby to do a complete architectural transformation of the house.

On a search uptown, they found a three-storey, 1,800-square-foot home. With three bedrooms, five bathrooms and a leafy cul-de-sac location, it had immense potential, and they b ought it for what it could be, rather than what it was: a boxy 1970s structure. "Everything we need is within walking distance or a subway ride away," says John. Next, they turned to Lynn Appleby to do a complete architectural transformation of the house that reflected their notion of sustainability: open concept with tons of natural light and a visual connection to the outdoors from all angles. "We love how soothing it is to bring the outdoors in," says Patsy.

The reno involved 18 months of chasing down permits, followed by eight months of construction before move-in day. "We didn't gut the house; we blew it apart," says Appleby. John and his team of builders from Kinswater lifted off the original mansard roof to make way for a flat one that could hold six solar panels, then punched outside of the original box to add a glass • stair tower that brings in light and fresh air through long casement windows. (This bumped up the home's size to 2,600 square feet.)

House & Home, May 2013