Courtesy of Solares Architecture
Courtesy of Solares Architecture

Home Tour:
Our House

Join us on Instagram Live for our next TSA Home Tour as architect Christine Lolley, co-founding Principal of Solares Architecture, gives us a tour of her very own home which she designed in collaboration with her partner architect Tom Knezic for their family. Not only did Christine and Tom design the home, they also acted as their own General Contractors on this major renovation.

During this one-of-a-kind tour, we’ll get a very personal perspective as Christine shares with us the stories behind creating and realizing the vision for their home. The tour will end with a moderated Q&A session where Christine will answer any questions you might have!

Ready to join us? The tour will be held live on the TSA Instagram account, so make sure to follow us so you don’t miss out on this unique opportunity.

 

About the Solares House

This major renovation transformed an existing West Toronto house into a healthy and sustainable home and rental suite. The main floor has been completely opened and highly efficient building systems have been installed. The house is now equipped with brand new insulation and windows, as well as healthy, sustainable, and beautiful interior finishes, and a clever, open-concept design.

Two main considerations in this overhaul were energy efficiency and efficient use of space. The goal was to renovate the existing brick structure, but the small property and tight budget gave little possibility for adding space. As such, the finished building footprint stands at only 450 sq.ft. per floor. The strategic, open-plan design fully optimizes the space, with naturally bright communal rooms, one full bathroom, one powder room, and plenty of built-in storage.

Additionally, a deep energy retrofit has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by an impressive 15 tonnes per year – that’s equivalent to about eleven Honda Civics on the road for a year! The airtight envelope, continuous insulation and high performance boiler – which is about the size of a backpack – make heating and cooling the home easy and efficient, with a 92 percent reduction in annual space heating over the original building.

The house acts as a physical example to family, friends, clients and neighbours that even a small “starter home” renovation can be sustainable, and affordable.

 

About the TSA HOME TOURS Series

Having spent the last year and a half working, playing, and resting in our homes, residential design has never been more topical or top of mind. Last year, we toured some very special homes of our very own TSA members, and this year we are continuing our home visits across the GTA! Each tour will have a new architect or designer feature their home and share with us the stories, challenges and opportunities that shaped their residences.