A century-old Beaches home prepared for the next hundred years

Respecting the past while building for the future

Originally constructed in 1905, Haus H46 began as a detached home in Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood. The clients wanted to preserve the character of an established home while creating a healthier, more comfortable environment for contemporary family life. Equally important was improving the building’s long-term energy performance without losing the qualities that made the house worth preserving.

Rather than replacing the existing structure, the project extends its life through a comprehensive renovation and addition. The result is a home that responds to today’s expectations for comfort, durability, and performance while remaining grounded in its neighbourhood context.

Extending the life of an existing building

Working with a house that had evolved over more than a century required every decision to balance preservation with renewal. New spaces needed to feel naturally connected to the original structure, while significant improvements to the building envelope and mechanical systems had to be closely integrated within the existing construction.

The project also set out to demonstrate that sustainability begins with making better use of what already exists. Preserving the home’s embodied carbon while substantially improving its performance became a defining part of the design approach.

Designing for health, comfort, and performance

Natural light, fresh air, and building performance guided the project from the earliest stages. Precisely positioned openings improve daylight throughout the home, while operable windows support natural cross ventilation during much of the year.

A continuous exterior insulation system, high-performance windows, and a carefully detailed air barrier significantly reduce energy demand while improving year-round comfort. A high-efficiency heat recovery ventilation system continuously supplies filtered fresh air, creating a healthier indoor environment for everyday living.

The contemporary addition is expressed through restrained forms and durable materials that distinguish new from old while respecting the scale of the surrounding streetscape. Warm natural finishes, precisely detailed millwork, and a restrained material palette create calm, welcoming interiors designed to age gracefully over time.

Built to endure

Haus H46 demonstrates how a century-old Toronto home can be thoughtfully renewed rather than replaced. By bringing together disciplined planning, durable construction, and high-performance building principles, the project prepares an existing home for another century of family life while significantly reducing its environmental impact.

The project has been featured in National Post, Dezeen, Elle Decor, Toronto Life, The Globe and Mail, BlogTO, UR Design Magazine, Sharp Magazine, and Gessato.