A Leslieville semi-detached home renewed through light and space

This modern residential architecture project reworks an existing semi-detached home in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood for contemporary family life.

Creating a contemporary home within an existing structure

Haus L34 began as an outdated semi-detached home in Leslieville that no longer supported the needs of contemporary family life. The clients wanted to create a more comfortable and efficient home with improved spatial flow, additional living space, and stronger connections between the interior and exterior.

The project involved a complete renovation and addition, with much of the existing house reconstructed to create a new three-dimensional relationship between space, light, and material. A second-storey addition introduced additional bedroom and bathroom space while allowing the home to function more effectively for everyday living.

Reworking a constrained urban home

Like many Toronto semi-detached houses, the original home was shaped by a narrow footprint and a layout that had evolved over time. The challenge was to create a more generous and comfortable interior while respecting the scale and character of the surrounding Leslieville neighbourhood.

The design approach focused on improving how the home is experienced throughout the day: how daylight enters, how rooms connect, and how spaces support both shared family activities and moments of privacy.

Bringing light, air, and efficiency together

Natural light became a defining element of the design. Openings were carefully positioned to draw daylight deeper into the home, while the revised layout creates clearer relationships between living spaces, circulation, and the garden.

The renovation also improved the home’s energy performance through upgraded building assemblies and more efficient systems. Material choices balance durability and warmth, combining contemporary exterior detailing with natural interior finishes that create a comfortable and enduring atmosphere.

The new upper level increases the home’s functionality while maintaining a balanced relationship with the existing streetscape. Inside, precisely composed spaces, integrated storage, and refined details allow the home to feel open while remaining practical for daily life.

A renewed home for contemporary living

Haus L34 demonstrates how an existing Toronto home can evolve through disciplined design and targeted improvements. By combining additional space, improved performance, and a stronger connection to natural light, the project creates a home that responds to the needs of today while extending the value of what already existed.

The project has been featured twice in The Globe and Mail, as a Home of the Week and in coverage of the Toronto real estate market.