Located in Toronto’s Forest Hill, the Cascade House by Paul Raff Studio is a dramatic departure from the surrounding built environment. The home’s straight-edged façade, composed of black slate and glass, was designed to reflect the owners’ love of modern art and allow copious daylight to flood the interior. The 3500 square foot home is spread over three levels, the lowest of which is partially sunken into the earth. In addition to designing in accordance with the owners’ modern preferences, the architects also emphasized energy efficiency as a foremost issue. Consequently, several basic but effective design strategies are incorporated into the design. For instance, the slate that adorns the exterior is carried into the interior on both floors and a central “spine.” During Toronto’s cold winter months, sunlight enters through the large windows during the day and is absorbed by the slate, effectively warming the house through the night. During summer months, automated shades and passive ventilation keep the home naturally cool. Despite its aesthetic departure from tradition, the Cascade house employs environmentally conscious design principles that can be adapted to any home.
See more of the home after the jump.
Source: Plus Mood
