Parkway Renovation

This renovation was especially close to home: a project for friends in the neighbourhood. After adding a third floor a few years earlier, they were ready to transform the ground floor and basement for their busy family of five, while leaving the second floor untouched.

Life for this family revolves around the back of the house, yet the entry was cramped, the backyard felt cut off, and the interiors lacked light and space. Our design reimagined how the home is entered and used, creating a welcoming and functional entry, a bright main floor, and a versatile basement that supports daily life.

The back door became the heart of the renovation. A spacious basement-level mudroom now welcomes the family, with an exterior stair leading down from the backyard and an interior stair leading up to the main floor. This approach frees up the main level for more light, flow, and easy connection to the backyard.

A 16-foot rear addition expanded the living space while preserving the street-facing side of the house. The layout centers on natural light and family function: a powder room, pantry, and command centre at the core; an open kitchen, dining, and sitting area beyond; and a seamless link to the outdoors.

The basement offers a family-friendly zone: play/TV space, guest bedroom and bathroom, and the rear mudroom with cubbies for everyone. Throughout the interiors – designed by the homeowner herself – spaces balance energy and calm, supporting both gathering and recharging.

Structural upgrades made the open design possible. A steel moment-frame supports the upper floors and large rear windows, while the side wall is covered with non-combustible cladding selected with neighbour input.

The rear entry stairs leading to the lower-level mudroom are heated concrete to ensure a safe, year-round entry for the family’s primary access.

The result is a bright, resilient, and functional home that connects the family to their laneway, backyard, and city beyond.

Photography: Kira Noel Photography
Builder: Revive Contracting
Millwork: MAV Design
Interior Design: Daron Earthy