In Toronto’s rapidly densifying landscape, where a growing array of noisy architectural pieces compete for attention, a new home designed by an interior designer Gillian Gillis stands as a welcome respite. Sustainability, so often associated with clinical engineering, high-rise towers, sprawling campuses and strong performance-based aesthetics, is repeated here as a ‘warm embrace’. Located in the upscale “urban village” neighborhood of Leaside, the Net Zero Ready Home project proves that advanced environmental stewardship and cheerful, quirky interiors can coexist.
Photo by Doublespace Photography
The project is the result of a close collaboration between Gillian Gillies (the designer’s eponymous practice) Dewson Architectsand builders Cliff & Evans. While the technical basis is based on passive house principles – with meticulously tested layers of air and moisture control to ensure a constant temperature all year round – the sensory quality of the house is determined by texture, color and family connection. “Comfort was paramount,” says Gillies, “and that meant a house that was properly constructed as well as (comfortable furniture).”
Photo by Doublespace Photography
Originally from Edinburgh, Gillies brings a sensibility rooted in the permanence of neoclassical and Georgian architecture, translated here through a palette of natural materials including white oak, walnut and wool. Each room is tailored to its intended function, while bold floral wall hangings and textured tiles add personality. Instead of the sterile ‘new’ that characterizes contemporary high-performance homes, the interiors embrace purposeful juxtaposition.
Photo by Doublespace Photography
“We don’t exactly match the fabrics,” explains Gillies. “Instead, we like a bit of tension, a bit of mismatch that makes the house feel quieter.”
This philosophy is most evident in the common areas, where the design explicitly promotes human interaction. A double-sided sofa in the living room invites simultaneous but separate ways of engagement. A floating window seat in the foyer provides a quiet corner for reflection. The color story – a base of greens and blues punctuated by bold flashes of yellow and red – reflects the family’s love of travel and the natural world.
Photo by Doublespace Photography
Throughout the four-story structure, strategically placed architectural and decorative lighting sets the mood. A Lutron HomeWorks System it seamlessly transitions the atmosphere from energetic to intimate. Sculptural pendants from Montreal-based boutique producers Lambert & Fils and Gabriel Scott add a layer of contemporary art. Vintage Brazilian furniture and woven Oaxacan baskets enhance the warm, tactile quality of the space.
Photo by Doublespace Photography
Ultimately, this Toronto home is a testament to the idea that thoughtful architecture can enhance everyday life. By prioritizing the well-being of both the planet and a particular family, Gillies created a structure that does more than just store carbon. it is a space that holds life in all its complexity.
“We create homes to live in and not just look at,” he says. By achieving this careful balance, the designer has created a home that will undoubtedly last for generations.
Photo by Doublespace Photography
