The Integral House by Shim – Sutcliffe Architects

The Integral House is a place for architecture, music and interpretation Located on the edge of a cliff in Toronto. From the street, reading a two-storey building with a wood base and upper translucent glass skin. The base consists of solid walls covered with oak to be dissolved in ribs of the same material, Resulting in winding glass walls vertically separated by these elements, shaping the perimeter of the house.

Customer Passion by the curves gave a starting point for this project, generating a referred to a wavy edge of the river valley and service roads that are drawn between the native forest. The section of the house is a parallel to experience of descending the gully and climb to the treetops. Thus, each of the 5-story cliff side has a different relationship with their landscape and empathetic. At lower levels, the experience the forest floor is the principal. As one rises, both the ribs as special experience eases to be at the height of the treetops.

The culminating moment in the journey through the project is a performance space for 150 peopleIn an entire floor under the level of access. At the top level, comedor and living areas and balcony work during a presentation, giving extra space to performance space. Many experiments and explorations embedded in the project, such as fireplaces, stairs and door handles. However, one of the main elements that make up a blue glass staircase, Which is a specially commissioned artwork.

It is made of blown glass blue rectangles laminate, with supports of cast bronze and stainless steel cables. The steps of the same material allow light to filter into the lower levels. Sustainability is considered in the project without being a feature. Installed below the access 23 tubes that provide geothermal heating and cooling for the performance space and the rest of the house. Furthermore, green roof reduces heating and is a feature visible from many parts of the project. The ribs give vertical wood sun protection and contribute to the acoustic performance interior space.