On a quaint tree-lined street in Fairfield, two side-by-side custom-built homes preserve the neighbourhood’s existing vernacular with traditional cedar shingles and granite stucco exteriors. Beyond the charming facades, however, are surprisingly stylish interiors ranking high on habitability for the modern family. Architecturally forward-thinking, the design ethos for ARYZE Development’s “Lateral” project emphasizes a modernist composition with efficient layouts where owners can cultivate a life based on the concept of quality over quantity. While not a new architectural ideology — think Scandinavian modernism — this “less is more” aesthetic is not always embraced by conventional home builders and developers.
Residential design is an expression of our current societal climate, a cultural response to progress and technology. Rather than view an economical use of space as restrictive, the creative co-owners of ARYZE, Matthew Jardine
and Ryan Goodman, believe that a highly functional, perfectly proportioned space can be transformative. Low maintenance, easy on the budget and serenely clutter-free, small footprints can liberate rather than limit.
The idea for “Lateral” was born out of a desire to build beautifully detailed homes reflecting timeless contemporary design. “When we acquired the property in 2014, it housed a small and tired 1940’s duplex in mostly original condition,” says Goodman.
Developing the property in consultation with the neighbourhood and the City of Victoria, one of their primary design goals was to bring life to the street by creating a more livable environment. Through careful siting and design, the homes were built to fit the context of the growing and vibrant Fairfield community — where Jardine and Goodman both live and work.
Goodman adds that “primarily wood and glass, the exterior is reflective of the neighbouring homes with rock-dash granite accent panels positioned to create an interesting, well-composed facade. Based on size and location, the windows were carefully selected to minimize sightlines to neighbours, while maximizing glass in other areas to capitalize on both natural light and cross ventilation.”
Vaulted ceilings, oversized windows, built-ins and floating staircases work together to foster a sense of airiness in both homes. Together with Interior Designer, Tonia D’Introno, Jardine and Goodman use natural materials including eco-friendly birch plywood cabinets in the kitchen, rift oak built-in shelving and reclaimed cedar dock wood from the Royal Victoria Yacht Club for stair treads. White oak floors throughout and a cloud white colour palette strengthen the spacious feel while the cedar provides a natural warmth.
Challenging the substantial square footage of a typical custom-build, ARYZE Developments employs clever solutions to maintain a European-influenced sense of space. With concealed storage, laundry near bedrooms, purpose-built workstations and media rooms, the three and four bedroom homes provide the requisite practicalities without sacrificing style and comfort. With sun orientation at the top of their design brief, both dwellings optimize natural light while expanding the livable space with seamless transitions to the outdoors.
For a dramatic and inviting entrance, cedar soffits extend from the exterior through to an interior feature wall.
605 Cornwall Street features two bedrooms up, one bedroom down, with a convenient laundry area upstairs. Downstairs, both homes enjoy a cozy media room and guest bedroom with ample storage to round out the industrious contemporary design.
In the four-bedroom home at 607 Cornwall Street, a custom milled staircase bound by tempered glass elegantly frames the dining area for an open, modern feel. Quality materials and unique features also include engineered flooring systems, quality mechanical systems and a high-efficiency natural gas boiler that powers hydronic, in-floor heat on all levels.
An insulated concrete form (ICF) foundation includes two thick, continuous Logix Pro foam panels that eliminate thermal breaks and require 44% less energy to heat compared to wood-framed walls of similar insulation value. For the progressive buyer, an electric car charging station was installed in the garage.
