Opposite House

PrizeWinner in Architectural Design / Residential Architecture
Firm LocationToronto, Canada
CompanyAtelier RZLBD
Lead Architectrzlbd (Reza Aliabadi)
Design TeamDesign Architect: Reza Aliabadi [rzlbd] Interior design: Julia Francisco Structure: Egbert Engineering Mechanical: McCallum Consulting Septic: Gunnell Engineering Architectural Photography: Borzu Talaie
ClientMalcolm Shaw & Julia francisco
Project Videohttp://

The Opposite House’s conceptual formation and program is centred around the dynamic interplay of the opposites: between north (servant) and south (served), rendered in black/white, textured/smooth, closed/open, opaque/transparent, and shadow/light. The house adopts an institutional/commercial typology with all spaces aligned and arranged along a galleria. This spine defines a spatial organization, structural and mechanical schemes, and provides dwellers with a very efficient spatial network, a shortcut to navigate between quarters. Although the gallery generates a linear void, its emptiness is the very soul of the project’s interiority. Location: Toronto, Scarborough, Cliffcrest area Basics: One-storey steel & wood structure Lot: 1.093 ha. Living Area: 6000 sqft Design: 2014-2015 Completion: Summer 2016