Evoke International Design transformed a secondary residence on a 1912 Shaughnessy estate with floor-to-ceiling glazing set flush with the ground to strengthen the connection between the interior and surrounding landscape. Steel window frames were selected for their slim sightlines, while drainage detailing and a gently sloped bluestone terrace manage rainwater at the threshold. The dark grid of the glazing references the leaded windows of the neighboring heritage home without replicating its Tudor and Gothic Revival detailing.
The interiors combine soft white finishes, warm gray tones, oak flooring and Calacatta stone surfaces, with a sculptural staircase integrated into the existing structure. Furnishings by Pierre Paulin, Joe Colombo, Vladimir Kagan and Paul Evans complement the restrained material palette. Landscape designer Paul Sangha Creative retained the mature tree canopy and introduced layered planting, pleached Portuguese laurels, wisteria and a cast bronze sculpture by Al Stinson.
Image Credit: Ema Peter
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Ground-level Glazing
- Flush floor-to-ceiling glass creates new potential for heritage renovations that dissolve indoor-outdoor boundaries while preserving architectural context.
- Contextual Modernization
- Contemporary materials and restrained detailing offer a refined path for updating historic properties without imitating period-specific ornamentation.
- Integrated Threshold Drainage
- Subtle water-management systems embedded into terraces and glass transitions support more resilient residential designs in rain-prone environments.
Where This Applies
- Architecture
- Heritage-sensitive additions are expanding demand for design approaches that balance preservation rules with modern spatial openness.
- Landscape Design
- Layered planting, mature canopy retention and sculptural outdoor elements are elevating gardens into immersive extensions of interior living spaces.
- Luxury Residential Interiors
- Curated furniture, natural stone and warm minimal finishes are shaping premium homes around quiet material richness and collectible design.
