Atrium Townhome

RobitailleCurtis’s design highlights the dramatic vertical and horizontal axis of the home


Originally built in 1978, this townhome required significant renovations. In the end, the decision was made to gut the house and largely start over. The clients, a young family, wanted updated modern finishes, unique design features, and an open convivial layout with the ability to close off space so that their pets could be kept out of the kitchen and living room. The project’s primary material palette needed to be durable and not require constant maintenance.

On the ground floor, the linear hearth and views across the atrium and kitchen terminate at the new garden window wall. The vertical axis is highlighted by the two-story book-case and vertical grain Douglas Fir slats. The material palette of Douglas Fir slats, polished concrete floors, and white lacquered millwork achieve brightness, warmth, durability and sleek minimal design. Concealed floor to ceiling pocket doors and stainless-steel mesh curtains provide flexible separation. A net ‘floor’ replaces the need for guardrails at the top of the expanded atrium and serves as a unique play surface on the third floor where children’s rooms are located.

At the main living level, the kitchen has been relocated from the front of the home to the rear where it now enjoys more open space and daylight in its position adjacent a window wall with views to a newly designed garden. A carefully detailed millwork ‘cube’ is a primary organizing element of the ground floor plan. It is a nicely proportioned object that orients movement through space as it separates the living room from the atrium and kitchen. The ‘cube’ contains two concealed glass pocket doors that enable the living room to be closed off. It also conceals a coat closet at the main entrance of the home and hides a discreet powder room.