Design Innovation | 4 Spacious Urban Residences
f “location, location, location” is at the top of your property search priorities—after all, who doesn’t love close proximity to the best restaurants, venues, and events a city has to offer—consider the new wave of expertly designed or recently refurbished condos and townhouses cropping up across the country.
You may think it impossible to find sufficient living space in a densely packed urban centre, but brilliant architectural detailing and design innovation help maximize every inch of these four spaces. Even 2,000 square feet feels like 10,000, and that’s not including the exemplary amenities that accompany these luxurious residences.
Penthouse on Waterfront, Toronto, ON
Leave the keys with the valet as you pull up to this architectural marvel and revel in the 360-degree city and lake views of this four-bedroom penthouse. Modern beam work adds an element of design to the generous floor space, as does the open concept kitchen, but the rest of the suite steers away from the “open floor plan” trend. The result is an apartment that feels like an entire house. Ensuite bathrooms accompany each bedroom, further contributing to residents’ privacy. Some even allow for city-gazing from the shower for an extra spacious feel.
Thompson Residences, Toronto, ON
This custom penthouse puts you more among the clouds than the city, with floor to ceiling windows and endless skyline views. You’ll feel extra spoiled by its prime location at the epicentre of Toronto’s King West fashion district (not to mention the incredible rooftop pool, fully-equipped fitness centre, and at-the-ready concierge service).
The two-storey space feels incredibly open thanks to raw recessed ceiling designs, which conjure images of artists’ lofts. The clever design relies on each public area to fulfill two roles. The marble-topped bar between the kitchen and dining area doubles as extra counter space or additional dining room for dinner parties. If it’s more living space you need, the dining area becomes an extension of the living room, resulting in one glass-fronted room with incredible views.
Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, Montréal, QC
The exposed beam ceilings in this 6,000 plus square-foot masterpiece are the perfect contrast to the luxe finishings that carry throughout the rooms of this space. A semi-private elevator shared with just one other unit gives way to a wrought-iron gate entrance and marble slab flooring leading deeper into this four-bedroom residence. A gourmet kitchen, an expansive master bedroom with views of Jeanne-Mance Park and a luxurious ensuite, and a private rooftop oasis make this one of the most sought-after properties in the vibrant Mount-Royal neighbourhood.
The partial walls throughout create an open feel without making the entire residence into one large space. Instead, residents can float from room to room without opening or closing doors, giving the suite the feel of an airy gallery.
Panoramic City Views, Vancouver, BC
cean, city, and mountain views cap off the lavish features of this 2-bedroom estate condo in Vancouver’s prestigious Shangri-La building. Floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping hardwood floors complement an outstanding contemporary kitchen by Boffi stocked with the finest appliances. It’s a perfect match for the minimalist hardwood, clean lines, and recessed fireplace of the open concept space.
Shifts between rooms are subtly suggested by varying ceiling heights and partial walls. The window-lined patio recesses back into the living space, which gives the adjacent rooms the feeling of floating in the sky.
These incredible modern spaces take the best of city life and wrap it up in an alluring package that is part service, part convenience, and part expertly executed design innovation. Incredible use of natural light, vertical space, choice builder materials, and homage to their respective cities make them more than worthy of consideration.
