Designed by KOHN SHNIER Architects, Benson House is a typical Toronto house that has basements with the secondary quality of its space. In this house, the “basement” now becomes high-quality accommodation for family members on long-term visits that usually not possible in a modest-dimensions house like this.
Entrance
Located off of the side yard, the single entry to this house is freeing the rear and front facades from entry and closet responsibilities. This way allows the luxurious living spaces to exploit the house’s full width. There is also the central entrance that makes the house possible to have a more generous closet and storage space.
Basement
At the back of this house, an excavation allows full height doors at the lower level to bring warm light from the sun, awesome views, and also access to the outdoors to the lower level. At the front area, a lightwell provides an additional source of cross ventilation and natural light to this level. The “basement” of this house now is high-quality accommodation for members of the family on long-term visits.
Benson House Gallery
Photographer: Naomi Finlay