Echo House

Set within a lush, tree-lined property on Toronto’s Bridle Path, Echo House establishes a measured dialogue with its surroundings. Originally built in the 1990s, the residence has been comprehensively reimagined through a rigorous renovation and addition that preserves the site’s strongest attributes while significantly reducing its environmental impact. By upgrading the building envelope beyond current high-performance standards and integrating efficient mechanical systems, the project reduces energy consumption by more than 50 per cent, extending the life of the home with clarity and purpose.

The design reflects the Asian Canadian heritage of its cosmopolitan family through a philosophy grounded in harmony with nature. A long, low limestone wall defines the approach, with a taller volume of dark raked stucco rising behind. Within this frame, a layered forecourt of finely detailed wooden screens emerges. Fabricated from reclaimed Douglas fir, these elements provide privacy while filtering light and framing controlled views.

Reoriented outward, the house unfolds through a sequence of carefully calibrated interiors. Generous glazing and large sliding doors dissolve the boundary between inside and out, allowing daylight and air to shape daily life. Subtle thresholds balance moments of enclosure with openness, creating an atmosphere that is both serene and quietly dynamic. As the owners reflect, “It is an expansive house, but feels personal and peaceful. We love the spatial flow. We feel like we live in the garden.”