The Calm, Cool and Collected Harty House

Atelier Sun, helmed by Andrew Sun, is known for its beautiful built-ins and maximizing the use of small spaces. With ingenious solutions and a warm, tactile palette, Sun creates residential spaces that are both functional and easy on the eyes. In Ajax, Ontario, the studio converted a cookie-cutter 1980s build into a unique and tranquil home called Harty House — embodying all of the studio’s signature elements.

To achieve the sleek, minimal look of Harty House, Sun had to contend with excessive columns and beams throughout. “It is such a challenging site. We were surprised to see seven columns floating in the middle of the ground floor within an 850-square-foot floor area. We had to incorporate the structural elements into the function and aesthetic of the design by minimizing the visual clutter of the existing condition and effectively creating a minimal and comfortable living experience,” says Sun.

As is the Atelier Sun studio-signature, Harty House utilizes millwork to great advantage: The foyer is wrapped in wood panels, integrating bench seating, a shoe rack and a closet. Nearby, the floating staircase visually extends the millwork creating a warm, inviting ambience throughout. The wood privacy wall creates beautiful shadows on the steps and delineates the spaces.

In the living room, the central beam and column are wrapped in the same wood finish with bronze accents. This acts as a sculptural piece and replaces most of original load-bearing walls in the space.

Within the open floor plan, the living room design and workspace are on one side with integrated storage, display and flip-down tables. The kitchen and dining areas are located on the other side. Wooden pocket doors lead to the hidden pantry, a dog shower and separate entrance to the garage. Upstairs, Andrew put his signature treatment on four bedrooms and three bathrooms, adding in moody lighting and calming tones.

Throughout, Atelier Sun emphasizes natural material, delicate details, and intricate craftsmanship, which creates a calm and peaceful home environment the inhabitants of Harty House can enjoy for years to come. ATELIERSUN.COM