StudioAC’s Annex Hotel Embraces Plywood Chic

StudioAC’s custom-designed platform bed (made by RDG Millwork) has built-in cubbies. Cats Pajamas chair by Blu Dot, at Urban Mode; Ikea pendants.

Wall-to-wall workbenches and custom built platforms define Toronto Annex Hotel plywood haven

By Sara Cunningham
Photography by Jeremie Warshafsky

Converting a 100-plus-year-old Annex building (a former multi-storey horse stable and the home of Toronto’s first hidden bar, the Green Room) into a modern boutique hotel took imagination and thrift. But what looked like a constraint turned into design gold. “Because of the existing conditions,” says architecture firm StudioAC, “we were able to create suites that run in a landscape configuration along the length of the facade, creating a lot of opportunity for natural light.”

A 60-centimetre-wide birch plywood ledge spans the room, from foot of bed to bathroom vanity. LED strip lighting illuminates a custom alcove.

The layout is anchored by a prefinished birch plywood “work bench” that runs the full length of the space, under the windows. The millwork, by local collaborators Joeldidthis and RDG, functions as media stand, desk, art display and bathroom vanity – translating into less clutter and improved continuity. For more info about the Toronto Annex Hotel visit THEANNEX.COM ARCHCOLLAB.COM

The Takeaway

Location, budget and window orientation will always come into play when designing a bedroom. “That being said,” says StudioAC, “some principles will almost always remain ideal, like access to view, natural light and a sensation of privacy.”