This project transforms an existing 300-square-foot 1910 cottage, located in a Toronto laneway, into a spacious, compact two-storey dwelling.

The lateral and gravity loads of the second story addition are supported on a steel frame, which pierces the old cottage, and is tied to new interior concrete footings. The addition is then framed conventionally in wood.

A folded plane wraps around the new interior, forming the faceted roof which is shaped to provide a generous interior volume, and to minimize shadow on neighboring properties.

A rooftop clerestory with a generous overhang gathers heat from the winter sun and shades the interior in summer.