Fort York Apartment

For a 850sf apartment in downtown Toronto, Picnic Design embarked to make the layout flexible and multitask with the clever use of a pair of movable walls. While most people plan to move from an apartment to a house once they outgrow the space, this family of four wants to stay in their condo unit as they like the convenient location and enjoy the neighbourhood amenities. However, it is obvious that the standard 2 bedroom layout will not work for the different stages of their lives as they grow. So working closely with the clients, Picnic Design created an ingenious design that adapt to the growing family, thus proving that staying put is not only possible, but sustainable and desirable with good design.

The scenarios are defined in terms of time: today, short term and long term. While they are mainly tied to the needs of their two children, the needs of the parents are also kept in mind. Given that it is a high rise building, there are constraints with existing structural, mechanical and electrical systems. Those systems are identified and remain as is with minor finishes upgrading, while the rest is reimagined with a pair of movable walls that contain closets, desks, cabinets and open shelving.

Today, the movable walls create a bedroom for the parents while their kids share the fixed primary bedroom. Once the kids get older, the walls will create two bedrooms for the kids with a dividing curtain, and two fold-out beds. When the kids are grown and they move out, the movable walls can be moved out of the way to create a larger living/ dining area to entertain. Either one of the wall can be moved out to create a guest bedroom at a moment’s notice. The movable walls themselves have two faces. One side contains closets, drawers and a flip down desk for the bedrooms, and the other side has another flipdown desk, a wine cabinet, as well as an entertainment unit. When both parents work from home, they each have their own space. These built-in flexibility allow the same space to be used differently at different times, expanding the function of every square inch.

To compliment the changes, the kitchen has been enlarged as well. It is reoriented so it flows easily into the dining and living areas. At the same time, it is clearly defined by the material used. The kitchen island does double duty: as an island with storage and works as an entrance bench with its partial drop.

By designing the space to adapt to the family’s needs, this standard condo is now transformed to their forever home, much more thoughtful and considered, ensuring that their home will change with them.