![Instar House / rzlbd - Windows, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/57ce/993a/e58e/cebf/3c00/015b/medium_jpg/Instar_House_Exterior_Shots_05.jpg?1473157427)
- Area: 2200 ft²
- Year: 2014
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Photographs:Borzu Talaie
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Manufacturers: Chateau Window & Door Systems, RH hardwares, Royal Oak
![Instar House / rzlbd - Countertop](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/57ce/98c2/e58e/cebf/3c00/0157/newsletter/Instar_House_04.jpg?1473157309)
Text description provided by the architects. Instar House is a minimalist three-storey wood & steel structure, which is located on the southern edge of Allenby, a neighbourhood on the border between North York and Toronto. While carefully responds to the needs and lifestyle of the clients, the house has moulted from the small foot-print of the two-and-a-half storey structure that had occupied the site since early 1950s and was infamously nicknamed as half-house.
The evolution of design was based on a clear distinction between the two main volumes which are both stretched east-west: a larger one in grey that contains all the served spaces; and a smaller replica in black that accommodates all the servant spaces. In order to maintain a sense of autonomy all the major glazed openings on the larger volume are connected and the exterior of this modest monolithic mass is rendered in seamless stucco.
![Instar House / rzlbd - Door, Handrail](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/57ce/98e1/e58e/ce57/d900/01f6/newsletter/Instar_House_10.jpg?1473157341)
The staircase / void which sits on the centre of the larger volume, not only allows for visual communication, also divides each floor level into two sections: on the main floor, a living room on the west and a kitchen with a dining banquette on the east; on the second floor, two bedrooms that are connected through a glass bridge which overlooks the kitchen and provides a shared study area for kids; the third floor has been dedicated to a generous master bedroom with the sleeping zone on one side and a roof top patio on the opposite side where clients can enjoy an outdoor hot-tub while looking towards a beautiful park.
![Instar House / rzlbd - Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/57ce/98fb/e58e/cebf/3c00/015a/medium_jpg/Instar_House_Exterior_Shots_02.jpg?1473157364)
The smaller volume facilitates all the utilities and services: a mechanical and laundry room in the basement; a powder room and the entry foyer on the main floor; a shared bathroom and a laundry chute on the second floor; and a master ensuite on the top.
![Instar House / rzlbd - Windows, Bed, Bedroom](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/57ce/98e9/e58e/cebf/3c00/0159/newsletter/Instar_House_11.jpg?1473157349)