south house
Architect:
Giaimo Architects
Year:
2017
Location:
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
The South House, designed by Giaimo Architects, is a thoughtful renovation of a 1920s bungalow in the historic Lakeview neighbourhood of Mississauga, Ontario. The project seamlessly integrates the original structure with modern additions, combining light wood frame construction and CNC-fabricated maple veneer plywood gussets. The renovation honours the bungalow’s historical character while introducing contemporary elements, such as blue siding, that pay homage to the neighbourhood’s tradition of continuous architectural adaptations to enhance spatial quality and functionality. The design emphasizes flexibility and adaptability, incorporating movable partitions and a phased approach that allows the house to evolve with its occupants. The project creates a cohesive aesthetic that honours the past while supporting a growing family by revealing the original wood sheathing and integrating it with new materials.
The South House demonstrates a balanced use of hard and soft systems within the framework of New Wood Open Architecture. Complex systems include modern wood engineering techniques, such as CNC-fabricated gussets, to achieve structural efficiency and creativity. However, when paired with the light wood frame construction, it supports a flexible and adaptable floor plan, embodying a soft system that allows the house to respond to the changing needs of its inhabitants. The renovation engages occupants through flexible partitions and multifunctional spaces, categorizing the involvement as active. This interactive design approach ensures that the architecture not only preserves the house's historical character but also adapts to contemporary living requirements.
Material acquisition and preliminary analysis developed by Joechelle Faye Bonifacio
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