House 117 | Izen Architecture Inc.

House 117 brings together strong material choices, thoughtful spatial organization, and a high attention to detail across both interior and exterior design. Set within its quiet streetscape, the home is defined by its clean lines, deep-set windows, and meticulously composed brickwork. Each grey brick is twice the length of a standard unit, giving the facade a distinctive, elongated rhythm. At the base of the large brick volume, the bricks rotate to a vertical orientation, shifting the texture and subtly emphasizing the elevated floor plan. The recessed windows, edged with precise metal detailing, reinforce the building’s deliberate simplicity. A restrained material palette, used consistently inside and out, establishes a sense of continuity, most notably through the use of black metal plates that appear throughout the exterior detailing and reappear as the sculptural guard of the central stair.

Within, the house unfolds around this stair, a sectional spine that visually connects all levels and draws light downward through a series of carefully considered openings. Although the floor plan is elevated, the entry sits graciously at grade, reducing the procession of steps outside and creating an unexpectedly gentle arrival. Light is introduced not as an afterthought, but as a guiding principle: cuts in the building bring illumination deep into each space, subtly altering its atmosphere throughout the day and, in turn, the rhythm of life within it. A pop-out at the stair allows light to wash across the landings from the side, and in the primary bath, a skylight is woven directly into the shower, turning a daily ritual into a moment of quiet theatricality.

The collaboration between Izen Architecture and DS Interiors, who is both the homeowner and interior designer, gives the house its distinctive voice: a sculpted, materially restrained, deeply luminous home, where every junction speaks to a shared vision, carried seamlessly from exterior to interior.

The wood flooring selected throughout the home introduces a quiet warmth, lending a sense of comfort and intimacy to each space. On the main floor, the material extends beyond the horizontal plane, wrapping vertically around the central mass to create a subtle yet powerful spatial division. This gesture preserves the openness of the plan, while giving the impression of distinct, defined rooms. The wood continues seamlessly onto full-height pocket doors, allowing spaces to be enclosed when privacy is desired without interrupting the visual continuity. Precision detailing reinforces this sense of cohesion: baseboards dissolve into a minimalist reveal between drywall and floor, lighting is fully mudded-in without trims, and carefully considered fixtures, including double-head pot lights in the kitchen and a recessed multi-head track above the island, add to the home’s restrained aesthetic.

The kitchen is grounded by a rich composition of black finishes: black veneer cabinetry, a black granite countertop and backsplash, an integrated undermount sink, and matching black fixtures. These darker elements contrast elegantly with the natural stone island, whose dramatic veining introduces texture and visual softness. Expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing floods the space with natural light, ensuring the moody palette reads as sleek, modern, and inviting, rather than heavy. Flowing directly from the kitchen, the family room features a three-sided gas fireplace framed by curved, reeded millwork that appears to be floating above. The generous dining area comfortably accommodates eighteen guests and is anchored by a striking table crafted from two slabs of natural stone. Above, an LED rope pendant introduces a playful, artistic counterpoint to the otherwise disciplined material language.

This refined palette continues throughout the home. The powder room amplifies drama through cove lighting, smoked mirror, plastered concrete-like walls, and a floating natural stone vanity with an integrated sink. In the principal bathroom, large-format tiles wrap continuously across floors, walls, a floating bench, and a recessed niche, creating a serene, spa-like environment. A wall-hung vanity paired with a black granite countertop, black porcelain undermount sinks, and black fixtures echoes the finishes found elsewhere, while integrated LED lighting casts a warm, calming glow.

The bold yet minimal palette ties together the home’s natural and nature-inspired materials. Paired with abundant natural light, these thoughtful selections create a warm, inviting atmosphere that resonates throughout every space. The home seamlessly connects the interiors to the surrounding landscape by bringing the outdoors in.

Photography: Younes Bounhar / DoubleSpace