Six contemporary Toronto homes will open their doors to the public on June 7 as part of the Modern Home Tour.
This is the second year the Modern Home Tours collective — based in Austin, Texas — will host a tour in Toronto. Organizer Ken Shallcross explains that cities are chosen “based on their reputation for being a hub of modern residential architecture.”
“Last year, before the tour was over, we knew we were coming back [to Toronto],” Shallcross says. “Great city, lots of impressive modern homes, great architects.
“Toronto’s reputation for modernism certainly caught our eye and we made the plunge. We may be a little company from the big south, but the beauty of these tours is that they are all 100 per cent local. The homes are right in your neighbourhoods, the architects are from your city, and we always try to find a local non-profit partner to work with.”
This year’s tour features work from Teeple Architecture, Spaces By Rohan and LineBox Studio. Art City in St. James Town is the nonprofit partner.
Tour-goers are encouraged to start the day off at STACKLAB Design Studio (28 Eastern Ave.) for refreshments and light snacks before making their way around the modern city. Homeowners and architects will be on-site at each location to talk about the home’s features and to answer questions, but Shallcross says “a lot of the exploration is done by the attendees themselves.” Modern Home Tours anticipates approximately 300 people will come out on Saturday to appreciate these modern homes. And it’s all for the love of the style.
“We love Modern. Modern design, modern architecture, modern living,” says James Leasure when reflecting on what motivates him and co-founder Matt Swinney to organize these events. ” ‘Modern’ embodies new construction techniques and materials, and new ways of addressing old problems. ‘Modern’ is not just what you live in, but how you live. From attainability to sustainability, the singular thread that connects ‘modern’ is an outlook that embraces new possibilities in living and lifestyle.”
The first tour the group organized was in Austin in 2010. Vancouver is another Canadian destination on the list, slated for September.
“This is a rare chance for residents to take a look inside those incredible homes they may drive by on their way to work, or maybe a home right down the street or in their own neighbourhood, one that has always stood out and made them take notice,” says Shallcross of the tour’s appeal. “This is your chance to peek inside and ask questions and a rare opportunity for these amazing residential architects to show off their awe-inspiring work.
“It always ends up being a lot of fun for everyone involved and attending. We wouldn’t keep coming back if it wasn’t.”
Toronto’s Modern Home Tour will kick off this Saturday, June 7 at 11 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. Tickets can be bought online or you can LIKE our Movato Home Facebook page for a chance to win a pair!
IMAGES via Modern Home Tours.
