The East Third Residence was originally built in 1912 and over the last 112 years had been subjected to multiple renovations of questionable quality. The house was cut up into 3 separate rental suites, left unmaintained and on its last legs. When Architect Aleksandra Popovska and her husband purchased the property, they saw something quite different. They had dreams to bring the house back to its former glory and for it to eventually become their family home and the place to raise their two children. They partnered with Terris & Co to embark upon the transformation of the property which included upgrading the structure and completely rebuilding and restoring the home into a modern single-family residence while honouring its historical character. To create the new solid concrete foundation and full height basement the house was raised and relocated on the site, allowing for the complete reconstruction beneath. New Loewen double hung wood windows were installed in keeping with the heritage appearance of the home, and the exterior was completely renewed to the home’s original historic character. The interior, however, has been reimagined to meet the needs of a growing young family. Robust materials and ample storage have been thoughtfully integrated into custom built-in millwork, while walls were strategically removed and skylights introduced to create a more open living space. The exterior design strikes a balance between traditional and contemporary aesthetics, with the front facade paying homage to the past and the rear embracing a more contemporary style. Every opportunity has been made to enhance the home’s energy efficiency and comfort with a new mechanical system, electric heat pump and insulation which ensure that the home will remain sustainable for generations to come.