Fold Place is a newly built modern infill property that was envisioned by architecture firm Linebox Studio, situated in Ottawa’s vibrant Glebe neighborhood stretches across the southern downtown edge of Canada’s National Capital. The dwelling is comprised of 2,400 square feet of living space, sited on an irregular and narrow lot of 20 feet by 60 feet.

 The clients, professionals committed to the community’s casual urban lifestyle, asked Andrew Reeves for open, flowing spaces in which simplicity would make modest dimensions seem bigger.  Reeves, who has recently made significant contributions toward returning Ottawa to its post war modernist heyday, responded with a tight composition of volumes that maximizes the potential of the narrow 20’by 60’ irregular shaped site while still generating a singular street profile.

The street-side component of the two storey core volume steps in to facilitate an eastern side entrance.  A cantilevered bay wraps around the corner at the second level, its crisp lines, layering of planes and contrasting materials producing a piece of geometric art. On the opposite elevation, a single storey garage, clad in richly stained pine in contrast to the neutral light-grey stucco of the main volume, is extruded on the angle of the lot. The same pine is used on soffits, in the bay and as a means to break up the major volume, the same kind of unapologetic use of natural materials that marked Alvar Aalto’s Nordic modernism.

Inside, an animated “folding” of space creates horizontal and vertical fluidity and interconnectedness.  The largely white walled and simply detailed interior rotates around two totemic elements centered on the west and east elevations of the house. One is a sculpted staircase whose ebony strained treads without risers seem almost to float. The other is a light chimney, a countering void marked by a soaring opaque window spilling light onto an interior garden at its foot.  These elements also serve to separate the kitchen/dining area from the living room but without impeding a sense of openness.

A generous and eclectic use of windows and glazed doors draws in from all sides the delightful ozone saturated light that theorist Christian Norberg-Schulz has identified as such an important element in a northern landscape. If large picture windows that provide stunning tableaus of the Aberdeen’s impressive cupola and the backyard facing wall glazed doors are boldly voyeuristic, many narrow vertical slot and horizontal clerestory windows contribute slices of views while protecting privacy.

In sum, Fold Place is an urban dwelling for an informal lifestyle that is committed to engaging its community with openness and sass.

Photos: Courtesy of Linebox Studio