Follow on Google News News By Tag Industry News News By Place Country(s) Industry News
Follow on Google News | At home with Detective Murdochwww.upsidedevelopment.ca 842 Broadview Avenue, Unit C, Toronto, ON, M4K2R1, p:4164637433, f: 4164636727 build@upsidedevelopment.ca
“Literally every piece of this house we had to compromise on,” says Mrs. Bisson, explaining that while she prefers wood, texture and warmth, her husband could live quite happily in a place that’s “very monochromatic and very cool.” As a result, last February the couple and their three daughters moved into a home that’s a study in contrasts – cool and warm, cozy and spacious, and tailored yet casual – yet nowhere do things look as if they are settled-on second choices. “I think it turned out,” she agrees. “We’re both very, very comfortable and happy in the house, and the kids love it – they think they’ve won the lottery.” It wasn’t so much luck as assembly of the right team. Gordon Ridgely Architects and Associates, builder Rambod Nasrin of Upside Development, Eric McClelland of Fleur-des-lis Interior Design and Mr. Bisson himself, who occasionally rolled up his sleeves to pitch in, combined to create a modernist home that transcends the typical brick-and-glass box. While a casual glance might dismiss the Bisson residence as a seen-it-all- If the home does look familiar, perhaps it’s because you, too, drove down East York’s Barfield Avenue and spotted No. 11 (featured here in July, 2012) at some point during the past few years. That’s how Mr. Bisson, who was already working with Gordon Ridgely, discovered Upside Development: Joining the team after the ball was rolling was daunting, says Mr. Nasrin, but his suggestions for revisions were soon part of the plan, such as moving the master bedroom from the rear of the main floor to a brand new, self-contained floor above, which allowed for a larger kitchen. Also, admits the builder, “a lot of the ideas came from Yannick himself – coming from the film industry he’s quite a perfectionist and a visionary.” And although Mr. Bisson admits to flipping through the odd architecture magazine and admiring the work of his uncle, Quebec-based architect Claude Bisson, he draws from a much deeper well: “There’ve been many dry spells as an actor,” he says with a chuckle, “and I had to put food on the table, because we had kids young, and I learned to build houses … I got trained by a very experienced custom home-framer and he taught me a lot.” “This is the Yannick signature,” says Mr. Nasrin, pointing to the raised hearth wrapping the home’s three-sided fireplace. Proof of Mr. Bisson’s abilities, the sculptural, hand-hewn beams were salvaged during a Murdoch shoot at a barn in Cambridge, then cut and fit into place by the actor. “He was here seven days… I don’t think you’d get anyone else to do this good a job – it’s not easy to build with these old logs,” says Mr. Nasrin. And speaking of old things, the placement of stairs, doors and windows all align with the principles of feng shui to continue the “good luck” the couple has enjoyed since moving into the original 1950s bungalow in March 2007; while they were renovating that house, says Mrs. Bisson, her husband successfully auditioned for the part of Detective Murdoch. “So that was a big reason why we didn’t want to move,” she continues, “because all our friends are over in Rosedale and Forest Hill and they’re, like, ‘Why are you still over there?’” The view of lush ravine while perched at the kitchen’s Scavolini waterfall counter (chosen for the company’s commitment to sustainability) Second choices? Hardly. “A marriage, in every aspect, is a compromise in the best sense of the word,” says Mr. Bisson, “and when it came to designing the house, it wasn’t Shantelle’s choice to do this style. “There were a few times where she looked at me and said ‘Oh my Lord, Yan, this place is just absolutely beautiful, I love it.’” Fans of Murdoch Mysteries take note: the new season begins Sept. 30 on CBC. To learn more visit our website at www.upsidedevelopment.ca Upside Development, 842 Broadview Avenue, Unit C, Toronto, ON, M4K2R1, p:4164637433, f: 4164636727 build@upsidedevelopment.ca End
Account Email Address Account Phone Number Disclaimer Report Abuse
|
|