In a carefully designed project that integrates modern living with the natural environment, architect Prithula Prosun Roy has completed a distinctive home near Lake Wilcox, located on the Oak Ridges Moraine north of Toronto. The five-bedroom residence, finished in June 2025, occupies a site backing onto a ravine leading to a neighboring pond, an area overseen by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) due to its ecological sensitivity.
The property, which was previously occupied by a bungalow slated for demolition, presented regulatory and environmental challenges that shaped the architectural approach. Ms. Prosun Roy, founder of Prosun Architects, emphasized a design philosophy rooted in biophilic principles, aiming to strengthen the occupants' connection to the surrounding natural landscape. Standing trees—including spruce, maple, and other deciduous species—served as key reference points throughout the design process.
The home’s layout centers around a landscaped interior courtyard featuring an eastern redbud tree that offers seasonal visual interest with pink blossoms in spring and vibrant yellow leaves in autumn. A water fountain adds a tranquil sound element, enhancing the sense of bringing the outdoors inside. The courtyard’s natural light permeates the surrounding living and dining areas, creating an open, serene atmosphere.
At the front of the house, guests pass beneath a cantilevered second-storey section, supported by slender columns, designed to evoke the feeling of walking under a tree canopy. Exterior elements such as stucco patterns symbolizing blowing leaves and wood cladding on the garage doors are intended to soften the facade’s appearance and avoid a monolithic presence. The house is set farther from the ravine compared to the original structure, a measure taken to address TRCA concerns.
Inside, the residence features over 7,800 square feet of living space, with natural materials like white oak flooring, light millwork, and natural stone finishes creating a calm and soothing environment. The large kitchen includes quartzite countertops and an innovative window positioned behind the range to provide a view of the green hedge outside. The upper cabinet doors incorporate a traditional Japanese shou sugi ban technique, resulting in a dark charcoal finish that contrasts with the lighter tones elsewhere.
A butler’s kitchen with a secondary set of appliances is discreetly placed behind the main kitchen space to allow for entertainment without visible clutter. The double-height family room preserves unobstructed views of the wooded ravine, further integrating the interior with the natural surroundings.
The primary suite, located on the upper floor, is divided into bedroom and bathroom areas by a double vanity and a tall glass-fronted cabinet. Additional amenities include a sitting area, fireplace, walk-in shower, standalone tub, and three other bedrooms on the same level.
The lower level features a hidden movie theatre concealed behind a rotating bookshelf, offering a playful, secretive space for family entertainment. Outdoor amenities complement the indoor spaces with an already existing pool that was refurbished, and new features such as a canopy-shaded sitting area, balcony, outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, cabana, pergola, and landscaped grounds.
This project highlights a sensitive approach to architecture in an environmentally regulated area, balancing contemporary design with respect for the ecological context of the Oak Ridges Moraine.