The art of living, intimate grandeur, and an architectonic canvas were three distinct design visions presented recently at the MuseumHouse presentation centre by interior designers Fenwick Bonnell of Powell & Bonnell, Montreal-based Patty Xenos of Patty Xenos Design, and Alessandro Munge of the firm Munge Leung for the $12.8 million future penthouse atop Yorkville Corporation's exclusive boutique condominium residence directly across from the ROM. Urban Toronto brings you the designs for this Bloor Street address, one at a time, over the weekend. Project rendering, courtesy of Yorkville Corporation

The award-winning designers, appointed by Sol Wassermuhl, the principal of Page + Steele / IBI Group Architects and architect of MuseumHouse, were given the challenge of producing unique environments and floor-plans, encompassing different tastes and lifestyles, for the sweeping, 5,618 square-foot two-storey penthouse, with 1,152 square-feet of terrace space.

Sol Wassermuhl, image by Craig White

Each designer imagined a sophisticated, well-travelled client with an extensive art collection and an appreciation for refined living, and each sought opportunities to display art, highlight views, and merge interior and exterior. Otherwise, however, the designers diverged in their solutions for the penthouse space. Fenwick Bonnell of Powell & Bonnell shared a scheme encapsulating the ‘art of living,’ as conveyed by the carefully hand-drawn renders in pencil. Here, the penthouse is conceived as an elegant and timeless backdrop for art, with a muted palette of neutrals, gesso white, and ebony; handcrafted, transitional finishes and furnishings; and maximized wall-space complimenting the residence’s expansiveness.

Fenwick Bonnel, image by Craig White

Image by Craig White

Image courtesy of Powell and Bonnel

In this design, the grand stair is moved behind a two-storey feature wall reserved for key artwork. Upstairs, the doors are moved to the ends of the corridor, creating an uninterrupted gallery space. In both the conservatory and master bedroom, oversized terrace doors allow for the intermingling of penthouse and city at the occupants’ discretion.

Image courtesy of Powell and Bonnel

Image courtesy of Powell and Bonnel

Patty Xenos of Patty Xenos Design, inspired by the residence’s sheer size, copious light and the dramatic views, envisaged the penthouse as a sophisticated, family-friendly home that manages to balance grandeur with intimacy. Within the overall open plan, special moments are highlighted, with screening provided for privacy and mystery, as well as for the display of art. All materials are neutral and selected for richness and warmth.

Patty Xenos, image by Craig White

Image by Craig White

On the main floor, the elevator foyer offers a glimpse toward the light-frame grand staircase and city skyline, creating a sense of anticipation upon entry.

Image courtesy of Patty Xenos Design

The multi-functional office/den/living room is developed into rooms-within-rooms with movable partitions. A large, backlit, alabaster fireplace, a work of art in itself, serves as a glowing focal point.

Image courtesy of Patty Xenos Design

In the dining room, semi-privacy is achieved via a tinted, glassed-in wine cellar, which functions as a divider to the less formal family room/dining area and kitchen. The comprehensive kitchen discretely integrates all back-of-house functions for a seamless and unobtrusive entertaining experience for guests and hosts alike.

Image courtesy of Patty Xenos Design

On the upper level, the master bedroom and bath, integrated or separated with adjustable partitions, take full advantage of the broad southern exposure and generous south-facing terrace. The bedroom contains a two-sided, stone fireplace, which opens out onto terrace, while the bathroom area features a sculptural bathtub placed right at the glazing, beyond which, on the terrace, flows an infinity pool.

Image courtesy of Patty Xenos Design

Main Floor Plan

Image courtesy of Patty Xenos Design

Upper Floor Plan

Image courtesy of Patty Xenos Design

Alessandro Munge of Munge Leung conceived the penthouse as a contemporary and architectonic showcase for art, with uninterrupted views north and south and blurred boundaries between interior and exterior. The space is treated with a light colour-palette and finished in classic materials, including travertine, Venetian plaster, and rift oak. The main floor is fitted with a massive, operable window-wall.

Alessandro Munge, image by Craig White

Image by Craig White

The high point of the design is the concrete-formed, cantilevered stair; a central, sculptural element that affords unexpected vistas though the residence and beyond. The lower level is open-concept in plan, with the exception of the kitchen, which is enclosed. The upper level, by contrast, contains separate rooms for privacy, with balconies as extensions to the outdoors. The master bedroom and bath extends along the full south face of the building, with the pedestal tub as focal point set directly at the glazing.

Image courtesy of Munge Leung Design

Main Floor Plan

Image courtesy of Munge Leung Design

Upper Floor Plan

Image courtesy of Munge Leung Design

All three penthouse designs will be possible to a great extent – up to about eighty percent – as all have been overlaid onto the construction plans for MuseumHouse and accommodated accordingly. Potential buyers have the option of working with any one of these schemes or they may fashion their own using their own designers.