Custom duplex residential design on Avenue Road by Quadrant Architects
From the street, this home looks like a single-family residence. It functions like one too. On paper, it is a legal duplex with a garden suite designed to become a third unit in the future.
The owners are a growing family. They wanted space, privacy, and the feel of a custom home in one of Toronto’s established neighbourhoods. They also wanted flexibility. Rental income later. Space for aging parents. Room for changing family needs. The design had to support all of it without compromising how the house works today.
The main house connects the basement, main floor, and upper floor into one continuous layout. Open stairs, clear sightlines, and no awkward leftover spaces. Today, it functions as a 3,000+ square foot single-family home.
The basement includes a separate entrance, two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and good natural light. When needed, one permit allows it to become a legal rental unit. At the rear of the lot, the garden suite is currently used as a home gym. It was designed from the start to convert into a studio, guest suite, or home office, and can become a fully independent third unit without altering the look or flow of the property.
More Toronto and GTA homeowners are planning this way. Multi-generational living. Built-in rental potential. This project delivers both without the property feeling like a triplex.
The front wall curves gently along the street. The move is subtle. Enough to catch your eye without overpowering the street. Curved brickwork is uncommon in Toronto residential construction because each brick must be cut and placed by hand. It requires experienced masons and careful coordination.
The result is a facade that feels modern while fitting naturally into the Avenue Road streetscape.
Inside, the focus is on proportion, light, and comfort. Tall ceilings and wide doorways create a sense of ease. Windows are placed to bring daylight deep into the home while maintaining privacy from the street and neighbouring properties.
The layout separates shared living areas from bedrooms, keeping the home open without feeling exposed. The material palette is simple. Warm wood, smooth plaster, and stone where it makes sense. Nothing competes for attention. The home feels calm and comfortable.
Toronto zoning now allows more housing on single residential lots. Duplexes, garden suites, and laneway houses are permitted across much of the city. Too often, these are treated as afterthoughts.
This home was designed with all three options integrated from the start. The owners have a custom family home today. In the future, the property can support multiple independent units on an Avenue Road lot.
Good design. Built-in flexibility. Long-term value.
Quadrant Architects is OAA-licensed and designs custom homes, duplexes, and garden suites across Toronto and the GTA. If your property has potential you want to plan for properly, reach out.
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Contact us at: tel: (416) 357-5713 or email
sara@quadrantarchitects.com