Photography by Ema Peter
Lantern House is a quiet study in restraint, where space is shaped less by mass than by absence. Set on a lush urban lot beneath mature oaks, the home orbits a central void—a spatial clearing that filters light deep into the plan and orchestrates circulation. This absence, an intentional “missing” square in a rigorously composed nine-square grid, becomes the atmospheric core of the house. Volumes gather around this void with casual elegance, their informality masking an underlying structure. Natural light enters in measured doses through cedar screens and skylights, animating polished concrete, limewashed walls, and warm oak surfaces. A board-formed concrete wall frames views and defines edges, resisting symmetry with purpose.
Inside, movement flows gradually: from a cloistered vestibule to an open living space, anchored by a sandstone island and veiled hi-fi niche. The stair dims light as it rises to bedroom spaces and culminates in a windowless, intimate and nearly monastic tub room, lit only from above. Balancing openness and enclosure, Lantern House is a masterclass in spatial editing. Its architectural power lies not in what is added, but in what is withheld: inviting stillness, softness, and the slow play of daylight across its crafted surfaces.
“The Lantern House truly offers sanctuary in the storm of modern life. Do not mistake calming minimalism for simplicity. The design team has meticulously considered and crafted the project at every level. The experience is complex, nuanced, and rich, and the plans are rigorously executed. The Lantern House transports you inward from the front threshold through a series of visually overlapping chambers that balance stabilizing formality and symmetry with subtle disruptions and a singular bold move that reframes nature to create compelling atmospheric qualities. This masterclass in restraint makes clear the line between design and recent aesthetic trends. True design restraint is not about the narrowing of ideas or visions from the onset, but a depth of exploration, perhaps going too far and then editing with precision.” — David Grant-Rubash, founder and principal, Phaedrus Studio.
“The Lantern House offers a refined and contemporary take on the classical Nine-Square Grid, balancing formal clarity with contextual sensitivity and a deep sense of intimacy. By removing the grid’s center, the architect introduces a generous void that transforms the surrounding rooms into luminous, through-spaces animated by daylight from multiple directions and framed by a delicate wooden scrim. In contrast, the exterior is intentionally enigmatic, offering only fleeting glimpses of what lies within. This careful tension between concealment and openness creates an immersive spatial experience where architecture and interior design are seamlessly integrated. Its quiet rigor makes it a deserving Project of the Year.” — Dominique Cheng, owner and principal, Nonument.
“What stood out most about the Lantern House was its quiet elegance and artful manipulation of light. The way light is shaped and filtered throughout the interior core creates a soft, contemplative atmosphere that feels both grounded and transcendent. It’s a poetic response to how we inhabit and move through space. The project exemplifies how thoughtful interior design can transform the everyday – it’s subtle material palette, spatial restraint, and precise detailing reflects a deep understanding of how light, texture, and proportion can elevate the rhythms of daily life.” — Chen Cohen, partner, DIALOG Design.
As appeared in the July/August 2025 Best of Canada Awards issue of Canadian Interiors magazine.
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