![Junction Shadow House in Toronto by Post Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/12/junction-shadow-house-toronto-post-architecture-residential-toronto-canada_dezeen_hero-852x479.jpg)
Post Architecture adds monochrome staircase with built-in storage to Toronto house
A black staircase lined with perforated white walls zig-zags up through this renovated city dwelling by Canadian studio Post Architecture.
Called the Junction Shadow House, the semi-detached family home in Toronto began as a mirror image of its neighbour.
![Junction Shadow House in Toronto by Post Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/12/junction-shadow-house-toronto-post-architecture-residential-toronto-canada_dezeen_2364_col_0-852x568.jpg)
Early in the design process, the team determined that earlier additions, such as a front room over the porch and a mudroom in the rear, were structurally unsound and threatened to destabilise the masonry structure.
![Junction Shadow House in Toronto by Post Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/12/junction-shadow-house-toronto-post-architecture-residential-toronto-canada_dezeen_2364_col_9-852x568.jpg)
"As a result, they were demolished, leaving the shell of the original house to work with," said Post Architecture, a boutique firm in Toronto led by architect Gloria Apostolou.
The street-facing facade was re-designed to include a large window box, which links exterior and interior life. The front porch is lined with dark-stained wood.
![Junction Shadow House in Toronto by Post Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/12/junction-shadow-house-toronto-post-architecture-residential-toronto-canada_dezeen_2364_col_2-852x568.jpg)
A new mudroom was conceived for the ground floor and was placed at the rear of the dwelling, enabling easy access to the backyard – "and, more importantly, access to the dog washing station in the basement", the studio said.
The third-floor attic was converted into a relaxing living area for the homeowners. The second floor contains two bedrooms, while the ground level encompasses an open-plan dining room and kitchen.
![Junction Shadow House in Toronto by Post Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/12/junction-shadow-house-toronto-post-architecture-residential-toronto-canada_dezeen_2364_col_11-852x568.jpg)
Given that the residence is tucked into a dense urban site, natural light can only penetrate from the front and rear elevations. The architect focused on maximising light entering from the south and distributing it throughout the interior.
![Junction Shadow House in Toronto by Post Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/12/junction-shadow-house-toronto-post-architecture-residential-toronto-canada_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x568.jpg)
The home features interplays between light and dark. "The finishes reflect the idea of shade, with a palette of whites, blacks and greys—and occasionally a pop of colour," the architect explained.
![Junction Shadow House in Toronto by Post Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/12/junction-shadow-house-toronto-post-architecture-residential-toronto-canada_dezeen_2364_col_7-852x1278.jpg)
A black staircase that winds up through the narrow home was lined with white powder-coated metal guards that are perforated. "Spaces are visually interconnected on all levels through the feature staircase, creating views and plays with shadows," the architect said.
At the ground level, a platform connected to the stairs contains drawers for storing shoes.
![Junction Shadow House in Toronto by Post Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/12/junction-shadow-house-toronto-post-architecture-residential-toronto-canada_dezeen_2364_col_12-852x1278.jpg)
Room were painted bright white and fitted with contemporary decor. In one area, hexagonal bathroom tiles extend into a bedroom and merge with the wooden floorboards.
![Junction Shadow House in Toronto by Post Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/12/junction-shadow-house-toronto-post-architecture-residential-toronto-canada_dezeen_2364_col_8-852x1006.jpg)
Other residential projects in Toronto include a residence by Paul Raff Studio with a brise-soleil made of aluminium louvres and a home by Reigo and Bauer that features black shingle cladding and a hot pink front door.
Photography is by Revelateur Studio, courtesy of Post Architecture.