Focus On Flow

STORY CATE BROWN | PHOTOGRAPHY GORDON KING

As seen in the Ottawa Summer 20206 issue.

When homeowners Sanjay Murthy and Vandana Parnandi decided to build their Alta Vista home from scratch, they knew one thing for certain: they wanted to move away from traditional and toward contemporary style. They turned to residential designer Andre Godin, owner of Andre Godin Design, as the man for the job.

Andre designed the open-concept floor plan for the 3,800 sq. ft. home aorund the family’s daily rhythms. The garage-to-mudroom-to-pantry entrance, for instance, creates a seamless flow from car to kitchen on grocery days. But the real priority was what you see the moment you walk through the front door: a clear sight-line from the foyer through to the backyard, anchored by a statement stone fireplace.

“Our previous home had the staircase as the entryway focal point. We did not want the staircase to be the focal point in our new space,” says Sanjay. “It’s still a showpeice, but off to the side.”

According to Andre, the homeowners wanted an open-concept main floor that could fit family and friends, grow with their kids and give them room to entertain. Andre found them easy to work with.

“Sanjay and Vandana were not only engaged and enthusiastic about the project but also receptive to ideas,” he says. “Having homeowners who are decisive and easy to work with makes the project fun.”

One easy decision for the couple was which Euro Tile & Stone slabs should clad the formidable three-sided fireplace. The split-pane, double-vented fireplace is a standout work of art – central to the main floor and visible from every angle.

“This fireplace ended up being five times what was budgeted, but it’s got the navy and the gold that are accent colours in our home,” says Vandana.

“Even without the fire on, it’s an amazing showpiece,” Sanjay adds. For Andre, the kitchen needed to face the rear of the property – for entertaining, good flow and backyard views. The breakfast nook with banquette seating has morphed into a homework station for the kids, who enjoy being around their parents while they meal prep on their 14-foot-long island.

“We wanted a massive island, and we got a massive island,” says Sanjay. “Everything centres around that island, from meal prep to parties. All events end up here.”

The island’s extended length required two stone slabs. Project contractor Gordon Weima, owner of Gordon Weima Design Build, mitred the joint to merge seamlessly with the grey veining of the stone. The homeowners opted for more storage space underneath, which is why they chose not to have a waterfall edge.

The design-build relationship between Andre and Gordon was collaborative from the start. “I’ve known Andre for years, and he’s an amazing designer,” says Gordon. “The design for the house was great from the start. If I had any ideas or thoughts, I would run them by Andre, or clarify his vision for the space, and ask how I can help bring it to fruition.”

That collaboration shows in the details. White cabinets adorned with gold hardware conceal the Bosch double fridge and other Appliance Canada machinery. The blue dials on the Thermador oven match the navy-painted island base. Five brown barstools line one side, while three spherical pendant lights draw the eye up to the stunning tray ceiling – an intentional design of Andre’s that gives the space its quiet drama.

“We came from crown moulding and wainscotting, which is kind of old school, so this ceiling is the modern version of that,” says Sanjay. “We didn’t want anything too traditional, but we wanted some depth on the ceiling,” adds Vandana. “To the untrained eye, it looks simple, but it’s actually a lot of craftsmanship.”

From the kitchen, the eye travels through the living room’s large rear windows to the homeowners’ awe-inspiring backyard. Sanjay and Vandana credit Carole Anne Walsh, designer at Mallette Landscaping, for bringing their outdoor vision to life.

“Friends who visit always talk to us about our backyard,” says Sanjay. It’s easy to see why. A rectangular pool and raised spa sit on charcoal stone, while a cabana is clad in the same stone as the house – the thematic continuation of elements is unmissable. The shed and vegetable patch are tucked behind and to the left, letting the cabana take centre stage. The homeowners also incorporated an outdoor kitchen – and Sanjay insists its granite countertop holds up against the harshest of Ottawa winters.

Inside, the main-floor powder room goes bold: black tile, a rock sink and rustic elements mixed with glam gold hardware, gold pendant lights and a gold-trimmed circular mirror.

Both father and son play guitar, while the couple’s daughter plays piano, so it made sense for Andre to turn the den into the family’s music room. Pocket doors give the space privacy for quiet family moments – Lego building included.

What Andre and Gordon ultimately achieved is an open, breathable home. Clever sight-lines and a considered design flow make the 3,800 square feet feel even more spacious, while every room connects back to the family’s way of living. It’s contemporary without being cold, open without feeling empty.

“Andre had a vision, and my goal is to make sure that vision comes through as the end product,” says Gordon. Vandana agrees. “We really followed Andre’s lead. We had a lot of confidence in him. He was a great fit for us and saw our vision beautifully.” OH