The Romanesque Revival style had its origins in the old castles of France and Scotland. In this program, we discover a stunning example of the style in Scotland, and visit the magnificent Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, B.C. A modern-day castle in West Vancouver exemplifies the style on a smaller yet still extraordinary scale.
This revival style of architecture with its characteristic pointed arch first appeared in Canada in the 1820's. It continued well into the 20th century and was one of the longest lived architectural styles in Canada. We discover three very different homes that exemplify Gothic Revival -- a country villa in England, a beautiful residence in Westmount, Quebec, and a B&B in Picton, Ontario.
Whether in art or architecture, nothing inspires like an ocean view. We look at three contemporary designs that take full advantage of their seaside location in Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Brazil.
The spread of suburban housing has given rise to a new approach to architecture called neo- traditionalism. It's an attempt to capture the look and feel of a small town in a suburban environment. We'll visit Prince Charles' project in Poundbury, England, a Seaside, Florida waterfront community, a unique housing subdivision in Markham, Ontario, and a bedroom community of Calgary, Alberta.
As urban land becomes scarcer and more expensive, buildings and spaces previously overlooked are being recycled for housing. We look at how unusual sites in the inner city are being reclaimed and re-used. We find a unique loft in London, England, reclaimed space in Montreal, and a Vancouver industrial site that have been re-designed as unique living spaces.
This program explores the impact of England's architectural styles on our wealthiest residential areas. We look at the elegant homes of Toronto's Rosedale, Vancouver's Shaughnessy Heights and Montreal's Westmount. Visuals from various British homes are used to give context to each architectural style.
The trend towards restoring and residing in our old Canadian churches is reflective of a growing world-wide interest in preserving and appreciating our architectural past. A lovingly restored chapel in Torino, Italy begins our exploration of houses of worship that have become unique living spaces. We discover a church gone condo in Montreal and a renovated country church in Perth, Ontario.
Alvin Toffler was right. The "third wave" is upon us and cottage industries have sprung up all over. We first travel to the wool towns of West Yorkshire, England where cottage industries began. Then we'll find out how today's architects are designing spaces for a work-at-home society starting with a look at it's beginnings in Flamborough and Heptonstall, England.
Canada's national capital is home to 117 embassies and consulates. Many have their own unique architectural style, such as the Embassies of Japan, Australia and Iran. In this program we take an in-depth look at the challenges of cultural expression versus fitting into the neighbourhood.
Canada boasts a wealth of agricultural land unparalleled in the world. This program takes a look at the architectural roots of the farmhouses that dot our landscape. A Saskatchewan prairie homestead, a Southern Ontario farmhouse, and a ranch home near Calgary illustrate unique rural home design.
This icon of architectural styles is the most popular of the twentieth century revival styles. We find its origins in a villa on the river Thames in England as well as in the American South. In Canada, we find early Georgian examples in The Grange in Toronto, Nr. Tewkesbury, England and in Canton, Ontario.
We explore the effects of winter and cold climates on home design. We look at how sub-zero winters have given rise to innovative architecture. We snuggle up to the fire in a contemporary Canadian chalet in Whistler, B.C., and a cozy winter retreat in the Gatineau Hills of Quebec.
One can virtually trace the history of a country by stepping inside its official residences. We visit three - Rideau Gate, Kingsmere, home to the Speaker of the House of Commons and Stornoway, the residence of the Leader of the Opposition. With the help of historians and heritage architects, we uncover the grace and elegance of the architectural styles preserved for our political VIP's.
An inspired look at the Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau movements. #1. Architect Steve Carruther's historic renovation in Calgary, Alberta. #2. An original Arts & Crafts home from Hampstead, England. #3. Paterson House is one of Ottawa's finest old homes. #4. Artist Paul Cauchie's home in Brussels, Belgium.
Being an art dealer and collector often means building an unusual living space that accommodates the art and home.
The urban highrise is here to stay. A look at how modern-day urban planners deal with this vastly growing housing market. Designer Aurélien Guillory's vision of an ideal downtown apartment in Montreal. #2. Architect James Cheng's unusual downtown Vancouver high-rise.
An inside look at the condominium and how they have become the retrofit for condensed luxury living.
Everyone needs an escape from the big city. See how designers incorporate the richness of country life into their designs.
Many architects the world over have concerns about our environment. A look at homes built with the latest environment-friendly technologies.
A look at the concerns when designing a home with an ocean view. Architect Brian Hemingway designed this Vancouver home as a pathway to the water.
A look at the challenges and rewards of creating a home out of glass. Villa Dall'Ava in Paris is two glass cubes connected by a rooftop swimming pool.
Homes on islands give the owner ultimate privacy, but are often a logistical challenge to build. Hamilton Southam's beautiful Victorian cottage on the Big Rideau near Ottawa.
The romantic notion of building a home in the mountains has been a dream for many for centuries. Architect Arturo Montorsi renovated a centuries-old building near Turin in the Italian Alps.
The challenge of respecting the history of heritage homes. The oldest inhabited home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
A look at several minimalist designs executed with extraordinary results. John Patkau's award-winning Barnes residence in Nanaimo, British Columbia.
Designing unusual country homes that fit their setting. Peter's Ranch is a rambling, picturesque site west of Calgary, Alberta
A look at the challenge of creating both a commercial and a residential space, combined in one. Architect Peter Romaniuk's London renovation above his wife's florist shop.
Heritage homes restored to perfection. The Villa Taverna in the rugged hills of Northern Italy, a magnificent vacation villa.
French inspired homes in New Orleans and Acadia. Frank Masson takes us on a tour of Creole Cottage in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
Architects are drawing people back to city centres by creating high-density residential space on previously industrial land.
Designing a site-specific home requires a lot of artistry on behalf of the architect.
Architects are exploring the technology of glass and concrete in creative ways. We look at three transparent expressions of contemporary architecture.
In architecture, respecting traditions can be as challenging as creating something completely original.
In capturing that perfect oceanfront view, architects must skillfully expose the intricate relationship between form and nature in homes literally built on the edge.
Today's contemporary architecture is distinctively cutting edge, modern and dares to challenge the traditional conventions of home.
One way architects are responding to urban sprawl is by recycling prime sites in desirable urban neighborhoods where they either infill a new home or tear down an existing one.
It can be quite a tricky balancing act for architects to achieve a fresh design that is compatible with a building's original form. We look inside of three unusual renovations.
The garden is resurging as an essential component to making a home complete.
With new innovative designs, including 2-storey units, the reinvented high-rise is changing the face of cities.
Sometimes homes are preserved for their architectural beauty by reinventing them as country inns.
Sustainability is taking root at the forefront of architects' design philosophies.
How do architects go about creating a retreat for themselves? With a combination of knowledge and years of experience that results in a home worth retreating to. An exclusive look at three architects' ideas of perfect serenity.