MID-20th CENTURY MODERN HOUSES
Mid-century modern architecture is renowned for being a forward thinking movement, creating structures with ample windows and open floor plans with the intention to bring the outdoors in.
|
MID-20th CENTURY MODERN ARCHITECTURAL FEATURESMidland Park modernist houses offer the trademark form and function of mid-century modern architectural features, such as decorative opaque glass, deep eaves, and clerestory windows. All of which provide a practical, yet attractive solution to letting natural light in, while offering protection from solar gain.
|
 Ted Ross, Architect
Midland Park houses were designed by Architect, Edward Ross (L). Dramatic, low profile, contemporary designs with private front facades and large expanses of rear windows were a hallmark of Ted's designs. The Norfolk house model (R), is an example of one of Ted's modern two-storey creations exhibiting an unadorned, private front facade, achieved by smaller windows in front. The star feature of this model are the large expanses of glass in the living spaces located at the rear of the house that "bring the outdoors in".
|
1961 Toronto Star Advertisement
|
Exterior features that hallmarks of mid-century modern design are the vertical cedar siding and brick with a complementary, and in this case, detached carport that offers an unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape.
MID-CENTURY MODERN
|
Interior Design Tip: Work with feature interior doors by selecting a colour scheme like the one shown below, for walls, window treatments and furniture that is complementary to the colour of the mahogany doors.
|
|
Clerestory
Windows |
Many house models have clerestory windows located in the main living areas. These windows are positioned high on walls for the purpose of moving natural light and fresh air into the space while maintaining privacy. Their higher position on a wall serves a very useful purpose in emitting natural light into the central part of the room.
|
"Curran Hall houses were hand selected for the lot shape & size, making good use of the property’s depth, utilizing walls of glass in the rear, and offering ample space for rear gardens and a swimming pool".
|
Excerpts from support letters submitted with Midland Park's nomination to become a Heritage Conservation District (right).
6 HCD SUPPORT LETTERSIn 2015, Midland Park was nominated to become a Heritage Conservation District. The community has received several support letters relating to their conservation efforts. The nomination is currently under review by the City of Toronto.
|
|
WHAT IS A MID-CENTURY MODERN HOUSE?
|
Function was as important as form in mid-century modern designs with an emphasis placed specifically on targeting the needs of the average family. Residential mid-century modern architecture is frequently referred to as the California Modern style. The architecture is very simplistic and has a close integration with nature. Mid-century modern design emphasizes an abundance of natural light flowing into the home.
The Phase 2 Beaumont. Dramatic low profile model with attached carport and front door hidden at the side of the house. Side split with large windows on upper and lower levels overlooking rear garden.
The Woodridge - A Canada Housing Design Council Award Winner. This stylish, low profile ranch can be found on most street corners in Midland Park. You'll also find this model placed sideways on narrow lots throughout the neighbourhood!
Midland Park's mid-century modern houses were designed and constructed in the early 1960's by developer, CURRAN HALL and Architect, Edward (Ted) Ross. Several house models won Design Council Awards for good design both in plan and appearance.
The Milford - very rare model - very few ever built. Found in Phase 2.
Midland Park houses are "distinctly different"; they are still as contemporary today as they were 50 years ago. The unique architecture of Midland Park houses has long been adored by those looking for something special and unique in a home.
|
The Glenwood - extremely rare semi-detached model. Shallow roof line, deep eaves and integrated carport are all-star features of this model.
Architectural elements that can be found in Midland Park houses are those typically found with mid-century modern architecture:
 The Barwick. This particular Barwick was given a facelift with period flagstone and vertical siding complement. |
"Floor to ceiling windows in the rear of the house offer residents optimal views overlooking the back garden".
Littleleaf Linden Trees along Munson Crescent
|
Tilia cordata
|
AREA MAP
Midland Park is located in Toronto’s east end. It is located within the boundaries of Ellesmere Road, Midland Avenue, Donwood Park, and Birkdale Ravine Park.
|
OUR COMMUNITY VISIONMIDLAND PARK is a safe, vibrant & attractive community of diverse residents, with an appreciation for the community’s unique history, modernist architecture and natural environment.
Artist - Doug Martin
|
THE ORIGINAL FARMHOUSE OF MIDLAND PARK
|
Take a walk along Oakley Boulevard and take a walk down memory lane. At the highest point of Oakley Boulevard you will see the original farmhouse owned by Richard Thomson. This historic house is listed as a heritage building by the City of Toronto.
Richard Thomson was one of eleven children born to David and Mary Thomson. David and Mary Thomson are recognized as being the first European settlers of Scarborough, coming to Canada in 1799. They created their own community in the wilds of Scarborough, similar to their old country of Scotland. For many years, the Thomson family controlled most of the farmland from Kennedy to Brimley/Lawrence to Ellesmere. |
WHAT'S CLOSE BY MIDLAND PARK
LOCAL SCHOOLS
Scarborough Bluffs
Aerial view of Bluffers Park Marina
|
COMMUNITY CONVENIENCES
TRANSPORTATION
Downtown Toronto - 2013
SHOPPING
NATURE
|