Integral House

Conception and Construction

In the late 1990s, mathematician James Stewart conceived the idea for a residence that would combine dramatic curved architecture with a large, flexible performance space. After compiling a list of admired architects, he awarded the commission in 1999 to Brigitte Shim and Howard Sutcliffe of the Toronto-based firm Shim-Sutcliffe Architects. Stewart purchased the property on Roxborough Drive in the Rosedale ravine in 2002, subsequently demolishing the existing house to make way for the new design. Construction began in 2003 and continued for six years, with the project reaching completion in 2009. The total final cost of the house was estimated at $24 million. Even before construction was fully finished, the project garnered significant attention, being featured in Architectural Digest magazine's annual Toronto tour. The lengthy design and build process allowed for meticulous attention to detail and the integration of complex systems like geothermal heating.

Architectural Design and Features

Integral House is a 1,700-square-metre structure ingeniously built into a steep ravine hillside. Only the two uppermost stories are visible from the street, with three lower levels descending into the ravine below. The rear exterior features extensive use of glass and oak, creating a strong connection to the natural landscape. The design incorporates numerous environmentally sustainable features, including a geothermal system for heating and cooling and planted green roofs. The house is organized over five main levels, each serving distinct private and public functions. This vertical arrangement maximizes the challenging site and provides varied views and experiences throughout the home.

The lowest level contains a pool area and an outdoor patio, separated from the interior by a dramatic 7-metre wall of glass that can be lowered into the floor at the press of a button. The study on the second level overlooks the ravine and a roof garden. The heart of the home is the large performance space located on the third level. The second floor, at street level, houses the kitchen, dining, and living areas, which overlook the performance space and function as balconies during events. The upper level contains the master bedroom, guest bedrooms, and a separate guest suite. This layout carefully separates private living quarters from the public entertainment areas, facilitating both daily life and large gatherings.

The Performance Space and Cultural Use

Central to James Stewart's vision was the creation of a world-class performance space within his home. During his residency, Stewart hosted approximately a dozen events per year, ranging from private musical salons to fundraising galas for selected arts and cultural organizations. The first fundraising event held at Integral House was for the University of Toronto's Mark S. Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies. This dual function as a private home and public venue made the house a unique element in Toronto's cultural scene, blending domestic life with artistic patronage. The acoustically tuned space attracted performances from internationally renowned musicians, solidifying its reputation. Stewart made the space available specifically for fundraising, extending its impact beyond private enjoyment to support institutional causes.

Ownership and Sales History

Following James Stewart's passing in December 2014, Integral House was listed for sale in the autumn of 2015. The property was sold in 2016 through Sotheby's for C$15 million. Initial speculation suggested musicians Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida were the buyers, but it was later confirmed that the purchaser was Mark Machin, a British banker who was then-president of the CPP Investment Board. Machin purchased the property for C$15 million in 2016 and lived there with his wife and children. The house was relisted for sale in 2019 and was sold again in 2020 for C$18.5 million. This price represented a slight increase over its 2016 sale price, reflecting its enduring value as a architectural landmark in Toronto's competitive real estate market.

Awards and Critical Recognition

Integral House has received significant acclaim from the architectural community, winning several prestigious awards. These honours highlight the project's innovation in design, materiality, and integration of interior and exterior spaces. The house's recognition extends beyond Canada, with notable praise from international figures such as Glenn D. Lowry, director of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Lowry stated, 'I think it's one of the most important private houses built in North America in a long time.' The awards validate the collaborative achievement of the client and architects. The major awards received by Integral House include the Architectural Woodwork Award (First place) in 2009, an American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Interior Architecture in 2012, and the prestigious Governor-General's Medal in Architecture in 2012. It was also shortlisted for the Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize, Illinois Institute of Technology, in 2014. The 2012 Governor-General's Medal is among Canada's highest architectural honours, and the shortlisting for the Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize placed it among notable contemporary works across the Americas.

Appearances in Media and Popular Culture

The distinctive architecture of Integral House has made it a sought-after location for film and television production. It gained notable exposure when it was used as a filming location for several episodes in the second season of the series Star Trek: Discovery. In the show, the house served as the home of Vulcan ambassador Sarek and his family, its modern aesthetic fitting the futuristic narrative. Musician Chantal Kreviazuk filmed the music video for her song 'Into Me' within the house, with the video released in January 2016. These appearances have introduced the architectural landmark to wider, international audiences. The use of the home in Star Trek: Discovery specifically utilized its interiors to represent an advanced, elegant alien residence, showing its otherworldly design qualities.

Design and Architectural Significance

The design of Integral House by Shim-Sutcliffe Architects represents a detailed synthesis of client aspiration, site response, and architectural craft. The commission from James Stewart, a mathematician with a specific desire for curves and performance, provided a unique creative brief. The architects' response was to embed the house into the Rosedale ravine, treating the landscape as a integral part of the design. The use of materials like glass and oak, along with sustainable systems, demonstrates a commitment to both aesthetic and environmental principles. The house's plan, which staggers living spaces around a central performance volume, creates dynamic spatial relationships and sightlines. This approach has been widely studied and admired within architectural circles for its resolution of complex programmatic demands. The project is a sign of the possibilities of bespoke residential architecture when driven by a clear, passionate vision.

Questions about Integral House

Who designed and built Integral House?

The house was designed by architects Brigitte Shim and Howard Sutcliffe of the Toronto firm Shim-Sutcliffe Architects. It was commissioned by mathematician James Stewart, who conceived the project in the late 1990s. Construction took place between 2003 and 2009, with Stewart purchasing the property in 2002 and demolishing the existing house beforehand. The architectural firm is known for its detailed, site-specific designs and has received numerous awards for its work.

Can the public visit Integral House?

Integral House is a private residence. James Stewart made the performance space available to selected arts and cultural groups for fundraising events. He hosted about a dozen events a year while he lived there. The first fundraising event was for the Mark S. Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies at the University of Toronto.

What awards has Integral House won?

Integral House has won several major architectural awards. These include the Architectural Woodwork Award (First place) in 2009, an American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Interior Architecture in 2012, and the prestigious Governor-General's Medal in Architecture in 2012. It was also shortlisted for the Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize in 2014. The Governor-General's Medal is one of the highest forms of recognition for a building in Canada.

Where is Integral House located?

Integral House is a private residence located at 194 Roxborough Drive in the Rosedale neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The 1,700 square metre house is built into a hillside, with its three lower stories constructed into the ravine below street level. Only the two uppermost stories are visible from the street. The rear exterior features glass and oak, and the design incorporates environmentally friendly features such as geothermal heating and cooling and planted roofs.

Why is it called Integral House?

The house is named after the mathematical integral symbol, which is commonly used in calculus. This name was chosen by the homeowner, mathematician James Stewart, whose wealth derived from his authorship of widely used calculus textbooks. Stewart first conceived of the house in the late 1990s, wanting a design that incorporated curves and a large performance space. The commission for the design was granted to architects Brigitte Shim and Howard Sutcliffe in 1999.

How much did Integral House cost to build and sell for?

The final construction cost for Integral House was estimated at $24 million. After mathematician James Stewart passed away in December 2014, the house went on sale in autumn 2015. It was sold in 2016 by Sotheby's for C$15 million to Mark Machin, a British banker. The property was subsequently relisted for sale in 2019 and was sold again in 2020 for a slightly higher price of C$18.5 million.

Sources and further reading

• Integral House (Wikipedia)
• The Integral House, NUVO Magazine (nuvomagazine.com)
• Toronto's Famous Integral House Just Sold for $18 Million (storeys.com)
• Toronto Luxury Real Estate: Integral House, HB Trends (hbrealestate.ca)
• Toronto's Integral House By Shim-Sutcliffe Architects (canadianrealestatehousingandhome.ca)

Checked by the Your Space Hamilton desk. Last updated 2026-11-02.