Homes By Design

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, each an illustration of the best in suburban development.

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.

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, a renovated country church in Perth, Ontario, and a church turned B&B in Winslow, England.

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, a modern home in the Gatineau Hills of Quebec, and a potter’s studio in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

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.