This $7.5 million Toronto home won an award for architecture

Toronto suburbs often get a bad rap for their perceived lack of vitality, car dependency, long commutes, limited entertainment options and, most damning – cookie-cutter architecture of subdivisions and McMansions.

But back in 1991, Toronto architect Bruce Kuwabara, known for projects like the Massey Hall renovation, was hired to design a living and working space for a family of four in Richmond Hill. 

It's one of only two residential homes Kuwabara has designed, and the design of 92 Westwood Ln. completely reimagined what life in the suburbs is like. 

The front entrance. 

As KPMB Architects writes on its website about the project: "The design challenges conventional expectations about domesticity and celebrates the parallel existence of artistic practices and the rituals of daily life."

The dining room and living room. 

In fact, the design was so impressive that it won a General Governor's Award for architecture. 

An updated bathroom. 

The home has since been modernized with the help of Two A Design.

The living room with a fireplace and a hidden TV. 

In short, this house is spectacular. 

The glass hallways. 

Built on a generous 100 by 250 foot lot, this four-bedroom, eight bathroom house is actually four buildings that are linked by glass elements.

The view from the dining table into the courtyard. 

The four light-grey concrete buildings connected by glass create a cool courtyard and garden area.

Tons of natural light enters into the home. 

Initially, the house was designed with a sculpture studio and main living space.

A pond in the garden. 

The studio forms one side of the courtyard, and on the opposite side, a conservatory entrance connects the studio and main loft buildings.

A connection between buildings. 

The studio and main living space feature unique aluminum roofs and have theses incredible high ceilings and large windows making the space have a loft-like feel.

The studio. 

The studio also is the perfect "work from home" space, getting indirect north light through clerestory windows and stunning views of silver maple trees.

The kitchen. 

In the main living space, a pair of fireplaces bookend both ends of the "living loft," and a skylight in the kitchen enhances the cozy vibe.

A room that's been turned into a gym. 

Bedrooms and writing studios are further back, grouped around a landscaped garden court.

The updated kitchen. 

Fireplaces anchor the ends of the "living loft," while a striking pyramidal skylight over the kitchen establishes a central focal point within the interior. 

A bedroom. 

Large sliding panels in the main loft and primary bedroom allow for flexible privacy options.

The primary ensuite. 

However, as stunning as the home is, the outdoor space is really the star of the show when it comes to 92 Westwood Ln. 

The garden with a large shaded dining area. 

The house and gardens offer top-notch privacy, with the front garden set well back from the road to create a secluded front courtyard, now enhanced with new plants to complement the home's structure.

The central courtyard. 

Behind the living area, the central courtyard is a peaceful and stunning space, designed to offer complete privacy and serve as a beautiful focal point for the interior.

More gardens. 

According to listing agent Rachel Sekler, the original owner crafted the grounds with artistry, creating terraces and "visual" pathways of water and stone. Every detail, from the plantings to the hand-picked stones, was carefully considered to create a perfect blend of shadow and light.

The front of the house. 

92 Westwood Ln. is listed for $7,495,000.