House of the Week: $1.9 million for an unabashedly modern family home

BRAGGING RIGHTS: Designed as part of a series by architecture firm Atelier Rzlbd, the home is called the Patio House thanks to two punched in patios stacked on top of each other (so as not to disrupt the home’s box-like construction) that allow natural light to travel through the house. Other structures in the series include the Shaft House and the Charcoal House.

BIG SELLING POINT: The layout proves that concept homes can still be kid-friendly. Designed for family life, the open-plan main floor allows for flexible use of space and there’s lots of room to play in the basement.

POSSIBLE DEAL BREAKER: With an open plan, white walls and plenty of glass, this isn’t the place for indifferent housekeepers. Clutter and smudge marks would quickly ruin the effect.

BY THE NUMBERS: • $1,875,000 • $14,000 in estimated property taxes (based on comparable neighbourhood values) • 5 bathrooms • 3 bedrooms • 3 skylights • 2 storeys • 2 enclosed patios • 2 entrances • 2-car landscaped parking pad