From Victorians to Smart Homes: A Century of House Construction Evolution in Canada"

The evolution of house construction in Canada over the past century is a fascinating journey that reflects not only architectural trends but also the dynamic interplay of social, economic, and technological forces. From the intricate details of Victorian-era homes to the sleek lines of modern smart homes, the changing landscape of North American housing tells a story of adaptation, innovation, and the ever-evolving needs of society.

In this blog, we will embark on a historical exploration of how houses have transformed from the early 1900s to the present day, tracing the shift in architectural styles, materials, and design philosophies that have shaped the places we call home. Join us as we delve into the past, unravel the present, and glimpse the future of house construction in Ontario.

At the turn of the 20th century, many houses in Toronto were built with traditional architectural styles such as Victorian, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman. These homes often featured intricate details, ornate decorations, and varied floor plans. The use of wood was prevalent during this time, with frame construction being common. No engineered wood products existed, so homes from this time period contained mainly structural or load bearing walls.  This includes the interior walls between kitchens and living rooms.  A renovation of this type of home almost always requires the removal of wooden lath and plaster walls.  

The Great Depression brought about economic challenges, influencing house construction. Smaller, more practical homes were in demand due to limited resources. During World War II, there was a shortage of building materials, leading to further emphasis on practicality and functional design.  Double-brick walls were still common, with rowhomes becoming the norm, particularly in Hamilton and Toronto.  The interior walls were still load bearing as LVLs or other engineered wood products were not available at this time. 

The post-war era saw a housing boom as soldiers returned home and families grew. Levittowns, suburban developments named after builder William Levitt, became emblematic of this period. These developments featured mass-produced, standardised homes with similar designs and layouts to accommodate the growing population. Ranch-style homes, characterised by their single-story design and open floor plans, became popular during this time.  Additionally, bungalow-style homes gained popularity, reflecting a simpler and more efficient design. The use of concrete block construction also increased, as it was affordable and required fewer skilled labourers. Typically, a bungalow-style home is designed with a central beam in the basement supporting the ground floor joists and a load bearing wall through the middle of the home, supporting the attic joists.  The most popular renovation to date has been removing this central wall to create a more modern island kitchen design.  Lately, we have seen an increase of vaulted ceiling designs being incorporated into this living room/kitchen combination room.  This style of home is particularly popular in the Oakville, Burlington, and Mississauga areas.

Architectural styles diversified in the 1970s and 1980s, reflecting changing tastes and influences. Split-level homes gained popularity, offering multiple levels of living space. A shift towards energy efficiency and environmental awareness began to impact home construction, leading to the use of better insulation materials and more efficient heating and cooling systems.  The subdivision became increasingly popular with a large one or two bay garage dominating the front yard.  The “Simpson” cartoon show epitomised this style of two-storey home.  It has come very popular to remove the two load bearing walls at the rear of the home to open up the kitchen, dining, and family room.  Then, the kitchen is moved to one of the sides walls with the centre island becoming the focal point of the family space.  Homes in Oakville and Mississauga are frequently built in this style reflecting the expansion of the GTA in the 1980s.

Housing designs continued to evolve in the late 20th century. Open floor plans, larger kitchens, and master suites with attached bathrooms became sought after. Suburban sprawl continued, with housing developments expanding into previously undeveloped areas. Sustainable building practices and materials gained traction as concerns about the environment grew. This era also saw the rise of "McMansions," large and often ostentatious homes with mixed architectural styles.  This has continued, particularly directly around Lake Ontario, with homes on Lakeshore Road being demolished to accommodate 4000 sqft New Builds.

In the 21st century, sustainable and energy-efficient building practices have become more prominent. Green building certifications, such as LEED, have encouraged the use of eco-friendly materials and energy-saving technologies. Contemporary architectural styles often emphasise clean lines, minimalistic designs, and a blending of indoor and outdoor spaces. Smart home technologies have also become integral to modern house designs, allowing homeowners to control various aspects of their homes remotely.  One excellent renovation to bring 21st century style to your home is to open up the kitchen/livingroom.

This overview provides a glimpse into the evolution of house construction in Ontario over the past century. Keep in mind that various economic, social, and technological factors have shaped these trends, resulting in the diverse range of housing styles and designs we see today.  Whether your home is from the 1920s or 1990s, modernising it has proven to be an excellent financial investment.  Creating a open-concept living space via a load-bearing wall removal has been the go to renovation to achieve the most inspiring results.