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Metropolis Editors, Natural Habitat, sustainability, sustainable architecture

METROPOLIS Introduces Natural Habitat, a Sustainable Homes Video Series

The series debuts with a tour of a tranquil upstate New York retreat designed with Passive House principles.

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Modern two-story heritage home with large glass windows, outdoor seating, and a pool in the foreground, surrounded by trees.
© Scott Norsworthy Courtesy Giannone Petricone Associates

September 2, 2026

Snider House Bridges Past and Present

With the addition of an undulating glass facade, the heritage home reflects modern sensibilities while preserving history.

By: Sophie Sobol

When Giannone Petricone Associates was tapped to restore and revitalize the oldest surviving building in North Toronto with a major renovation and a new rear addition, the challenge was clear: Upgrade the 1828 Regency-style home to modern standards while preserving it for future generations. Combining historic design elements and a bold glass curtain, the new home masterfully connects these two seemingly contrasting identities.

“We’re passionate about heritage projects not only for the joy of restoring historic treasures to their former glory, but to creatively celebrate their distinct attributes through contrast and layering,” says the firm’s cofounding principal Pina Petricone.

Two-story red brick heritage home with white trim, a central porch, balcony, symmetrical windows, and a garage on the left, surrounded by trees and landscaping.
Snider House is an 1828 heritage home in North Toronto reimagined as a study in contrast between old and new. The original Regency cottage facade preserves its formal, symmetrical presence at the front of the site, while the rear addition opens the house to the landscape with a contemporary glass extension. © Scott Norsworthy Courtesy Giannone Petricone Associates

The landmark home, named Snider House, is a study in juxtaposition. But the showstopper is an undulating, two-story glass facade at the rear of the house. A fitting addition for the client, who has a background in glass manufacturing, this curving material runs through the back of the home like a winding river—light in weight, it contrasts the home’s heavy clay brick and provides transparency and fluidity between indoors and out. Made of gravity-curved glass constructed on a hot sand bed in Spain—and combined with low-E insulated glass technology—this technically innovative custom curtain facade breaks away from the building’s constraints to create the home’s signature design element. 

Curved floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to a wooden deck with outdoor seating; modern heritage home interior with light wood floors and neutral furniture visible.
Inside Snider House, the restored interior balances heritage formality with contemporary detailing. The dining and sitting rooms continue the home’s material restraint and warmth, with layered millwork, soft tonal finishes, and built-ins that reinforce the center-hall plan. The kitchen and adjoining living room space open fully to adjacent outdoor areas and backyard landscape. © Scott Norsworthy Courtesy Giannone Petricone Associates
Minimalist bedroom in a heritage home with curved floor-to-ceiling window, modern lounge chair and ottoman, pendant light, small side table with books, and a view of trees outside.

“We were inspired by the opportunity to design a layered living experience that included the entire site, from sidewalk to back garden. The undulating glass ‘veil’ is used to release the interior, which begins as a symmetrical center hall plan, to the exterior picturesque landscape. In turn, the wall’s transparency brings the earthy back garden inside,” explains Petricone.

Plus, the glass facade allows for a new orientation from the original farmland at its front to the present-day neighborhood at its back. And through thoughtful details—like the reimagined wide chrome baseboards, modeled after the originals, which now lie flush to the floor as both an accent and air diffuser—Snider House meets the modern era with craftsmanship and character.

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