Hibou House

The subdued material palette creates a calm, subtle backdrop for life to be lived – rather than preciously maintained – and allows the family’s artwork and objects to stand out and be showcased. Dark smoked oak floors and walnut millwork elements work with a modest ceiling height to create a sense of warmth and intimacy within the larger, now open layout.

The new addition – a minimal blackened wood-clad volume – contrasts with the bright light-filled interior and the large sliding doors and windows at rear of the house open up to maximize views to the garden creating a strong connection between the interior and exterior livable spaces.

Barbora is a registered architect (OAA 2013) and principal of Barbora Vokac Taylor Architect Inc. (BVTA)—a professional architecture and interior design practice serving clients on human-centred projects focused on quality, wellbeing, and sustainability.


With works in residential, educational, commercial, new build, renovations, and interiors, the practice recognizes the importance of the sensual aspect of the human condition, and is driven by an experience-first design process rooted in integrity and intention—providing elegant and successful solutions.

Barbora's approach to architecture is a balance of contrasts: striving for tactility, beauty and atmosphere—in complement to rigorous technical resolution, longevity and usefulness. Her commitment to social responsibility, and her awareness of the impact of design on the community, drives the practice’s focus on common-sense sustainability and well being for all.

Prior to founding her practice, Barbora worked with acclaimed architects in Toronto, London UK and Montreal, developing professional expertise on award-winning institutional, commercial and residential projects. Barbora holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture as well as a Master of Architecture (MArch 2005), both from McGill University and was awarded the Ray Affleck Prize in Design, the American Institute of Architects Henry Adams Certificate of Merit and a place on the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Honour Roll.

Within the community, Barbora fosters critical discussion and advocacy through her work as an Executive Member of the Toronto Society of Architects (TSA) and the Director on the Design Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC). In addition to serving on the Program Advisory Committee at George Brown College and teaching part-time, Barbora has also served as guest critic at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University), the University of Toronto, OCADU and the Institute Without Boundaries at George Brown College.

The practice’s work has been published in the Globe & Mail, and featured on Dwell.com, DesignLines and recognized on the Dezeen 2018 Interiors Awards longlist. BVTA’s Hibou House was also included in the 2020 hardcover publication “Building Character: Transforming Old Homes for Modern Living”.

Hibou House converts a traditional 1950’s style house into an interconnected home for a modern lifestyle

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