Dear reader,
Something good just happened for the construction industry—and for us all. Mass timber buildings can now rise to 18 storeys, a six-floor bump that will help create more housing without torching the environment. Mass timber is as strong as concrete but cheaper and faster to manufacture. It’s also renewable, locally sourced and a design element that screams Canadiana.
The funny thing is, proto-versions of mass timber—less refined and more hoser-chic in nature—have existed in and around Toronto for generations. Curb Appeal’s top post this week, for example, is a 7,500-square-foot log cabin with tree trunks as pillars, overlooking Lake Rosseau in Muskoka. It’s good for the planet and good enough for Drake, who recently rented the place for about $99,000 a week.
Also in today’s newsletter: What can $1.5 million can net you this winter? Plus, a tour of three very different homes that just sold for over asking. And a look inside a handsome Edwardian near St. Clair and Yonge with a TV in the shower. For all of our real estate coverage and more, visit torontolife.com or subscribe to our print edition.
