Architect Omar Gandhi turned a narrow abandoned lot in the North End of Halifax, Nova Scotia, into his own family home, the OG House. Originally, the ground floor was to be Gandhi’s studio space, but during construction it became clear his architecture practice had already outgrown it. The space is now used for community projects located in the neighborhood, specifically housing for those experiencing homelessness and public amenities.

The home comprises a two-story, cedar-clad structure that rests atop a brick base. The bricked ground level features a rounded corner to draw visitors to the rear of the house where the primary entry to the home and studio are. The upper volume makes up the actual residence which includes a screen made of vertical cedar slats that provide privacy from the street below.
Around back, a garage and parking area connect to a wide brick staircase that leads to the main entrance.

A steel-clad, oval-shaped closet provides storage and a pathway into the home and studio.

Just above the studio is the main living space, which includes the kitchen, dining room, living room, and bathroom. White oak panels cover the walls and ceilings creating a unified space that’s both warm and inviting. The simple color palette and material choices, along with a curated mix of design details and furnishings, result in a Scandinavian feel throughout.

An oversized rounded island complements a wall of white cabinets that go from the kitchen to the li...