With an area of up to 4,645 square meters, the home of superstar Aubrey Drake Graham in Toronto is quite a distinctive piece of architecture, boasting luxurious amenities such as a glowing basketball court and a nearly 2,000 square meter pyramidal skylight. The Manor House somewhat reflects the extravagant aspect of the owner’s personality.

 

Instead of covering the existing glossy plaster walls and lavish but generic furnishings, Drake wanted something different for his home. He enlisted Canadian architect and interior designer Ferris Rafauli to create rooms that exude exquisite craftsmanship, using materials such as limestone, bronze, rare woods, and other precious materials.

 

In an interview, Drake explained, “This is a project I’ve been working on for years. I want to make sure that it can stand the test of time and be one of those things that is a monument. I want to leave a mark on the world, so it has to be timeless.”

 

The house draws inspiration from traditional Beaux Arts architecture, filtering and abstracting to capture classical essence with a contemporary spirit. In terms of form, materials, and construction process, it resembles a 19th-century limestone castle. However, the exterior design is more minimalistic, with cleaner lines. Rafauli describes the interior as “crazysexycool,” reminiscent of modern Art Deco art, once again referencing classic historical styles that have been adjusted and rejuvenated to reflect the spirit of the times and the high-end clientele’s DNA.