A Thoughtfully Designed Stockyards Loft That Balances Work and Wellness
Level Studio designs a live/work loft that supports both personal rituals and public breathwork classes
Tucked inside a former leather factory in Toronto’s Stockyards District, this 1,000-square-foot loft doesn’t just offer a place to live—it invites a way to feel. Designed as both a private residence and a space for guided breathwork and body-based healing, the loft serves as a sanctuary for its owner, Eddy Tony, whose holistic practice is rooted in stillness, ceremony, and sensory experience. Open to clients by appointment, the space was envisioned to adapt — expanding for community gatherings or contracting for quiet reflection, always striking a balance between home and healing.
“Eddy’s vibe was clear from the start,” says Luca Campacci, co-founder of Level Studio, the firm behind the renovation. “He kept using words like calming, soothing, relaxing, peaceful—and with that Japanese-meets-Scandinavian influence. We made sure every design choice supported those feelings.”
The original staircase was painted in Black 2132-10 by Benjamin Moore for a punch of modernity.
The Toronto-based practice approached this dual-purpose project by first understanding Tony’s needs on both a personal and professional level. “This was a bit outside our usual scope—we don’t typically take on commercial work—but because it was primarily a home, we saw it as a really interesting opportunity,” Campacci explains. “And from the moment we met Eddy, we knew we wanted to work with him. He’s such a down-to-earth guy, with a heart of gold.”
The floor, once a jarring red-orange oak, was sanded and re-stained—a decision Campacci calls essential: “It had so much character. We wanted to highlight the imperfections, not erase them.”
Momentos of Tony’s practice can be found throughout the Stockyards loft.
Crystal singing bowls are a common part of Tony’s practice and breathwork meditation.
The original loft had charm but needed reconfiguring. A spiral staircase at the entry was retained and refreshed with black paint, inspiring a series of coordinating details throughout the home—from door levers to cabinet pulls. Exposed HVAC elements were kept visible to honour the loft’s industrial roots, but painted to blend seamlessly with the ceiling.
Functionality was key, especially in the main living area, which Tony uses to host breathwork and sacred ceremony sessions for up to 16 guests. “We did several feasibility studies with different layouts to see how many people could fit comfortably,” says Campacci. Mats and cushions are stored in the second bedroom, along with a modular sofa that’s moved in and out depending on the occasion. Even the front console table transforms into a 12-person dining table.
Custom cabinetry in Benjamin Moore’s Wickham Gray (HC-171) conceals integrated appliances by Fisher & Paykel. Bar stools, Crate & Barrel; vent hood, Zephyr Ventilation; cabinet hardware, Emtek.
In the kitchen, Level Studio made a bold move: reorienting the layout entirely. “Originally, the bathroom door opened right into the kitchen,” Campacci says. “We knew we had to change that.” By building a new wall and rerouting plumbing and sprinklers, the designers created a hallway that brought privacy to the bathroom and allowed for a clean, open kitchen framed between two original timber columns.
A custon, two-toned wall wash was used to add a natural texture to the Stockyards loft. Countertop, Vicostone; sink faucet, Moen.
Material choices were driven by feel as much as function. Creamy limewash walls lend a chalky, suede-like texture, helping to soften the loft’s harder architectural elements. Matte quartz counters offer an earthy touch in the kitchen and bathroom. “It’s all about texture,” says Campacci. “Even if you’re using a cool colour palette, texture warms things up. And in a wellness space, that tactile quality is everything.”
Vanity, Vicostone; faucets, Moen; flooring, Centura Tile.
One of the loft’s standout features is a 7-by-8-foot green wall—a suggestion from Tony himself—that now serves as the backdrop for his healing sessions. “It’s all real plants that he meticulously maintains,” Campacci notes. “It’s beautiful, but it’s also therapeutic for him. It adds to the sensory experience—the light, the scent, the sound—it’s a full-body feeling.”
The green wall—by Everlyfe—makes a grounding backdrop during studio sessions.
Pendants in the studio space come courtesy of Radiance Supply.
Before launching his wellness practice, Eddy spent a decade running a Thai restaurant and gay nightclub—a period that ultimately sparked a major lifestyle shift and a new path rooted in healing.
The Stockyards loft has been reformed to function as a sprawling studio and cozy pad for Tony—once the meditation beds have been stowed away.
The Stockyards Loft – Level Studio.
That sensory immersion continues with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling sheers, which filter golden west-facing light into the space. “We did a class with Eddy one evening,” Campacci recalls. “The window was open, you could hear the crickets, the breeze came in, the sunset was glowing. It was magical.”
Completed in June 2024, the Stockyard Loft reflects Level Studio’s ability to create environments that feel grounded, intentional, and deeply personal. “We always ask how a space evolves with a person,” Campacci says. “This one needed to support healing—for Eddy, and for everyone he welcomes in.”
