WATER HOUSE

WATER HOUSE

Terminating a long, narrow bay on a lake in a very secluded part of Muskoka (Toronto’s “cottage country”), is this modern cottage which stretches its program out across the site horizontally, embracing the sandy shores of its watery edge.

The concept for this cottage is a two-fold exercise: to create a strong visual architectural presence at the bay’s terminus and to split the cottage into two very different social programs: (1) A quiet primary living space on the elevated ground floor and (2) A boisterous outdoor recreational space adjacent to the water (basement level) capable of hosting large gatherings. This “walkout” basement level extends out onto an enormous poured-in-place concrete patio, complete with an outdoor fireplace, with dining and living spaces located at either end. These outdoor living spaces are sheltered via the elevated cottage (above), allowing social events to take place all summer long, even during rainy weather.

Physically supporting the second floor living spaces and roof, are a series of exposed dark grey steel beams and columns. The roof of the living room gestures upwards and outwards towards the bay, increasing the room’s spatial dimensions as one moves towards the water. This transition in ceiling height starts at the kitchen, rising as one moves towards the living room. Further, the elevated design of this cottage provides a continuous sheltered walkway, as one travels from boathouse to cottage, making walking to and from the boathouse a pleasant experience in all weather conditions.

LOCATION: MacTier, Ontario

ARCHITECT: LINEVISION Architects

DESIGN LEADERSHIP: Michael Poitras,
Principal-in-Charge of Design

CLIENT: Lisgar Construction Company

STATISTICS:

  • No. of storeys: 2
  • Total floor area:
    5,000 ft2 (465 m2)

MATERIALS:

  • Cedar shingle cladding
  • Douglas fir roof joists
  • Black aluminum clad wood windows & doors
  • Board formed concrete
  • Black slate floors
  • Elm hardwood floors
  • Black zinc standing seam roofs
  • Exposed steel framing (painted dark grey)
  • Composite wood decking (grey)

GENERAL PROGRAM:

  • Open concept living/dining/kitchen
  • Master bedroom + ensuite
  • 2 guest bedrooms + ensuites
  • 3 bedrooms
  • 3 washrooms
  • Outdoor deck + hot tub
  • Family room/bar/games room (basement)
  • 2 fireplaces
  • 3-car garage + studio
  • 2-boat boathouse + bunkie

COST: Withheld

COMPLETION: Project