This luxury cottage, located in the heart of Ontario's breathtaking Kawartha Highlands, aimed to create the ultimate escape from urban life, capturing the essence of a quintessential cottage while infusing it with modern lifestyle features. The project drew inspiration from vernacular Japanese farmhouses (Minka) all the way to the iconic A-frame cottages of the 1950s. We reimagined this classic structure with a contemporary twist, connecting multiple A-frames with a single-story glass walkway, that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings thanks to a thermally treated Shou Sugi Ban roof.
Central to the design was the concept of indoor-outdoor living, achieved through retractable glass walls and private terraces that offer immersive natural experiences and panoramic views. The interior combines comfort with a connection to nature, utilizing natural materials and hues to create a sense of harmony and contrast marrying the rugged beauty of the natural surroundings with the refined simplicity of contemporary design.
The monumental fireplace, a central feature of the cottage, further exemplifies this dialogue between rough and refined textures. Constructed from locally sourced, hand-split granite in a dry stack lay, the fireplace celebrates nature through its raw, organic form. Its rough-hewn surface contrasts beautifully with the smooth precision of the oak paneling, infusing the space with warmth, character, and an inviting atmosphere of conviviality and rest.
The result is a cottage that stands as a testament to the principles of Human Architecture, balancing tradition and modernity, privacy, and openness. It respects its landscape while offering a profound connection to nature, promising a timeless haven for generations—a perfect blend of escape, rest, and rejuvenation.
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Construction
