Isotope

Located in Muskoka, Ontario, the Bridge House overlooks the south end of Lake Joseph, one of three large lakes in the region.

The house is located on a rock outcrop overlooking the lake and the boathouse, and breaks the mould of faux-traditional architecture typical of the region.

The building is L-shaped in plan, with the main living space and master bedroom wing separated from the guest bedroom wing by an elevated screened porch. The plan of the main living wing was developed to create circulation along either side of the plan to maximize openness, views, and transparency.

The L-Shaped floor plan hugs the curved crest of the hill. The building emerges from the rock face defining an edge and creating a gateway, an arrival from the water that emphasizes the boundary between the hectic city environment and the serenity of the lakeside location. The screened porch forms a “Bridge” which spans the space between the two wings, creating a threshold between the driveway and the lake. The building appears to be a part of its site, merging with the rock overlooking the lake.

This family compound houses a one-storey wing with great room, screened porch and master bedroom on the ground floor with views to Lake Simcoe.

A two-storey wing at the entry side of the building accommodates six bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms; there is also room for future bedrooms in the basement.

The building is painted in dark tones with a cedar roof to blend with the site, while interior rooms flow with the exterior spaces fora seamless connection.

This 5 bedroom, one-storey recreational home hugs the landscape and rock overlooking Lake Muskoka.

The T-shaped plan houses the great room and kitchen at the south end, with attached garage, and the bedroom wing at the north end. Most bedrooms have a view of the lake, and the main concept is to have a completely daylit interior which maximizes views and brings the outdoors in.

The house was originally built on spec in a neo-traditional style.

The new owners requested that the building be converted into a more contemporary and clean look, to eliminate decorative elements such as round top windows and dormers.

Exterior stairs were relocated to flanking elevations and windows enlarged to improve quality of daylight, views and ventilation.

The boathouse was renovated in a similar manner.

This island cottage replaces two cottages that burned down in 2012. Local zoning restricted the footprint to be no wider than the original buildings.

The design concept was to express the building as three separate buildings to break down the mass and length of the new cottage. The building features two bedroom wings at each end separated by a living room, dining room, kitchen, entrance hall and den. The cottage is naturally daylit through the use of glass walls that focus both on the lake and the island forest at rear.

The L-shaped plan accommodates two full bedroom wings organized around a central great room.

The great room has glass on three sides, but the entire plan capitalizes on the exterior by having floor to ceiling glass on each elevation.  Even the corridors have large picture windows which provide views into the site.

The design incorporates a renovated existing sleeping cabin which has been attached to the building adding more sleeping and washroom space for a total of eight bedrooms.  The living room features a games alcove suitable for puzzles and board games while overlooking the view.  An outdoor sitting area surrounds an exterior wood burning fireplace which attached to the house.

A new three slip boathouse with a 650 ft² living space above was also part of the project.

The design concept was to use the L-shaped design to capitalize on topography and views to the south and west.