Set on the south shore of Georgian Bay, this residence seeks to harmonize with its surrounding landscape with minimal environmental impact, while accommodating the diverse needs of four generations of occupants. Integration with the site is achieved by setting the building low and shifting floor and roof planes so that it becomes embedded into the landscape. As the elevations shift between the deck, loft, upper patio, green roof and floor levels, intimate moments are created as each space unfolds distinctly into the external environment. The elevation of the reflecting pool is also set specifically to create an effect of seamlessly extending Georgian Bay to the house, blurring the lines between building and landscape

Material choice is also significant in addressing the issues of site responsiveness, sustainability and for comfort. The rich wood within the interior spaces bring warmth in winter while the rich red cedar and cherry woods intensify the vibrant green of the surrounding forest in summer. The consistent palette of cedar soffits and ceiling cladding, window and doorframes seamlessly transition between the interior and exterior spaces. The exterior Ipe naturally blends with the surrounding rock and soil, becoming a geometric topography that extends its contemporary aesthetic into the natural environment.

Flanked by hard edges on the east and west, the building maintains privacy from neighbours while emphasizing the views to the inner courtyard. The organization of the building is broken down into zones; the main floor is divided between the public/living area and service while upstairs there are the two wings – one for the master suite and the other for the guest wing to accommodate extended family. These spaces are unified by a central courtyard which acts as the hub of the house which gives access to all main spaces on the ground floor.

It also was important for the owner to reduce the energy footprint of their home as much as possible without compromising comfort. The first line of defense was to optimize the building envelope by means of correct solar shading, effective ventilation and high insulation levels achieved with ICF construction and spray applied ployurethane as well as high performance “Heat Mirror” glazing. The building is effectively naturally ventilated to minimize the energy footprint of the home. The continuous clerestory windows in the main pavilion offer daylight as well as a 360° view of the adjacent external environment while its upward sloping roof utilizes stack effect ventilation. Solar gains are controlled through expansive south facing glazing with large overhangs and gypcrete floors acting as thermal mass. Regionally sourced limestone was used to minimize transport carbon emissions.

The second line of active strategies implements a ground-loop geothermal system as the primary heating system. Solar energy is collected to heat the pool and a 10 kW grid-connected PV array is used to power the home. Comprehensive sustainable technologies and good building practice set this project apart from others in the Blue Mountain region while the unique building form and functional program promise to provide a wonderful family retreat as well as a year round dwelling for its owners.

Sustainability Features:

Passive Solar Heating
Natural Ventilation and Passive Cooling
Natural Daylighting
High Performance Envelope Design
Material Optimization and Modular Design
Renewable Materials and Finishes
Reclaimed and Recycled Materials
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Non-toxic Materials and Finishes
Advanced Geothermal Systems
Advanced Wood Heating Systems (ie. Contraflow Masonry Heaters)
Radiant Heating
Heat Recovery Ventilation
Solar Hot Water Systems
Solar Electric (photovoltaic or PV systems)
Low Energy Lighting & Appliances
Water Conserving Appliances & Fixtures
Green Roof Systems
Tertiary Wastewater Treatment
The goal the owners was to reduce the the energy footprint of their home as much as possible without compromising comfort. The first line of defense was to optimize the building envelop by means of correct solar shading, effective ventilation and high insulation levels achieved with ICF construction and spray applied ployurethane as well as high performance Heat Mirror glazing. The primary heating system is a ground-loop geothermal system supplemented by a clean wood-burning Finnish masonry stove. Energy usage is offset by a solar pool heater and a 10 kW grid connected PV array.

Altius Project Team: Graham Smith, Joe Knight, Joseph Khoury

Project Partners:

Engineering - Hamann Engineering
Construction - Valley View Construction
Geothermal - Just Geothermal Systems
PV Array - Generation Solar
Pool - BonaVista Pools