This project continues the Southern Ontario tradition of cottaging, while pushing the typology beyond one of occasional use into a year round dwelling. The home immerses itself in the surroundings, drawing from the beauty of the entire site, in addition to the powerful focus of the lake. The side-split massing integrates naturally into the terrain; conforming to a subtle shift in the underlying Canadian Shield and minimizing the overall presence of the building on the site. The efficient steel and engineered wood structure allows a delicate glazed skin to wrap the main volume, emphasized by a simple roof plane that connects the main program elements. Clean, modern spaces, rich in material and texture, in concert with a solid sustainable foundation results in enduring architecture.

Sustainability Features

Program and Spatial Optimization
Integration with the ‘Natural Assets’ of your Site and Terrain
Site Specific View and Vista Optimization
Passive Solar Heating
Natural Ventilation and Passive Cooling
Natural Daylighting
High Performance Envelope Design
Material Optimization and Modular Design
Renewable Materials and Finishes
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Non-toxic Materials and Finishes
Advanced Geothermal Systems
Radiant Heating
Heat Recovery Ventilation
Low Energy Lighting & Appliances
Water Conserving Appliances & Fixtures
We were able to incorporate a suite of green strategies, including a low-impact lake loop geothermal heating system, deliberate solar orientation, low-flow plumbing fixtures, a reflective (low albedo) roof membrane and local materials.

Altius Project Team:

Architecture - Tony Round, Trevor McIvor
Construction Management - Tony Round, Trevor McIvor, Neal Brinkman

Project Partners:

Engineering - Blackwell - Bowick Partners Engineering, project leader - Christopher Cucco, Toronto
Construction - Neal Brinkman & Sons, Apsley
Mechanical - Havencraft, Bancroft