Kennebec Lakehouse on Kennebec Lake, a finger-lake in Arden, Ontario is a year-round vacation home designed by Zerafa Studio.
The 1.1-ha (2.8acre) site is defined by its topography, sloping down from the roadway south to Kennebec Lake from south to north. The site is densely wooded with coniferous trees and features an exposed rock ledge extending the full width of the property parallel to the shoreline. The house is defined by two zones: the house proper on the main level, clad in ship-lap cedar siding, and a lower concrete volume containing service space, a recreational room, and a guest suite. The simple rectangular plan is oriented in an east-west direction along the exposed rock ledge to exploit the uninterrupted lake views to the north and maximize privacy from adjacent properties.
The plan is organized around the central common space containing the entry foyer, living room, and kitchen and dining areas in a large column-free space. Bedrooms are located at either end of this space and are oriented towards the lake views along the north facade. The house features a moderately-sloped roof with deep overhangs to provide protection for the long north and south facades. On the lake side, this overhang sponsors an extended flat roof-canopy to provide partial cover for a substantial main level deck and barbecue station. The barbecue station is housed in a concrete tower that is the primary deck and canopy support. The upper volume is clad in ship-lap western red cedar siding.
