by arslan_ahmed | December 13, 2023 9:49 am
The specified slider does not exist.
Muskoka Cottage, a 697-m2 (7,500-sf) family retreat in Muskoka, Ont., comprises three interconnected volumes featuring contemporary design with a “cabin in the woods” appeal, evident in the consistent use of naturally aged wood and distinct architectural forms, such as the gabled rooflines with pronounced chimney stacks.
Clad in rough-sawn cedar and western red cedar shakes, it seamlessly blends with the natural beauty of the northern Ontario terrain of windswept trees and pre-Cambrian bedrock.
Designed by Akb Architects to accommodate a multi-generational family of five, the cottage nestles within the topography with minimal environmental disruption. Communal spaces, including a spacious living and dining area with a vaulted ceiling, take centre stage at the heart of the house. The kitchen and outdoor areas are subtly delineated with a flat ceiling, creating a free-flowing floorplate.
Bespoke concrete vanities and kitchen cabinetry seamlessly integrate into the wall boards, contributing to the cottage’s elemental aesthetic. Neutral-toned furnishings and area rugs balance rustic charm with refined minimalism.
The cottage’s distinguishing factor is the interplay of flexible perimeter walls, interstitial spaces, and earthen materiality, combined with its minimalist design. Retractable glass panels dissolve communal spaces into the natural surroundings, aided by insect screens for passive airflow. A broad overhang creates an intermediary space on a wraparound deck, moderating interior temperatures during the summer. Situated on a sloped elevation, the primary structure features a lower level that opens into a cedar sauna, fitness room, and recreation area.
Craftsmanship is evident in precise joinery, material transitions, and the use of Venetian plaster in the bedroom walls. The cottage’s organic nature is further emphasized by features like a hot-rolled steel custom rack destined to develop a patina over time, reflecting a design intended to age gracefully. Muskoka Cottage stands as a testament to architectural harmony with nature, providing a year-round retreat for its guests.
Source URL: https://www.constructioncanada.net/ontario-cottage-epitomizes-cabin-in-the-woods-esthetic/
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