Nestled among birch and spruce trees along the Kawartha Lakes, this two-story cottage serves as a versatile space for a large family. Its striking structure features a 7m-high A-frame pitched roof adorned with black steel and charred cedar siding. A deep cut in the building's design forms a cantilevered overhang, sheltering an outdoor terrace complete with mirrors that create the illusion of encompassing the surrounding forest. The main living area boasts fourteen openings that showcase inhabited spaces, skies, and trees.

A solid timber staircase leads to a loft, evoking the sensation of ascending into tree canopies as sunlight dances upon a shingle-covered wall stained in light blue. Engaging with nature while maintaining an abstract composition, the interior spaces inspire imagination. Constructed using local materials and traditional techniques, this cottage incorporates numerous sustainable principles.

The exterior's black wood cladding, a result of charring cedar, provides natural protection against termites and fire. Thick walls and roofs ensure a high insulation value, while a central wood hearth generates heat. Recessed windows and operable skylights allow for adequate ventilation along with diffused natural light. The careful selection of materials and sustainable construction techniques underscores the commitment to environmental responsibility in crafting this harmonious retreat.

title: Lake Cottage
location: Bolsover, Ontario, Canada
use: Cottage
size: 65 sqm
number of stories: 2
structure: Wood
construction period: 2013
photographer: Naho Kubota