Designed for an extended family of three generations, this one-storey cabin is situated on a peninsula with a panoramic view over Lake Catchacoma. The cabin’s three volumes function as discrete wings: the central volume includes a living and dining area with soaring ceilings, and an open kitchen with a loft space tucked above, while bedrooms and bathrooms for family and guests occupy the two flanking wings.

INNOVATION The design introduces a bold design to a traditionally conservative region of Canada. The form is uniquely shaped to respond to both the sloping topography and environmental conditions. The rooflines, which are steeply sloped to accommodate heavy snowfall, also serve a dual purpose—bringing in abundant daylight through high windows while creating lofted space within a small footprint. This spatial strategy maximizes usable area while maintaining an intimate scale. The interior stepping of the three volumes mirrors the site’s natural grade, seamlessly integrating the structure into the landscape while creating dynamic spatial experiences and maximizing light and ventilation.

CREATIVITY The design fosters an uninterrupted connection to the landscape by minimizing visual and physical barriers between interior and exterior spaces. Curated glazing ensures that views and access to nature are present from every axis, while circulation paths culminate in framed views of the lake and forest, reinforcing a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. The design also employs everyday materials, using maple plywood for a warm, natural interior and strip maple flooring for cost-effectiveness. A reclaimed wood wall marks the entry, and cold-rolled steel provides a striking contrast behind the wood-burning stove and stacked firewood. The rooflines and cascading deck levels respond directly to the sloping landscape, integrating built form and nature seamlessly.

FUNCTIONALITY Designed to support multi-generational living, the cottage balances communal and private spaces. The central volume houses an open living/dining/kitchen area that encourages gathering, while two distinct wings accommodate family and guests separately. The kitchen is nestled in a nook to create a sense of separation while maintaining connectivity. The tiered decking bridges the grade changes, extending the interior outward for enhanced usability. The outdoor spaces, including a tiered deck cascading towards the water’s edge, extend the living environment beyond the cottage walls, offering diverse settings for relaxation and interaction with nature.

ECO-SOCIAL IMPACT Sustainability is a core principle of the project. A super-tight building envelope, high-performance glazing, and a zoned HVAC system reduce energy consumption. FSC-certified wood materials ensure responsible sourcing, and the design minimizes site disturbance by adapting to the natural topography instead of reshaping it. The layout fosters well-being by maximizing natural light, ventilation, and access to the outdoors.