This architectural concept is for a vacation home and retreat on Lake Joseph in the Muskokas. The program calls for ample living space for a large extended family set in the idyllic environment of the Muskokas.
The client's collection of representational landscape art includes a painting depicting a view of this site from the lake. It frames a sloping wall of evergreen trees meeting the edge of the dark water of the lake. The line of the shore sharply separates the water from the steep slope of trees. This painting inspired the initial idea for the building and became a point of departure. As a result the new building introduces horizontal elements to the site reflecting the dividing line of the shore and the trees. Through the use of these linear horizontal forms the building responds visually to the characteristics of the site as depicted in the painting.
The building style is influenced by the west coast mid-century modernism of Cliff May and Eichler Homes. The plan also includes a generous amount of open and glazed circulation space so that that there is always the sense of a connection with the outdoors.