The Chalet

A change of scenery from their modern city living, our client envisioned a façade that evoked the feeling of a comfortable fishing lodge.

Visually, the massing, materials, and architectural details are on display from every vantage point, both inside and out, creating a sense of adventure—the embodiment of cottage living. The steeply sloping property necessitated a creative stepping of the building’s elements, which contributes to the visual interest of the exterior while carefully maintaining the floor plan’s functionality. The combination of exterior materials, like natural stone and wood shake siding with an earthy colour scheme was developed to facilitate the eventual complete visual integration into its heavily treed environment.

Multi-generational living was a key requirement of this client’s program, achieved with the inclusion of the reinterpreted “cottage bunkie” built over the garage. The space is connected to the main living space via a second-storey bridge, that also serves as the stone entry to the auto court and the cottage’s main entry. The fishing lodge feel carried through the cottage’s interior, spanning the chasm of rustic with industrial material deployment, resulting in a cozy and comfortable feeling that is evident in each room.