Toronto-based multidisciplinary design studio Dubbeldam Architecture + Design has created a characterful and multi-generational wooden cottage on the banks of Lake Catchacoma in Ontario, Canada. The one-story Catchacoma Cottage is made up of three distinct volumes unified beneath a single roof with steep sloping rooflines.
Catchacoma Cottage sits in an opening in a mature woodland; occupying the site where a previous structure once stood, its construction minimizes any environmental impact. When designing the contemporary abode, Dubbeldam Architecture + Design drew inspiration from the site’s sloping topography — rising from the water’s edge, it envelops the cottage, seamlessly integrating the architecture with the landscape.
The home’s three volumes act as discrete wings with bedrooms, a study, and sunroom flanking a central living area: this includes a bright, double-height living–dining space and kitchen; above the kitchen, Dubbeldam Architecture + Design added an intimate loft that overlooks the living area.
The steep sloping rooflines define the home’s three volumes — each volume is situated at a different floor height, following the site’s natural gradient. An expansive deck area opens up between the volumes, with steps that lead to smaller platforms. The deck’s clever layout offers opportunities for large family gatherings and intimate moments.
Where the rooflines meet at varying heights, clerestory windows have been incorporated, directing natural light and ventilation into the loft and central living space. The design approach to the cottage minimizes visual barriers between the indoors and outdoors, maintaining a continuous connection to the landscape.
Heather Dubbeldam, Principal at Dubbeldam Architecture + Design, says: “Views and access to the exterior are featured along every axis. Immediately upon entry, a large glass sliding door opens up to views of the lake, while circulation routes culminate in windows, visually connecting with the surrounding landscape.”
The exterior of Catchacoma Cottage is clad in charcoal grey-stained wood, complementing the dark trunks of the surrounding trees. The home’s entry porch is defined by the use of a contrasting warm red cedar, while the spacious cedar wood deck blends with the landscape, its steps cascading towards the water’s edge. The cottage roof is a standing seam metal roof.
The home’s warm interior includes maple plywood lined walls, white hard maple flooring, and charcoal grey doors and cabinets. The dining area features a built-in maple plywood banquette. Unfinished cold-rolled steel provides a decorative backdrop for the wood-burning stove and custom-made firewood storage in the living area. Contemporary furnishings add to the interior’s character and feeling of coziness.
Catchacoma Cottage embraces sustainable design, incorporating both passive and active techniques that reduce energy consumption and improve thermal comfort. A home for all seasons, the HVAC system allows for the heating of specific zones in the winter months, reducing energy wastage. Vaulted ceilings and large operable windows increase passive ventilation and natural daylight, reducing the need for air conditioning and artificial lighting. Additional sustainability measures include high-performance glazing, low-flow plumbing, energy efficient fixtures, a heat recovery ventilation system, and high levels of insulation.
All wood is responsibly sourced and FSC-certified.
Size: 205 square meters (2,207 square feet)
