A contemporary addition to an existing chalet in Collingwood, the project builds on the distinctive character of the home’s 1970s-style pitched roof, preserving its defining geometry while introducing a bold architectural intervention. A floating black volume is inserted into the existing structure, creating a contrast with the original form while opening the home to panoramic views of the surrounding forest. The addition extends the living space outward, establishing a stronger connection to the landscape and allowing the forest to become an integral part of the interior experience.

The material palette reinforces the relationship between the existing structure and the new addition. The vertical cladding expression is carried throughout the old volume to the new volume, creating a sense of continuity between the two volumes while giving the addition a distinct architectural presence. The dark exterior allows the new form to anchor into its wooded surroundings, balancing its sculptural expression with the natural setting.

Inside, the pitched roof is carried through and accentuated by warm wood ceilings, celebrating its geometry and revealing the full volume of the interior. The transition from the dark exterior to the warmth of the wood-lined ceiling creates a rich material contrast, bringing texture and depth to the space. Generous glazing draws natural light deep into the interior, framing expansive views of the forest.

Team:

Architects: VFA Architecture + Design

Photographer: Scott Norsworthy