LAKE ROOM

PORT COLBORNE, ONTARIO

SITUATION: A family cottage is evolved into a lake-inspired retreat, designed around cooking, dining, living, and relaxation.

IDEA: COMBINE ALL INDOOR AND OUTDOOR LIVING areas into a single ‘LAKE ROOM’ space

1.local elements

This 1930’s summer cottage is a heirloom for the clients. The cottage is outdated, needing an upgrade to the way the clients now live; outdoor, communal, culinary focused, and relaxing atmosphere for family and guests. The area is an old beach community. The surrounding houses are seasonal, wood framed and built close to the beach. Most have small yards facing the water with views of the limestone shore. These qualities form the basis of the project.

2. concept

The idea for the project was to create a family space that contained all cooking, dining and relaxing activity under one roof. A space that slides out toward the lake and connects with the old house. Called the ‘Lake Room’, The hip roof construction creates a double height space within the existing cottage. Operable glazed panels can combine interior and exterior spaces for large events and gatherings.

3. location

The cottage is located near the shoreline. Its front walkway passes through a wooded yard and slopes gently towards the house. The lake room sits between cottage and beach.

4. fitting in/standing out

The new interventions are extruded from the cottage. The Lake Room roof sliding out horizontally toward the beach. The 2nd floor clearstory roof floating above. Both seek to connect but contrast with the old building.

5. folded surface

The Lake Room exterior is clad using diamond shaped zinc panels, sized to the existing wood shake cottage. A folded surface, its deep angular overhangs provide sun and rain protection, while its flat area hosts a roof deck. The large glass paneled wall beneath can be opened for indoor outdoor living and large gatherings.

6. garden patio

The Lake Room Floor reaches inside and out creating a garden patio overlooking the beach. Its stamped concrete surface evokes the stone of the shoreline and seawall, and double as seating for larger gatherings. The 2 existing Douglas Fir trees will be incorporated into the new patio garden.

7. kitchen

A large kitchen opens up to the lake room and breakfast area at the rear. The large bar counter can be used for eating and serving everyday or special meals.

8. dining area

At the center of the lake room are the dining and living areas. a low wall envelops the space and extends to the exterior patio. it also forms the stairs to the upper level of the cottage

9. fireplace

An 8 foot wide fireplace provides a center point for the lake room. Built into the surrounding foundation walls, its concrete surface pattern matches the floor of the interior and exterior patio. Oversized glazed panels provide expansive views of the lake. These open to create an interior/exterior space for year round enjoyment.

10. roof terrace

A roof terrace utilizes the exterior roof above the kitchen. Accessible from the master terrace, it provides spectacular views of the Lake Erie shoreline.

information

Project completion: 2025

Gross floor area": 1,500 ft² (addition)

Client: Private

Project architect: RESITUATED Architecture

Structural engineer: Zoltan Engineering Inc.

General Contractor: Scott Redkop

Photographer: tbd

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