Perched high above ground, the house was intricately designed around the steep forest of North Vancouver and offers a soothing view of the Seymour River, embodying a perfect union between architecture and nature.

Its vernacular facade blended harmoniously with the surrounding foliage, creating a dreamy retreat in nature's embrace. Its cozy, yet modern interiors exude warmth and serenity, with large windows inviting abundant natural light and affording picturesque glimpses of the verdant forest and the tranquil river below. The Seymour River House it’s a testament to the harmonious coexistence between humanity and the wilderness, a haven where one could escape the bustle of daily life and embark on a serene journey of self-discovery.

A modern home inspired by Miami and Spain oceanfronts, with a beach and summer theme, it features a combination of clean, contemporary lines and traditional elements. The home was designed to maximize natural light and emphasize the connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

The exterior is mainly composed of white sharp volumes, set against a backdrop of old stone pillar walls, adding a sense of history and tradition..

Inside, the home is designed to be both comfortable and functional. The open floor plan helps create a sense of spaciousness and facilitate easy movement between rooms.The design also incorporates natural materials, such as wood and stone, to create a sense of warmth and texture. Large windows and glass doors would allow natural light to flood the interior spaces, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The overall effect is a modern, luxurious home that seamlessly blends contemporary style with traditional elements.

Barrie, ON

This small cottage in the forest with modern lines and wood cladding was designed to blend in seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The exterior of the cottage featured clean, contemporary lines, with a focus on simplicity and functionality.

Large windows and skylights were incorporated into the design to allow natural light to flood the interior spaces and provide stunning views of the surrounding forest. The windows also helped to create a sense of connection between the interior and exterior spaces, blurring the boundaries between inside and out.

Inside, the cottage was designed to be cozy and comfortable, with an open floor plan that maximized the use of space. The interior was finished in natural materials, such as wood and stone, to create a sense of warmth and texture. The overall effect was a modern, yet cozy cottage that provided a peaceful retreat in the heart of the forest.

Haliburton, ON

Nestled amidst the serene countryside of the Blue Mountains, the modern farmhouse pays homage to its rural surroundings. Simple gabled roofs, reminiscent of traditional farmhouses, graced the structure, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

Wood and stone, the quintessential building materials, played pivotal roles in shaping the farmhouse's character. The rich, earthy tones of the wood blended harmoniously with the natural surroundings, creating a warm and welcoming facade.

Adding a touch of contemporary flair, the flat roofs extend horizontally, enhancing the farmhouse's modern aesthetic. Its clean lines and simple design contrast with the traditional elements, creating a captivating juxtaposition of old and new.

Inside, the farmhouse boasts an open and airy layout, emphasizing the connection with nature. Large windows framed picturesque views and flooded the interior with natural light. The use of wood and stone continued indoors, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The modern farmhouse's design effortlessly blends past and present, marrying the timeless appeal of wood and stone with contemporary architectural sensibilities. It stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of tradition and innovation, offering a tranquil retreat for the homeowners and a place to create long-lasting memories.

The Mullet House embodies elegance, sobriety, and timelessness. Its clean lines, high-quality materials, and thoughtful design elements combine to create a space that is both sophisticated and enduring, fitting seamlessly into its urban surroundings.

Hamilton, ON

13SEVEN is a modern residence that blends humbly into its surroundings, without pretensions. Seating on the mountains, the reverse walkout home was designed within the landscape rather than on top of of it. ⁣

The front facade counts a green roof patio, allowing the homeowners to relax at the views of Georgian Bay or enjoy the pool in the back yard.

The Blue Mountains, ON

Nestled along the serene shoreline of Muskoka’s iconic lakes, this modern boathouse seamlessly merges contemporary design with the rugged beauty of its natural surroundings. The exterior is defined by clean lines and geometric forms, emphasized by the standing seam metal cladding that wraps portions of the structure in a sleek, uniform finish. Complementary wood siding introduces warmth and texture, echoing the color and grain of the surrounding trees. Large floor-to-ceiling windows frame expansive water views, ensuring that the lake remains a focal point from both inside and out. The geometric metal roof wraps the walls to further refine the overall silhouette, making the boathouse appear at once understated and undeniably modern.

Approached by a stepping-stone path through a canopy of mature evergreens, the building feels integrated into the landscape rather than imposed upon it. The subtle transition from land to lake is celebrated by the boathouse’s cantilevered edges and minimal foundation elements, which allow it to hover gracefully above the water’s surface. Inside, an open layout maximizes functionality for both storing boats and hosting lakeside gatherings, while also allowing natural light to pour in throughout the day. Overall, this Muskoka boathouse showcases a refined architectural language that pays homage to the surrounding forest and lake, marrying a contemporary aesthetic with the timeless appeal of a lakeside retreat.

Muskoka, ON

Photography by Scott Norsworsthy

The modern house was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, using horizontal lines to emphasize the horizontality of the landscape and blend into the beautiful prairie and forested land. The house is composed of horizontal lines thanks to the wide fascias and different overhangs. Limestone was used in earth tones to create a harmonious color palette. Large windows allowed for plenty of natural light and connected the interior of the house with the surrounding landscape. The open floor plan provided a seamless transition between the interior and exterior of the house.

Nestled in the breathtaking alpine landscape of Revelstoke, British Columbia, this rental cabin is designed as a contemporary interpretation of Scandinavian vernacular architecture. The sharply pitched roof, a defining feature, is engineered to withstand the region’s heavy snowfall, ensuring both functionality and a striking visual presence. Clad in natural wood siding with subtle variations in tone, the exterior reflects the raw beauty of its surroundings, while metal cladding accents add durability and a modern edge. Expansive windows frame the dramatic mountain views, creating a seamless connection between the cozy interior and the rugged outdoors.

Inside, the design emphasizes simplicity and warmth, with a restrained material palette that evokes a sense of calm. The cabin offers a tranquil escape for visitors seeking both adventure and serenity, perfectly blending into the snowy terrain. The detached secondary structure, echoing the main cabin’s form, provides additional space for storage or a separate guest suite, enhancing the retreat’s functionality. With its minimalist aesthetic and practical design, this cabin celebrates the essence of mountain living, offering a refined yet unpretentious sanctuary.

Situated on a narrow, peninsular lot in Muskoka, Ontario, with strict water setbacks, this contemporary residence is a refined solution to challenging site constraints. Designed to host multiple families for weekend gatherings, the home is composed of two elongated, 70-foot volumes placed in juxtaposition. This strategic separation clearly defines private and public spaces while enhancing both functionality and privacy. The linear orientation prioritizes expansive horizontal water views, making the lake a constant backdrop, while minimizing vertical interruptions.

Clad in dark-stained wood, the exterior blends into the natural forested surroundings, creating a subtle yet striking presence. The minimalist façade is punctuated by carefully placed windows and discreet wall-mounted lighting, preserving the building’s monolithic aesthetic. A covered breezeway connects the two structures, offering both visual separation and a sheltered outdoor passage. Inside, the home balances warmth and simplicity, with generous glazing capturing the lake’s ever-changing scenery, making it an ideal retreat for shared experiences in nature.

Pinelake, Gravenhurst, ON

Tucked into the forested landscape of the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia, the Pope’s House is a modern West Coast-inspired home that feels both grounded and elevated. The H-shaped plan creates a natural separation between public and private zones while pulling daylight deep into the home. The south wing houses public spaces, oriented to catch the afternoon sun through a glazed link that leads into the private north wing. The central connection—with its oversized windows—acts almost like a light well, quietly setting the tone for the day while framing views of the surrounding trees.

Designed with a restrained palette of local stone and wood siding, the house feels at ease in its setting. Large cantilevered glulam beams stretch confidently out from the roofline, giving the home a bold, sculptural presence while keeping the structure honest. Terraces and patios are carved out around the house, each catching light at different times of day—perfect spots for morning coffee or evening wine. Though the design is clean and minimal, it’s anything but stark. There’s a warmth to it, a lived-in quality that comes from the way it follows the land and chases the sun.

Sunshine Coast, BC

The exterior of the farmhouse was constructed of wood siding, stone accents, and metal roofing. Large windows provided views of the surrounding landscape, and a spacious front porch or deck offered outdoor living space for relaxing and entertaining.

Inside, the farmhouse featured an open floor plan with a focus on natural light and a connection to the outdoors. The use of wood, stone, and metal continued throughout the interior, with exposed wood beams, a wood fireplace, polished concrete floors and a cast iron staircase.

Bedrooms were cozy and comfortable, with natural wood accents and plush bedding. Bathrooms featured natural stone tile, wood vanities, and modern fixtures.

Overall, the modern farmhouse with Scandinavian design elements was a beautiful and functional home that seamlessly blended indoor and outdoor living and celebrated the beauty of natural materials and textures.

The Blue Mountains, ON

2020 | 5000 SF

St Catharines, ON

The forest house is designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings, reflecting the vernacular architecture of the region while incorporating sophisticated yet humble elements. The house is constructed primarily of locally-sourced wood, which not only blends seamlessly with the forest but also provides a sustainable building material.

The exterior of the house is characterized by a simple, pitched roof that echoes the shape of the surrounding trees. Large windows, strategically placed to maximize natural light and views of the forest. The front porch, simple and rugged, provides a welcoming entrance to the house.

Inside, the house features a spacious open-plan living area with high, vaulted ceilings and exposed wooden beams. The walls are adorned with natural materials such as stone and wood, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The fireplace, constructed of local stone, serves as the centrepiece of the living area, providing both warmth and a focal point for gatherings.

Throughout the house, the design is understated yet elegant, reflecting a commitment to sustainable materials and a deep respect for the natural environment. The forest house is a testament to the beauty that can be created when a sophisticated design is paired with humble materials and a deep appreciation for the world around us.

In the serene countryside, a majestic Victorian house stood as a testament to bygone elegance. However, time's embrace called for a bold transformation. With utmost care, a daring addition emerged, seamlessly juxtaposing the traditional facade. A striking structure, characterized by clean lines and expansive glass panels, harmoniously married the past with the present. Its sleek simplicity commanded attention while ensuring the surrounding natural beauty remained the true focal point. The modern minimalist addition whispered its audacity against the backdrop of lush orchard fields and vineyards, paying homage to the Victorian heritage that imbued the very essence of the countryside retreat.

“ The very essence of architecture consists of a variety and development reminiscent of natural organic life. This is the only true style in architecture.” - Alvar Alto

Thornbury, ON

This modern dwelling showcases bold lines and cubic geometry, creating a visually striking aesthetic. Designed with the urban environment in mind, this house seamlessly blends into the cityscape. Its zero-maintenance materials ensure longevity and ease of upkeep, making it a practical and sustainable choice.

This house embodies contemporary design principles, offering a harmonious fusion of style and functionality.

Spring 2024

Barrie, ON

The home exemplifies a northwest contemporary vernacular in its 5000 SF. The modern ranch style bungalow, built for a retired couple, was placed on the site to maximize the views to the forest. A large overhang creates a dynamic outdoor living room and creates enough overhang to shield the harsh rays of the sun from penetrating the interior of the home. Radiant floor heating, exposed wood structure and hardwood cabinetry create a contemporary, yet warm home.

The large house is situated on the beautiful Georgian Bay and boasts a traditional design that utilized natural materials such as granite stone, cedar shakes, and wood timber. The building was adorned with numerous dormers, adding to its rustic charm.

The house is intended to be a popular gathering place for friends and family, providing a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The interior was decorated in a rustic style, with wood paneling and stone accents throughout. The large fireplace in the living room provided a warm and inviting ambiance, perfect for relaxing and spending time with loved ones.

The house also features several outdoor spaces, including a spacious porch and a large backyard that offered stunning views of the water. Guests could sit outside and enjoy the fresh air while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Overall, the large house was a perfect blend of traditional design and natural materials, creating a warm and welcoming environment that was ideal for spending time with friends and family.

Georgian Bay, ON

This boldly contemporary chalet will be the centrepiece of Mansfield Ski Club’s new life-lease chalet community in the Mulmur Hills. Situated on a steeply sloping site near the main clubhouse and adjacent to downhill ski runs, the compact 3-storey dwelling contains a total of 1670 sq. ft. of living space.

The kitchen, dining & living areas, along with a small walkout deck, are located on the top floor to maximize natural light & views across the valley to the east. Two bedrooms (including a spacious master with an ensuite bath) & a second full bath are located on the middle level. The lower level accommodates a small third bedroom or TV room, along with utility/storage space, a roughed-in future bath & single garage.

For convenience, entrances to the chalet are provided at both front (downhill) & rear (uphill), via a stair ‘tower’ located at the side of the main structure. Exterior cladding is a combination of various wood & metal sidings (incl. cedar as an accent at the front entrance), oriented horizontally on the main structure & vertically on the stair tower. To unify the overall design composition, a darker colour siding is used to create a strong horizontal ‘belt’ that highlights the middle floor level. In selecting exterior materials & finishes, emphasis was placed on maximum durability to minimize long-term maintenance.

Mansfield, ON