The over all design of this one storey cottage and a walkout basement, as prepared by RADEFF Architect Ltd., with its metal cladded gable roof, lantern and canopies over the front porch and rear façade, is inspired by the rural vernacular architecture of Northern Ontario. The cottage is designed to be built on the north bank of Magnetawan River, Municipality of Magnetawan, Ontario, and it is planned to be used all seasons by its owners – a young couple of professionals from Waterloo, Ontario.
The cottage is also an example of how architectural design can be used to affect cost and reduce energy use by applying principles of designing for cold climates. The plans also achieve significant reductions in construction cost through a variety of design strategies:
At the same time the floor plans provide a high level of amenity: two bedrooms; two bathrooms; built-in storages/furniture, masonry built oven/fire place, deck of living/dining room and screened porch.
In response to cold winters, the highly insulated and tightly sealed cottage, has a front porch/ vestibule which acts as airlock entry. In other seasons, the screened porch (unheated) accommodates evening outdoor living with operable vents and ample insect screening.
The heating system, zoned for the living area and the sleeping area, includes:
Overhangs are used extensively to mediate both light and heat.
Project location: Magnetawan River, Municipality of Magnetawan, Ontario, Canada;
Gross Floor Area: 180.00sq.m. (1938.00sq.ft.)
Date Completed: October, 2003
Type: Wood Frame;