Lake Joseph Cottage Muskoka, Ontario, Canada

Lake Joseph Cottage Muskoka, Ontario, Canada

Located on a small island in the Muskoka Lakes, Lake Joseph Cottage is imagined as a gable form hovering among the pines.  A heavy band of stone anchors the project to exposed granite, as the peaked wood volume hovers gently above.  Local stone, dark wood siding, and dark metals comprise a material palette that is robust enough to endure the elements while blending softly into the surrounding environment.

The project is designed as a collection of built forms across the island.  A family cottage, a boathouse, and two bunkies activate the site through warmer months and are built on the footprints of previously existing structures.  A cross-gable roof at the cottage orients the project toward water views on all sides, establishing a distinct formal relationship with viewers passing by boat while speaking to the radial nature of being situated on an island.

Private programming is located on the upper level of the home.  Each bedroom offers a unique view of the water and surrounding landscape.  Large sliders open onto exterior decks, which project out and cantilever on two sides.  The lower level is comprised of shared spaces that open up and connect to exterior programming on the island.  A continuous band of steel windows lines the lower level, adding texture and lightness to the project while enhancing the impact of the gable volume floating above.

Project Status
Completed Summer 2022

Design
Omar Gandhi, Stephanie Hosein, John Gray Thomson, Chad Jamieson

Contractor
Mazenga Building Group Ltd. (North Office)

Structural
Blackwell Structural Engineers, Muskoka Parry Sound Engineering & Design Services

Mechanical
BK Consulting

Landscape
Muskoka Landscapers Inc.

Interior Design
II BY IV DESIGN

Windows
Marvin Canada, Portella

Physical Model
Liam Thornewell

Photography
Doublespace Photography