A young couple sought a more peaceful and natural lifestyle away from the busy city life, and they entrusted Reflect Architecture with the task of designing their retreat in the pristine surroundings of Ontario, just 45 minutes north of Toronto.
According to Trevor Wallace, the director of the firm, the main challenge of the project was to create a home that seamlessly connects with nature while still providing a sense of privacy and comfort. The design approach adopted by the firm successfully achieves this balance through careful consideration of orientation, mass articulation, and the choice of materials.
The house is composed of three distinct single-level structures, strategically placed on the gently sloping terrain of the site. These volumes are arranged in a radial pattern, resembling a pinwheel that revolves around the garden facing the forest. The western side of the property features a solid barrier of monolithic concrete walls, creating a visually secluded environment from neighboring properties. However, this barrier is interrupted at the entrances, allowing for access.
Internally, the layout of the building embraces the garden, with the front of the building transforming into expansive sliding glass windows. This design choice establishes a seamless connection between the interior spaces and the surrounding landscape. The functional programs of the building are clearly allocated within different blocks.
The eastern block, which houses the main entrance, accommodates the living room, guest bedrooms, and service areas. The central block is dedicated to the kitchen and dining area. Lastly, the western block contains the private rooms and a small courtyard designed for yoga.
Inside the building, the spaces flow effortlessly, flooded with natural light and oriented towards the landscape. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, further enhanced by the use of different materials such as stone and wood for the floors and walls, and steel and glass for fixtures. Furnishings and textiles in soft, earthy tones contribute to the overall cozy ambiance.