Four-Season Lake House With A Modest Yet Modern Design

Located in Perth, Canada, this charming lake house was built for a multi-generation family in order to accommodate its new members. It was a project completed in 2019 by studio Christopher Simmonds Architect. The initial brief was simple: their clients wanted a new 4-season cottage which would be able to engage the landscape and take advantage of the views and the natural surroundings.

The house features a gable roof design with a flat roof extension on one side
The house features a gable roof design with a flat roof extension on one side

There was however a tricky part. The cottage had to be modern but also to be able to blend with the old cottages which had a strong rural vibe. In order to make that happen the architects gave the new structure a gabled roof, charcoal grey cladding and a zinc-colored metal roof but also large walls and stone steps that help it connect to the landscape.

The entrance is very discreet and placed to the side, at the top of the limestone stairs
The entrance is very discreet and placed to the side, at the top of the limestone stairs
Large windows and glass doors create a strong bond between the interior spaces and the surroundings
Large windows and glass doors create a strong bond between the interior spaces and the surroundings

The house has this nice way of looking modest and of standing out at the same time. It’s definitely an interesting structure and not just because of that. On one side the house is framed by a series of limestone planter beds which link the upper and lower patio. They form a terraced structure which roots the house into the ground and connect it to the site and its immediate surroundings. Inside, the house is bright and simple. Fully glazed walls let in lots of natural light which is enhanced by all the white walls and ceilings. The white oak flooring adds warmth to the decor and occasional black accents serve to highlight certain features and to create focal points.

White oak flooring and furniture add warmth to the spaces without overwhelming them
White oak flooring and furniture add warmth to the spaces without overwhelming them
The white walls and ceilings enhance the natural light which is very helpful towards the center of the house
The white walls and ceilings enhance the natural light which is very helpful towards the center of the house
The colors and finishes used throughout the interior are neutral and earthy
The colors and finishes used throughout the interior are neutral and earthy
On the exterior the house features gray walls and zinc-colored metal roof panels
On the exterior the house features gray walls and zinc-colored metal roof panels
A wooden staircase with glass guardrails connects the spaces on a vertical axis
A wooden staircase with glass guardrails connects the spaces on a vertical axis
White is also the preferred color in the smaller areas such as the bathrooms
White is also the preferred color in the smaller areas such as the bathrooms
A glass walk-in shower occupies a large section of the bathroom but doesn't make it feel cluttered
A glass walk-in shower occupies a large section of the bathroom but doesn’t make it feel cluttered
The entrance is open and spacious, furnished with a large storage unit with open cubbies on the bottom
The entrance is open and spacious, furnished with a large storage unit with open cubbies on the bottom
The terraced planter beds and stairs add depth and dimension to the house and help it blend into the landscape
The terraced planter beds and stairs add depth and dimension to the house and help it blend into the landscape
The social areas are grouped together but they also each maintain a certain individuality
The social areas are grouped together but they also each maintain a certain individuality
The light grey exterior and gabled roof give the house a modest appearance reminiscent of the old cottages
The light grey exterior and gabled roof give the house a modest appearance reminiscent of the old cottages