Living rural often affords breath-taking Canadian vistas. After all, the country is your very own backyard.
This Caledon House by Ian MacDonald Architect Inc. takes the desire to embrace the Canadian landscape, not only by designing with the site in mind, but by designing within it.
Situated, quite literally, in a 90 acre Caledon meadow, the design fits within the landscape, utilizing the earth as a natural barrier against the elements of the Canadian weather.
Image courtesy of Tom Arban
The modern, geometric forms of the house contrast with the rolling grassy meadow, and yet the design co-opts it as a natural part of its surroundings.
Image courtesy of Tom Arban
In an article for Archdaily, the architectural firm describes how the decision to design within the earth rather than on top of it served to both minimize the homes presence, while simultaneously blocking out views of the road and neighbouring houses.
This allowed the design to offer only the natural vista of meadow, lake and farmlands.
The home also works as a part of the landscape as a special feature of its design is a watercourse that uses rainwater collected from the roof, to flow alongside the house in series of brooks and ponds that then merge with the earth.
Image courtesy of Tom Arban
The interior of the home is sleek and modern.
The influences of nature is evident in the use of materials, with wood floors and cabinets, and exposed wood trusses.
The Caledon House, with its modern geometric forms and unique location, offers a sense of seclusion and peace by encompassing the Canadian landscape.
You can check out more of the architect’s portfolio by clicking Ian MacDonald Architect Inc.
Researched and Written by Gorana Tolja, Graduate of the Ryerson School of Interior Design & a MA Student at OCAD University in the Contemporary Art, Design and New Media Histories program, focusing on contemporary design history.
