Georgian Bay is a picturesque landscape full of rocky, windswept islands in Ontario, Canada that has captured the hearts of many including several of our country’s most prolific painters, including the Group of Seven.
Katja and Adam Thom, cofounders of the architectural firm Agathom Co, loved this location as well, and decided to undertake constructing a summer cottage out on an island on the Bay.
Given the remoteness of the location, this was a difficult place to build. In fact, everything had to be transported by boat. It was not a short distance either, given the site is eight miles from the nearest road. Compound this by the constantly changing weather systems that blow off Lake Huron, and the short construction season, building this labour of love was not a straight-forward task.
Photograph Courtesy of Michael Awad and Dwell
The natural landscape influenced many of the design decisions. With the isolated site of Canadian Shield hard rock being exposed to fierce gales blowing off the water, the Thom’s perched the structure on concrete pillars which securely ground the cabin to their spit of rock, while ensuring voids allow the strong winds to blow under and around the building. The roof profile was also designed with this in mind, resulting in a building shaped by the environment, rather than one which challenges the natural order.
Photograph Courtesy of Michael Awad and Dwell
A significant amount of the wood used in construction and finishing was reclaimed. This both reflects the Thom’s commitment to sustainability, while creating a simple honest natural interior. Given the sun-drenched exposures, the abundance of light imbues the space with a warm comfortable feel. The exterior siding has been left natural such that, over time, it will age into a soft silvery colour as it’s exposed to the environment. Leaving the wood untreated was another sustainable choice, for any effort to maintain a prescribed finish would invite toxins to leach into the water.
Photograph Courtesy of Michael Awad and Dwell
Given this is a small structure, the Thom’s incorporated the older sleeping cabins (also known as ‘bunkies’) left on the island from the 1940’s for additional sleeping space for family and friends. This allows them to host larger numbers, without having had to impose the construction of a larger structure which would not have complimented this natural setting.
With this island location unserviceable, the site required all amenities to be off grid. The one sink uses a grey water system to recycle water. Power is generated through solar panels, and there is a compostable toilet. The space is heated on chilly nights through a wood burning stove and fireplace.
Although devoid of luxurious appointments found in a lot of new builds, we think its charming aesthetic is more appropriate to its remote natural setting.
Wouldn’t you agree?
Want to see more? Here’s the link to Architects Katja and Adam Thom of Agathom Co
Researched and Written by Sarah Coates, Masters Student of History, University of Toronto
