OAA 2020 Design Excellence: Woodhouse (Superkül Inc.)

Woodhouse (Superkül Inc.) https://www.oaa.on.ca/whats-on/bloaag...

[1] The Woodhouse project, by Superkül Inc., included the renovation of an existing 19th-century log cabin and a modern addition; together, they are sited in a large clearing on an otherwise heavily wooded 90-acre site. From the house, the view is of the woods and an existing natural wetland that feeds into a restored pond at the south end of the site.

[2] An exterior breezeway divides the kitchen and dining area from the bedrooms, promoting year-round engagement with the outdoors. Sixteen-foot-long wood panels are hung from the soffit, and can slide across the length of the façade to enclose the breezeway, and provide protection from winter winds.

[3] The home embodies openness and transparency, reflective of the welcoming nature of the clients, and represents a positive contribution to the region and community while establishing a standard for modest architectural expression in residential building.

[4] While glazed walls admit vast amounts of natural daylight, deep overhangs and sliding wood screens mitigate solar gain. Operable skylights encourage passive ventilation eliminating the need for air conditioning. At its highest point, the ceiling reaches 16 feet and is pitched at a 30 degree angle.

[5] The house reflects the lively spirit of the clients, embodied in the warm, textured material palette and a diversity of spatial conditions. Panels of whitewashed birch clad all the walls matching the millwork throughout the home, complemented by poured concrete floors with radiant heat.

[6+7] A glazed corridor links old and new, and the two building forms are unified into a cohesive whole through the material expression of exterior cladding materials: riffing on the rough-hewn logs of the old cabin, charred wood siding is a modern interpretation that ensures visual and textural continuity.

[8] The project achieves a number of goals in the pursuit of architectural excellence. It respects the architectural history and building stock of the region by retaining the existing log cabin as part of the design, which also embodies a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach that conserves material usage. High-quality natural building materials are complementary to the existing structure and perfectly suited to the rustic nature of this project, certain to endure year after year with minimal maintenance.

Images provided by Alex Fradkin