t-house

The site of this home in rural Ontario provided a reference to traditional agrarian building typologies, which the formal concept of the project is based on. The resulting design is organized into two single storey volumes whose layout, form, and materials are conceived as a modern interpretation of simple, linear farmhouses in the region. Through the juxtaposed position of these two forms, a small courtyard and glazed threshold is formed which provide an intimate scale to the home as well as a quiet, subdued entry point that visually connects the front and rear of the site. The reference to tradition and time-tested building methods is paired with contemporary architectural detailing. The two main volumes are carved away to form deep recesses which provide natural sun-shading and tertiary interior spaces, while a minimal gable roof of standing-seam metal harmonizes each form. Carefully positioned glazed openings provide privacy from the street at the front and direct views to the landscape at the rear. Natural exterior materials of stained black wood and elongated brick reference vernacular farmhouses and provide a timeless palette and patina to the home.

 Inside, emphasis was placed on a central living area which maximizes useable floor space and provides an optimized width to allow for cross-ventilation of the main living quarters. Full-height glazed openings on either side fill the living space with varying qualities of natural light and visually connect the interiors to the dense forest beyond. A dark datum is carried across the base of the walls, while a white vaulted ceiling above refracts and diffuses the natural light to create a natural interior setting throughout the day. Pale white oak flooring lines a central corridor that links the two volumes together and forms the core of the functional layout.