The dramatic conditions in Pointe Au Baril, Ontario, Canada, provide an ideal setting for our client, an avid kite surfer seeking a remote summer retreat. The power of the wind and its whistle inspired the conceptual design, evident in the asymmetrical rooflines and multi-directional orientation of the cabins, playfully suggesting each had been tossed into place by the wind.
The main cottage is at the highest elevation. A bunkie, sauna, and boat storage are reachable via wooden gangways that link to boat landings and fill gaps between rocks. Expansive decks fan out over the terrain with steps angled harmoniously with the topology. Stone fireplaces, gabled rooflines and all-wood interiors fortify a sense of warmth and familiarity.
The continuous use of cedar shingles on the roof and walls creates the impression of a unified mass from which windows and entryways are carved. Their weathered grey tone discreetly integrates with the bedrock while offering durability in extreme weather.
To tread lightly on the land, all materials were transported by barge, limiting their size and weight. Construction was fully executed by hand, including mixing concrete for the pier foundations.
Bio Founded in 2004, Akb Architects is the Toronto-based studio of Robert Kastelic and Kelly Buffey, architects dedicated to the practice and art of building. The quest to capture the poetic and ineffable qualities of space manifests in Akb’s design process, which prioritizes a clarity of vision, attention to detail, and a rigorous commitment to conceptual intent. The work of the studio benefits from Robert and Kelly’s extensive training in both architecture and interior design; a comprehensive strategy results in buildings of exceptional resolution and an uncommon level of refinement.
