Conceived as an off grid, net zero family relaxation destination, this project presented the opportunity for a young Toronto based family to rekindle nostalgic childhood memories by designing a cottage on the lake they had spent their summer months as children. Born out of a desire to spend time in the natural environment with their two growing children, sustainable practices were placed at the forefront of the project design and construction practices. This is reflected in it’s integration of modern construction techniques and lightweight materials that reduce environmental impact and ensure efficiency.
The two pavilions that make up this dwelling - sleeping and living - are raised on stilts within natural occurring clearings on the island. Thoughtfully designed to ensure that both sleeping and living spaces are accessible and interconnected while maintaining privacy, the pavilions appear to hover within the tree canopy while the natural landscape extends underneath. Preserving the integrity of the native ecosystem, and enhancing the overall living experience in harmony with the natural surroundings.
Bio Peter is the owner and operator of Peter Braithwaite Studio. Since its establishment in 2014, the firm has gained recognition as a leading design firm both nationally and internationally, being awarded the Emerging Talent distinction by Canadian Architect and Twenty + Change in 2021 and being described as one of the world’s most promising emerging practices by Wallpaper* Magazine in 2019.
Peter believes that a dedication to craft and the act of making facilitates the production of buildings that are both environmentally and culturally sustainable.
Other prizes Architecture Masterprize, Small Firm of the Year Award in Residential Architecture, 2024. Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), Emerging Architectural Practice Award, 2024. Canadian Council for the Arts – Ronald J. Thom Award for Early Design Achievement, 2023. Canadian Architect and Twenty + Change – Top 20 Emerging Practices in Canada, 2021. Wallpaper* Magazines Architects’ Directory 2019 – Top 20 of the world’s most promising practices, 2019. Architizer A+ List – The 220 Best Architecture Firms to Watch in 2025, The 6th Annual List, 2024. Archinect – 15 Architecture Firms That Are Defining the Future of Canadian Architecture, 2023. Globe and Mail Designing Canada – Country’s Best Architecture, 2022. The Architectural League of New York – Young Architects Award (Finalist), 2020. Canadian Co-Op Design Office of the Year – Awarded by Dalhousie University, 2018. Canadian Co-Op Design Office of the Year (Finalist), 2022. Architecture Masterprize, Honourable Mention in Small Architecture – Lambkill Ridge, 2024. Archello, Houses of the Month – Lambkill Ridge, June 2024. Atlantic Architectural Design Excellence Award, Single-Family Residential – Meet in the Middle House, 2024. Architizer A+ Awards – Popular Choice Winner for the Private House (XS <1000 sq ft) Category, Lambkill Ridge, 2024. Dwell Magazine, Most Popular Houses of 2023 – Sandbox, 2023. Archilovers, Best Project 2023 – Sandbox, 2023. American Institute of Architects (AIA) Canada Council, Award of Excellence, Caribou Point Studio, 2023. American Institute of Architects (AIA) Canada Society, Citation in Residential Category – Lambkill Ridge, 2024. American Institute of Architects (AIA) Canada Society, Award of Merit – Gable Ends Cottage, 2023. Architizer A+ Awards – Honouring the World’s Best Architecture and Spaces – Special Mention – The Sandbox, 2023. Lieutenant Governor’s Award – Award of Merit – Elm House 2018. Killiam Doctoral Scholarship - Dalhousie University
