CKAR103 – Architectural Studio – Fundamental Winter 2015 Assignment 5 – Guest Cottage on a Lake Due: April 7, 2015 Melanie Grace
Design Concept
The goal was to design a guest cottage on a floating platform for a cottage on a lake in Northern Ontario. To that end I wanted to maximize the natural attractions of cottage life – views of the lake, sunset and stars while utilizing native materials that blend into the landscape. While it is important for guests to enjoy the natural landscape, it is also important that the experience from the main land cottage not be impacted. Orienting the platform on the East/West axis with most of the open expanses of windows facing westward allows perfect viewing of the sunset in the evening and protects visitors from harsh northerly winds. Large picture windows on the main floor maximize the impediments to the spectacular view. To allow for air circulation, numerous operable windows on the North and South facing sides provide cross flow as needed. A second story compensates for the space restrictions of the floating platform and allows for additional outdoor deck space for enjoying the natural elements. A generous deck area at the entrance allows space for guests to set their bags down while unlocking the door or for storage of recreational equipment and even a BBQ if desired.
Requirements The floating platform was 9.0m by 4.5m and the overall height of the building could not exceed 6.0m. The guest cottage required the following amenities: • • • • • •
Sleeping accommodations for 2 adults Kitchenette with a micro-wave oven, under-the-counter refrigerator, a coffee maker, a sink and limited cupboard space Bathroom with a shower, sink and toilet Living/dining area Outside deck area 1m x 1m area to access and service the waste storage tank
With these constraints in mind, a rough sketch of the floor plan was created and then redrawn to scale. Based on the width of the platform, the side deck on the main floor was eliminated in the scale drawing to ensure sufficient clearance around furniture and the circular stairwell.
Materials Exterior Finishes Decking & Railings Tempered glass with aluminum posts were selected to reduce obstructions to the view of the lake from any perspective, standing or sitting on the upper and lower decks. Strip wood decking tiles in a parkay design add visual interest and allow water to quickly run off the surface and prevents pooling so the decks aren’t slippery when wet.
Siding Natural cedar plank siding and cedar shakes weather over time and blend well into the natural environment. Cedar has natural water repellant properties which extend its lifespan in the harsher climates of Northern Ontario. Cedar is very low maintenance if it is left natural rather than treated or stained which is ideal for cottage life. Accessing the exterior walls from the water would be difficult and lower maintenance is generally preferable for buildings which aren’t used year round.
Green Roof The flat roof is a great opportunity to add vegetation which will improve the view from the cottage up above on shore. The roof could also be gently sloped to allow for runoff and preventing future problems caused by leaks. The metal decking depicted to the right is lighter and more appropriate for this application than the cement slab roofs that typically house green roofs.
Windows & Doors Vinyl casement windows and steel entry doors are cost effective for a cottage application and low maintenance as they will never require painting. Maximizing the natural light in the cottage saves energy and gives guests a sense that they are outdoors. The sliding doors on the second level bedroom allow the room to be open to the outside, almost like camping. Screens can also be installed across the opening for seasons when bugs are a concern but the temperatures are warm and fresh air is desired. A sky lite over the bed on the second floor creates the ambiance of sleeping under the stars. The simple but elegant Venetian Bronze finished lever door handles below are simple to use and coordinate with the natural wood exterior.
Interior Finishes Flooring Iconic large pines grace the shores of most lakes in Northern Ontario. Pine tongue and groove flooring, is warm and smooth on bare feet, mellows with age and is easy to care for. A circular stair providing access to the second floor bedroom adds visual interest and saves space in small areas while carrying the pine flooring through in the steps.
Lighting Despite all the natural light from the extensive windows, some artificial lighting is required for grey days and at night. In smaller spaces pot lights provide sufficient ambient lighting and can be directed where needed without detracting and reflecting in windows causing glare. Central ceiling fans on both levels serve to increase air circulation as well as provide brighter overhead light when needed.
Kitchen & Bath Keeping with the natural theme, blue Corian countertops and ceramic tile with charcoal grey grout emulate the water outside and provide a burst of colour while being easy to maintain and care for when guests come in from swimming and other outdoor pursuits. Basic white cabinetry keep small spaces open while providing storage space for dishes and other necessities that would clutter up the counter space. A glass shower door allows light into a small but functional shower space. The Venetian Bronze faucets below coordinate with the minimalist dĂŠcor theme. A sliding door to the bathroom provides necessary privacy and is a great space saving feature in a room designed to maximize function and minimize area.
Furnishings Living/Dining This white leather sofa from Ikea is perfect for guests in damp bathing suits. It is light coloured so it doesn’t close the living space in the way a dark couch would. The blue arm chairs, also from Ikea, tie in the water theme and are comfortable without taking up a lot of space. They can serve as informal dining chairs for the small glass coffee table for when weather doesn’t allow guests to take breakfast on the outside deck. A built in desk area with a more structured chair provides an area for guests to work on their computer or attend to other activities requiring a writing surface.
Bedroom This natural wood headboard from Ikea is simple and practical providing all the area needed to store glasses and other bedside articles overnight.
Outdoor These natural wood deck chairs and loungers from Ikea provide the perfect comfort for enjoying the views from the upper and lower decks.
Model Front Entry
Kitchenette
Washroom
Main Floor
Swimming Deck
Sunning Deck
Second Floor
Night View From Lake