Rockhaven Country Residence

The house is positioned along two major axes, with one volume running along the roadside and the lake, and the other crossing it perpendicularly, offering a panoramic view of the lake from the entrance. The lakeside facade maximizes glazing, providing uninterrupted views. The streetside façade is composed of wood panelling with limited windows. The house's exterior palette consists of stone, black wood, natural wood, and black metal. The terrace also has a wood screen that gives the impression that the building is longer.

As you enter the main floor, you are greeted by an unobstructed view of the three-sided stone fireplace framed by full-height windows overlooking the lake. The open concept and high ceilings throughout the main floor mean that all public spaces, including the adjacent outdoor terrace, are visually and physically connected. It was important to the homeowners that the house flowed seamlessly through the main spaces while balancing a cozy atmosphere.

The main level includes a guest suite immediately off the living and dining room, with views of the lake, the forest, and the existing guest house on the property from the private balcony. The lower level features private bedrooms, a library, a family room, a gym, and a walkout to the garden. The property further benefits from a guest house on the north side of Rockhaven. 

Special care was taken with the placement of the house. The narrow site has a long frontage along the road and a legally restrictive naturally vegetated buffer on the lakeside. The design solution was to take advantage of the slope down to the lake, minimizing the appearance of the cottage along the road and maximizing the view of the lake from the inside.