Waterfront Ell House's Dark Silhouette Brings Sharp Contrast To Natural

Ell House's dark appearance contrasts sharply with its natural surroundings from the county road. Its clean lines are influenced by the rustic vernacular of Prince Edward County. While the gable roof is reminiscent of the region's barns, the L form is suggestive of farmhouse expansions developed over centuries. The building's shape is partly a technological answer to the prevailing winds in the area. One wing protects the other, creating a tranquil inside and outdoor living space.

Ell House was designed by Montreal-based Ravi Handa Architect and American-Canadian business AAmp Studio and has a blackened wood front.

The cedar was hand-charred utilizing the Japanese process known as Yakisugi, a traditional wood-heating procedure that renders wood watertight and pest-resistant.

This holiday home's communal and private sections each have their own wing. The simplistic arrangement encourages an intuitive comprehension of the space upon arrival, while the raw materials and light colors establish a minimalist yet inviting atmosphere. Each aperture is thoughtfully situated so that when you gaze out, the natural surroundings transform into living works of art.

The initial point of contact with the house is the glass vestibule. It connects the two structures and also functions as a form of decompression chamber. The accommodation, which is spacious and generous in both natural light and broad views, gives a moment of rest upon arrival. Set your stuff down, enjoy the view, and then proceed to the common space to the left or the bedrooms to the right. The monochromatic style of the structure, underlined by its burned cedar veneer, represents the contrasts at work in the nearby environment - the inside is tranquil, yet gusts may reach up to 75 km/h outside.

From the master bedroom or the dining room table, you can gaze out at the enormous lake and rural scenery. The huge sliding doors in the common room lead onto the courtyard and the turquoise lake beyond. Each vacancy was given special consideration. The kitchen window lets you see when visitors arrive, and the little square window in the living room pays tribute to the owner's youngest son while also encouraging all generations to assemble in the same place.

The windows in the private area hallway are lined in front of each bedroom door, allowing for natural ventilation and bathing the space in a rhythmic dance of light in the afternoon. Ell House amplifies the sharp contrast of its natural backdrop and creates a serene living place that epitomizes the concept of shelter via its plain simplicity and relevance - a representation of architecture in its purest form.

Photograph by Maxime Brouillet.