Canadian Vernacular

April 20, 2011

My fab associate Trish Bonguard brought this fantastic Atlantic Canada property to my attention, which was recently posted in ArchDaily.com.

This house represents the east coast Canadian vernacular to a tea. Located in Prospect, Nova Scotia, the timber post and beam construction is favoured in isolated locations for its ease of installation, the steep gabled roof keeps snow off, and the shingle exterior makes use of an abundant material that weathers well. I admire how the architectural firm, MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects, married these tried-and-true building components with more contemporary abstract elements, like the large expanses of glass which bring the view inside. Also of merit, the 3000 square foot dwelling has been designed as a 'collection' of buildings in the traditional Canadian homestead manner, where additions and outbuildings were typically constructed 'over time' as a family's finances and household size grew. Love! Here are some more pics: