Ontario Off-Grid Home
A concept design for a modest off-grid home that brings practical, modern design into reach. Intended to be self-built, the structure has a simple floor plan, efficient design, a limited material palette of local materials, and uses common construction methods.
Perched on a grassy clearing on a heavily forested site on Boyles Bay, the home straddles the transition between dense forest and open water. The structure sits lightly on the land, elevated above the tall native grasses in the summer and heavy snowfall that lingers in the winter.
With nods to the local vernacular of gable-roofed timber structures, this asymmetrical hipped volume provides a modern architectural expression while respecting the history of the region and surrounding site. The modern interpretation of the home’s design direction expands on its predecessor homestead a short walk away, with vertical exterior siding now in a striking dark stain and dramatic geometry pushed to a singular vaulted point.
The house largely utilizes the footprint of the site’s existing 25’x38′ structure with as much utility as possible in the inherent small space and an abundance of glass and outdoor lounging. The simple, open floor plan orients living, dining, and kitchen functions toward the lake while tucking private spaces toward the back that frame secluded views of the forest. A lofted mezzanine provides additional sleeping space under a vaulted ceiling, adding volume to the open living space below.
The exterior is clad in dark-stained vertical cedar planks, mimicking the dark wooded trees that backdrop the structure. The roof with its deep-set shadowed eave effectively sheds water and snow. Interior detailing is clean and economical with minimal trim and a lightness that stands in direct contrast to the exterior materials. Wood-framed windows bring ample natural light to the spaces, and light wood floors and ceiling provide an earthy warmth to the vaulted, white-washed space.
The home functions entirely off-grid. Passive solar design strategies minimize demand on mechanical systems. The home produces its own electricity from solar panels, uses a high-efficiency wood-burning stove for heat, and sources clean water from the nearby lake. A compost toilet is provided with future plans for a septic system.
Project Data
Location
Ontario, Canada
Size
1,100 SF
Status
Under Construction
Scope
Site Analysis, Conceptual Design
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Key Considerations When Building in Remote Locations
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“As a first-time builder with a limited budget and no prior design experience, my family’s most daunting initial challenge was finding an architect to help kick off our project.
Other firms refused to work on a basic concept design for my modest off-grid cabin without a commitment to work with “their” contractors and other service providers. No one seemed interested in the fact that self-building our cabin was a major priority for us and that we wanted to personally contribute to the architectural and historic legacy of our property by investing our own sweat and toil to realize our own unique vision.
That changed on my first phone call with YR Architecture. Yvonne not only took the time to listen to our family’s story before diving into project specifics, she incorporated that history into the ethos of our entire project—allowing our property’s architectural legacy to guide and inspire its future.
From that initial conversation, through design planning, delivery of the final conceptual design, and several follow-up conversations, Yvonne fielded dozens of basic questions—many arising from my own inexperience—that a less patient architect would surely have deemed “stupid.” That patience and Yvonne’s thoughtful answers made all the difference: rather than feeling intimidated, we began to feel empowered with the knowledge and confidence we needed to undertake our first build.
From a practical standpoint, the conceptual design has proven invaluable. Every contractor (earthworks, plumbing, electricians, concrete form, septic installer, etc.) and every vendor (trusses, building suppliers, window and door makers, interior finishing) has used Yvonne’s conceptual design as their starting point for contributions to the project. It is safe to say that the YR Architecture design has already paid for itself through the time and cost savings we have achieved by having a detailed, professional plan from the outset. In other words: hiring YR Architecture was also a wise investment.”
