[‘DE]’ Lake Cottage ‘by the Cadet architects UUfie is a reinterpretation of living in a tree house where nature is an integral part of the building. In a spruce and birch forest along the Kawartha River, the two-storey and multi-functional house was designed. [: en] ‘Lake Cottage’ by the Canadian architects UUfie is a reinterpretation of living in a tree house where nature is an integral part of the building. In a forest of birch and spruce trees along the Kawartha Lakes, the cottage is designed as a two storey, multi-use space for a large family. A-frame pitch roof covered in black steel and charred cedar siding. [: DE]

The basic structure consists of a 7-meter high A-shaped roof, which is equipped with black steel and black cedar walls. A deep cut into the volume of the house creates a freestanding overhang for a sheltered outdoor patio, which is furnished with mirrors to evoke the illusion of the forest in the house. Using local materials and traditional construction methods, Lake Cottage is a sustainable architecture. The black charcoal cedar wood paneling is a technique that protects the house from vermin like termites and is fire resistant at the same time. Thick walls and roof surfaces cause high thermal insulation, the centrally located stove provides cozy warmth and large windows and skylights ventilate the house and bring pleasant and natural light into the living spaces. The ‘Lake Cottage’ is a harmoniously planned and near-natural house, the images of which are reminiscent of a modern winter fairy tale in the midst of a picturesque forest.

All images © UUfie | Via: designboom

A deep cut in the building volume creates a cantilever overhang for a protected outdoor terrace with mirrors to further give the illusion of the building containing the forest inside. Using local materials and traditional construction methods, the cottage incorporated sustainable principles. The black wood cladding of exterior is a technique of charring cedar that acts as a natural agent against termite and fire. Thick walls and roof provide high insulation value, a central wood hearth provides heat and deep recessed windows and skylights provide natural ventilation and lighting. The ‘Lake Cottage’ is designed with interior and exterior spaces connected fluidly and repeat the experience of living within the branches of a tree, which remind of a modern winter tale in the midst of a beautiful forest.