Design Ethos
Breathtaking Views
Private Setting
Spacious Interiors
Outdoor Space
Welcome to 1494 Big Harbour Island. A private setting all our own with breathtaking views of Bras D'or lake and the hills in the distance and a large deck with adjacent fire pit for nights around the fire.
To fit an active lifestyle outdoor living was a key consideration. Cape Breton has many places that one can explore and day trips are easy to find. During the search for a property that facilitated an active lifestyle without the need to drive distances to hike, bike, or launch kayaks, an emphasis was put on convenience. Most rural properties are limited in accessing places to roam from your front door so this is truly a special place to have all this space to get outside without loading up the car.
Big Harbour residence offers 10 acres of stunning land with a private beach,
Its own pond and some forest. There is also access to extensive shoreline and hiking and biking trails, providing an unparalleled experience right outside the front door.
Design/Build Brief
Before commencing the building process, some essential elements were carefully considered for a happy and healthy lifestyle. Central to the design philosophy was the concept of an "active house," which integrates architectural and interior design features that encourage physical activity, health, and overall well-being. Unable to find an existing model that met these criteria in Cape Breton, a new residence was created.
The structure is slightly elevated, creating an open feeling while blending with the natural environment through the use of natural wood cladding. The vertical wood siding mirrors the growth pattern of trees, and the exterior is kept minimal to highlight the surrounding nature by fostering a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, with large south-facing windows and high ceilings it enhances the sense of being outside.
The house features an oversized concrete foundation designed to store and distribute heat from the in-floor heating system and passive solar gain. Advanced framing techniques and doubling of insulation in the foundation contribute to maintaining warmth during winter. The prevailing winds offer cooling by strategically opening windows.
In designing the Big Harbour residence in Cape Breton, the surroundings and specific location were taken into account. It is south facing and intentionally placed at a specific angle utilizing the woodlands as a wind break while still allowing huge views. Passive design strategies were incorpotated to optimize energy efficiency, taking advantage of local climate patterns and natural resources. The orientation of the house, including a 15-degree bend, which maximizes exposure to both sunlight and expansive views of waterfront.
Considerations for outdoor activities and environmental factors, such as air quality and noise levels, influenced the design decisions. The residence is surrounded by nature, with sounds of birds and natural elements like the Bras D'or waves and rustling poplar leaves enhancing the living experience. The design incorporates elements of biophilic design to strengthen one's connection with nature, reduce stress, and improve overall health.
The placement of the house also considers the impacts of climate change, ensuring it is protected from potential shoreline erosion by situating it slightly back from the water.