![Big Rideau Lakehouse / Christopher Simmonds Architect - Exterior Photography, Windows](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5df2/fedb/3312/fdaa/6a00/0210/newsletter/Image-06.jpg?1576206004)
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Architects: Christopher Simmonds Architect
- Area: 3656 m²
- Year: 2019
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Photographs:James Brittain Photography
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Manufacturers: AutoDesk, Fisher & Paykel, Benjamin Moore, Bosch, CIOT, Caesarstone, Ceragres, Lightline, Lumen Truss, Modern Forms, Shades of Light, Sharp, StyleLine, Trimble Navigation, Vintage Pre-Finished Hardwood Flooring, dals, dweLED
![Big Rideau Lakehouse / Christopher Simmonds Architect - Exterior Photography, Windows](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5df2/fd40/3312/fd36/3600/044e/newsletter/Image-02.jpg?1576205600)
Text description provided by the architects. A multi-generational family required a new four-season cottage to accommodate their growing clan. The goal was to blend with the rural character of the older cottages and provide a clean modern environment that engages the landscape and captures a cottage feel.
![Big Rideau Lakehouse / Christopher Simmonds Architect - Interior Photography, Dining room, Table, Windows, Chair](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5df2/fefe/3312/fdaa/6a00/0211/newsletter/Image-07.jpg?1576206050)
Built into the hillside, the Lake House presents itself as a modest one storey gable. The approach leads visitors past a fully glazed wall offering a glimpse through the building and the lake views beyond before turning to reveal the discrete entry, recessed into a low flat roof volume.
![Big Rideau Lakehouse / Christopher Simmonds Architect - Interior Photography, Living Room, Table, Chair](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5df2/ff84/3312/fd36/3600/0481/medium_jpg/Image-09.jpg?1576206182)
Moving towards the lake, the landscape steps down to accommodate a generous stone terrace that is lowered to allow unimpeded lake views from the living and dining room. Terraced limestone planting beds wrap around the side of the Lakehouse linking the upper and lower patios.
![Big Rideau Lakehouse / Christopher Simmonds Architect - Image 19 of 24](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5df3/0571/3312/fd36/3600/04a5/newsletter/Floor_Plans-02.jpg?1576207530)
![Big Rideau Lakehouse / Christopher Simmonds Architect - Image 20 of 24](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5df3/048e/3312/fd36/3600/04a4/newsletter/Floor_Plans-01.jpg?1576207304)
The requirement for a large screen porch area with a direct connection to the interior living spaces was a defining element for the project. Multi-slide pocketing doors create a 15' opening, extending the living spaces into the porch. Perched on thin circular columns, this "room in the trees" hovers above the terrace that extends from the walk-out level below.
![Big Rideau Lakehouse / Christopher Simmonds Architect - Interior Photography, Living Room, Sofa, Table, Lighting, Chair](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5df2/fff2/3312/fd36/3600/0493/newsletter/Image-11.jpg?1576206289)
![Big Rideau Lakehouse / Christopher Simmonds Architect - Image 22 of 24](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5df3/0749/3312/fd36/3600/04a7/newsletter/Section_2-01.jpg?1576207988)
![Big Rideau Lakehouse / Christopher Simmonds Architect - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5df2/fe45/3312/fdaa/6a00/020d/newsletter/Image-05.jpg?1576205850)
The interior is designed to enhance natural light with white walls and ceilings and neutral white oak flooring. Black accents provide a bold counter punch. Charcoal Grey siding complements the zinc coloured metal roof.
![Big Rideau Lakehouse / Christopher Simmonds Architect - Image 13 of 24](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5df2/fe13/3312/fdaa/6a00/020c/newsletter/Image-04.jpg?1576205799)
Extensive landscaping fuses the new cottage into the long-established property, rooting the Lake House into its surroundings with natural limestone terraces and native plantings.
![Big Rideau Lakehouse / Christopher Simmonds Architect - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5df2/fd1b/3312/fdaa/6a00/0207/newsletter/Image-01.jpg?1576205567)