Lily Pad / Saunders Architecture

Lily Pad / Saunders Architecture - Interior PhotographyLily Pad / Saunders Architecture - Interior Photography, Bedroom, WindowsLily Pad / Saunders Architecture - Exterior Photography, WindowsLily Pad / Saunders Architecture - Exterior PhotographyLily Pad / Saunders Architecture - More Images+ 17

  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  400
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2020
  • Photographs
  • Lead Architects: Todd Saunders, Attila Béres, Pedro Léger Pereira, Attila Béres, Matt McClurg, Márk Szőke
More SpecsLess Specs
Lily Pad / Saunders Architecture - Exterior Photography
© Doublespace Photography

Text description provided by the architects. The vernacular architecture of Muskoka has a distinctive quality of its own. This resort region, around two hours to the north of Toronto, is well known for its picturesque lakes and rivers, bordered by boathouses and cottages that make the most of the surroundings with their porches, decks, and terraces. Todd Saunders’ Lily Pad house, on the edge of Ontario’s Lake Rosseau, offers a 21st Century reinterpretation of Muskoka vernacular fused with a range of Modernist and contemporary influences drawn from North America and Scandinavia.

Lily Pad / Saunders Architecture - Exterior Photography, Windows
© Doublespace Photography
Lily Pad / Saunders Architecture - Exterior Photography, Windows
© Doublespace Photography

Saunders references the influence of the Muskoka vernacular tradition of outdoor rooms with a lakeside view, as well as mentioning the roof terraces commonly seen in countries like Morocco, where these elevated rooms are often one of the most tempting spaces in urban riads and townhouses. With Lily Pad, the roof terrace becomes the final destination within an ambitious ‘promenade architecturale’ – somewhat reminiscent of the journey seen at Le Corbusier’s iconic Villa Savoye (1931) – that takes you up from the ground plane towards the floating first floor and, finally, to the roof.

Lily Pad / Saunders Architecture - Exterior Photography, Windows
© Doublespace Photography

There is a choice of circulation routes that take you through the intriguing ribbon-like form of the house as the ground floor twists, turns, and ascends as it connects with the upper story. The imaginative plan of the house also offers a way of bypassing the two internal stairways at ground floor level, which features the entrance hall and four generously sized bedroom suites, as well as a much-loved media room with tiered seating around the junction between the two stories.

Lily Pad / Saunders Architecture - Exterior Photography, Windows
© Doublespace Photography
Lily Pad / Saunders Architecture - Image 21 of 22
Plan - Ground floor
Lily Pad / Saunders Architecture - Image 22 of 22
Plan - First floor

Alternatively, an external stairway at the front of the building provides a more direct link to a substantial, open-plan living space at the first-floor level with a sliding bank of glass facing the lake. When the glass slides back, this space becomes – in effect – an enticing open porch or ‘Muskoka room’. Offering zones for dining and seating arranged around a fireplace, as well as a bar, this is a flexible and fluid space. Although it can be used as a porch all year round, benefitting from this elevated position floating above the landscape, it comes into its own during the summer months in particular.

Lily Pad / Saunders Architecture - Interior Photography
© Niamh Barry
Lily Pad / Saunders Architecture - Interior Photography, Living Room, Wood, Windows
© Niamh Barry

The clients’ master suite sits at the far end of the cantilevered bridge that forms the upper story. Floating beyond the main body of the house, the master bedroom levitates in a dramatic manner, becoming a lookout station facing the lake view to the front.

Lily Pad / Saunders Architecture - Interior Photography, Bedroom, Windows
© Niamh Barry

Conceived by Studio Author, Lily Pad’s interior design draws inspiration from the Lake Rosseau shoreline. The details and palette are reflective of the hues and patterns of the water, sand, and stone native to Muskoka. A curated selection of materials is repeated throughout the residence, creating a calm, thoughtful and holistic environment. The organic movement and watery hues found in the natural stone on the custom fireplaces and washroom vanities throughout compliments the otherwise sandy, neutral tones of the house. Subtly integrated lighting adds to the tranquil ambiance while highlighting the tactility of these materials.

Lily Pad / Saunders Architecture - Interior Photography, Bathroom, Bathtub
© Niamh Barry

Echoing the vista of the ever-present lake horizon, Studio Author created a visual horizontal plane that carries throughout the interior in the bespoke cabinetry of the closets, wall paneling, and doors, with a change in the wood grain direction above and below the datum line. Muted colors and softness were added by the largely custom furnishings, drapery, and area rugs to create a relaxing retreat away from the city.

Lily Pad / Saunders Architecture - Exterior Photography, Windows
© Doublespace Photography

Project gallery

See allShow less
About this office
Cite: "Lily Pad / Saunders Architecture" 15 Apr 2022. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/980154/lily-pad-saunders-architecture> ISSN 0719-8884

© Doublespace Photography

加拿大住宅 Lily Pad / Saunders Architecture

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.