Seeking a nature-inspired retreat, designers Arriz Hassam and Suzanne Dimma built an off-the grid getaway in Ontario’s Haliburton Highlands.
The site is a 43 acre property in a natural setting at the foot of Algonquin Park in the Haliburton Highlands. The cottage is designed to be completely off-the-grid, using solar power for its energy source and built in a sustainable and low-impact manner.
The design of the building is conceived as a loft hovering amongst the treetops – a bridge to nature. With Arriz’s background in architecture and design, this unique construction was designed and engineered like a bridge structure by a small building crew and avoiding use of heavy machinery.
The open plan concept is configured to provide for privacy, intimacy and strategically providing vantage views to the diverse landscape.
Upon entering the space is a large window framing dramatic rockface, on the opposite side is panorama of hovering amongst treetops in the sunroom. The wraparound deck is high above the ground with vantage views of the lake, majestic pine trees, the private bay and sound of the waterfall beyond.
The interior is finished in douglas fir, in contrast with the black stained wood exterior. Reclaimed wood was used for exposed Douglas Fir beams and 200 yr old Elmwood for barn door. Custom furniture were designed for the space including the 10 ft solid white oak dining table, coffee table and daybeds.
