Set along the shoreline of Georgian Bay in Ontario, the Georgian Bay Beach House introduces a contemporary interpretation of the Canadian cottage. Designed by Toronto-based studio &Pierre, the 3,780-square-foot residence replaces an aging seasonal structure with a home conceived for year-round use and long-term continuity. The project reflects a shift from temporary retreat to permanent dwelling, while maintaining the emotional connection to place that defines cottage culture.
ARCHITECTURE
The design responds directly to its natural surroundings. Expansive glazing frames views of the water and allows daylight to define the interior throughout the day. The house maintains a close visual relationship with the shoreline, positioning each major living space toward the horizon. This openness reinforces the connection between architecture and landscape, where water, sky, and terrain remain present within everyday life.
Material choices draw from the geography of Georgian Bay. White oak introduces warmth and continuity across floors and built-in elements, while locally sourced limestone references the rocky terrain that defines the region. Plaster and linen soften transitions between architectural surfaces, creating an environment shaped by texture and restraint. Muted coastal tones echo the surrounding environment, allowing the interior palette to remain aligned with the shoreline’s natural shifts in color and light.
Organized across three levels, the residence supports both daily living and extended gatherings. Circulation remains intuitive, allowing the home to function comfortably across seasons and stages of life. Kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas integrate seamlessly into the architectural framework, with custom millwork maintaining clarity across spaces. Lighting designed by Sara Woodby Hand and Concord Lighting introduces subtle points of illumination that extend the home’s atmosphere into evening hours.
The project reflects the design philosophy of Andrea Pierre, founder of &Pierre, who developed the interiors during her tenure as co-founder and design director at Westgrove. Working alongside architect Don Schmitt and Gio Tassone Architects and builder Valley View Construction, the team created a residence grounded in material integrity and spatial precision. The Georgian Bay Beach House establishes a new architectural presence on the shoreline while preserving the enduring relationship between dwelling and landscape.
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