Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Design

The Bear Stand

The Bear Stand
© Nic Lehoux

THE BEAR STAND

Bohlin Grauman Miller + Bohlin Cywinski Jackson

ARCHITECTS
Bohlin Grauman Miller In Association With Bohlin Cywinski Jackson

MECHANICAL
Switzer Sales And Service

ELECTRICAL
Mad Cat Electric Co

MANUFACTURERS
Heath Ceramics, Loewen, Horst Masonry

PROJECT MANAGER
Kyle Phillips, Aia

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Blackwell

LEAD ARCHITECT
Robert E. Miller, Faia, Raic, Leed Ap

GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Brinkman & Sons

CABINETS
Mill Line Woodworking Ltd

PHOTOGRAPHS
Nic Lehoux

AREA
3300 FT²

YEAR
2015

LOCATION
Canada

CATEGORY
Houses

The Bear Stand
© Nic Lehoux
The Bear Stand
© Nic Lehoux
The Bear Stand
© Nic Lehoux

Text description provided by architect.

Located approximately three hours northeast of Toronto, Ontario, this 3,300 sq. ft. retreat is carefully situated along the shores of Contau Lake on a remote, seasonally isolated woodland spanning nearly 100 acres. Recalling childhood adventures exploring the surrounding lakes and forest, the clients wished to share this unique place with others by creating a place of reprieve to be rented to vacationing families.

Nestled between the lake and an adjacent granite rock-face rising up to the south, the retreat serves as a jumping-off point to an expansive private trail network fashioned by the client.

The Bear Stand
© Nic Lehoux
The Bear Stand
© Nic Lehoux

A series of delicate canoe docks and boardwalks knit shallow marshes with hilltop perches, urging exploration by both water and land.

Vehicular access ends at the property, which backs onto government Crown Lands, creating a truly remote sensory experience.

The Bear Stand
© Nic Lehoux
The Bear Stand
© Nic Lehoux
The Bear Stand
© Nic Lehoux

The two-story residence stretches parallel to the lake and rock face, with primary living and dining spaces at ground level spilling to the outdoors, and sleeping and bathing spaces perched above to capture expansive views of the lake and surrounding forest.

The two levels are connected by a glazed stair volume adjacent the hillside and anchored by a monolithic fireplace clad in locally sourced granite.

Outdoor amenities such as a private sauna, ofuro soaking tub, hot tub, and screened porch allow immediate enjoyment of the surroundings within comfortable reach of the interior space.

The Bear Stand
© Nic Lehoux
The Bear Stand
© Nic Lehoux

A raft of exposed Douglas fir glulam beams and decking cantilevers out over a rhythmic façade of black fiber-cement panels and stained cedar siding that mimic the lines of the forest.

Interiors are finished with fir windows, wire brushed walnut flooring, benches and bar tops reclaimed from a nearby barn, and hand-crafted tile.

This rich palette of materials lends a tactile softness to the building that blends seamlessly with the natural environment.

The Bear Stand
© Nic Lehoux


The Bear Stand
Courtesy of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
The Bear Stand
Courtesy of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
The Bear Stand
Courtesy of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Design
T +1 570 8258756 F +1 570 8253744
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Design
8 W Market St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701, United States