Peat Residence

The brief for this project was to renovate and extend on a home that had been built by the client\'s father and had been the family holiday home for many years.

The starting point was a two storey red brick rectangular building that was entered via an external flight of stairs into the kitchen on the upper floor.

Accessibility for aging in place was a primary concern.

Suitable accommodation for the client\'s 3 adult children when they visited was also required.

Casual but stylish were the client\'s last words on the brief, (quite in line with the woman herself actually).

The site had a significant fall from the road down to the waterfront so access to the main level without incorporating stairs was essential. This was achieved by adding a new wing that incorporates a foyer, two bedrooms, a bathroom, study nook and deck, on the same level as the existing upper floor.

The double orientation of the home allowed for waterfront terraces but also a winter deck on the western side to enhance the streetscape appeal, and provide an afternoon retreat. The N/E summer winds off the lake also require an alternate outdoor entertaining space when they are excessive.

The needs of the client and her partner were met on the upper floor/entry level, (3 bedrooms and two bathrooms),  so the lower level could be converted into a very comfortable flat to accommodate visitors or a potential future B&B business.