Duo, architectural microcosm

This expansive family home is located within dense woodland next to Lake Ontario, Canada. The architect, Omar Gandhi has lined the interior with oak panelling and limestone cladding reflecting the external materials and the setting.

Internally the house layout follows the slope across the site with three distinct volumes connected by a curving staircase connecting several its various split levels. The kitchen and a casual dining area are positioned on the top floor, timber frame windows provide panoramic views over the surrounding landscape.

Timber is featured throughout the house as a way of reflecting the warmth of both natural and artificial light within the various habitable spaces. This is exemplified by Duo the ceiling light collection designed by Ramos & Bassols for Vibia which combines an external metal shell with an inner oak lining. A row of four of the dome versions sit over the kitchen worktop while the cylindrical version is used elsewhere.

The inner oak lining is appreciated when entering the space from the lower level, accessing the kitchen via the stairs, with a warm light reflected from within.

The Duo collection serves as a metaphor for the entire architectural project, one that evokes warmth, providing unexpected views that are highly controlled by the internal distribution of the space and its relationship with the outside. Another example is the balustrade of the curving staircase balustrade supported on timber slats, angled in order to allow light to penetrate throughout the day without obstructing views across the spaces. While high level clerestory windows frame woodland canopies and skies above.

Warm textures and an earthy colour palette washed by natural and artificial light wrap around the house interiors. Over the day and night the entire house glows from within reflecting a reddish and golden glow.