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Collection by Luke Hopping

Modern Meets Rugged at This Off-the-Grid Retreat in Ontario

Clad in a rich wood palette, architect Charles Gane's summer cottage on the Georgian Bay draws all its energy needs from a mighty solar array.

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The home maintains remarkable material consistency, with Douglas fir cladding the beams, kitchen countertop, and interior walls. The open-plan kitchen absorbs views of the lake through an expansive glass wall.
The home maintains remarkable material consistency, with Douglas fir cladding the beams, kitchen countertop, and interior walls. The open-plan kitchen absorbs views of the lake through an expansive glass wall.
The dining table and benches are likewise made of Douglas fir.
The dining table and benches are likewise made of Douglas fir.
In keeping with the home's seasonal purpose, Gane's layout privileges outdoor space. The transition from inside to out is demarcated by a switch from Douglas fir to ipe wood.
In keeping with the home's seasonal purpose, Gane's layout privileges outdoor space. The transition from inside to out is demarcated by a switch from Douglas fir to ipe wood.
A covered fireplace and sitting area anchor the deck, which overlooks the water.
A covered fireplace and sitting area anchor the deck, which overlooks the water.
Though it is spacious and modern, Gane's cottage functions entirely off-the-grid. Sewage is treated on-site, water is filtered from the lake and cleansed with ultraviolet light, and an impressive solar array provides energy with battery storage.
Though it is spacious and modern, Gane's cottage functions entirely off-the-grid. Sewage is treated on-site, water is filtered from the lake and cleansed with ultraviolet light, and an impressive solar array provides energy with battery storage.