coastal home

blind bay, nova scotia

completed 2014

​

When I first stepped onto the site, I was struck by the raw beauty of the rocky shoreline, the way the land met the water with quiet strength. It was clear that the home needed to belong here, to complement and honour the landscape rather than compete with it. The vision was to create a home with two distinct personalities, one dark and mysterious, the other vibrant and full of light.

At first glance, the house presents itself as a quiet, weathered monolith, a seamless extension of the land. But as you round its corner, it reveals something unexpected, a bold, luminous form perched above the water, its presence softened by the delicate frameless glass railing. A boardwalk pier draws you in, leading to a space that feels both grounded and weightless. The sweeping roof overhang provides shade for the ribbon of south-facing windows in summer, while extending into a sculptural wing wall, offering outdoor storage, shelter, and a welcoming bench to gather around the fire pit as the evening sky darkens. Every detail of this home was carefully considered, designed, and built to the highest standard, ensuring that it not only stands against the elements but becomes part of them.

I still remember Jennifer describing her dream, to hear the waves, to fall asleep under the stars. The home was carefully positioned, perched upon the rock and brought as close to the water as possible, immersing her in the landscape she loves. Her deep involvement throughout the process shaped the home into more than just a retreat, it became her sanctuary. Though it was originally envisioned as a summer escape, Jennifer now lives here year-round, experiencing the ever-changing beauty of this place in every season.

​