Glass Walls Wrap a Prefab Boathouse on a Remote Ontario Lake
Building Arts Architects transported materials by barge to the rocky shore of Kawagama Lake, and erected the spectacular boathouse by hand.
When the opportunity rose to replace an old boathouse on the edge of Ontario’s Kawagama Lake, Toronto-based Building Arts Architects founders Jason Smirnis and David Jensen knew that they would have their work cut out for them.
Located roughly three hours north of their studio, the remote site is only accessible by boat, which meant that all systems, including the structure, had to be transported by a small watercraft and erected by hand. Ontario’s harsh winters also limited the construction season.
Set on a four-acre, moderately sloped, rocky site by the lake, the Kawagama Boathouse minimizes its site impact with small-diameter pier foundations and a natural material palette that blends the building into the surrounding forest.
David Whittaker
"The site topography and the adjacent forest were protected and strongly influenced how this building engages the site," notes Smirnis, who designed the Kawagama Boathouse as a minimalist and modern, glass-and-steel structure. The two-story building features a dry slip boat storage with a marine railway and an outdoor deck on the lower level, along with a 452-square-foot living space with guest sleeping quarters above.
A short footbridge leads to the white, oak-and-glass front door of the upper living space. On the left is the small outdoor tap that uses pumped lake water.
David Whittaker
Stay up to Date on the Latest in Prefab Homes
From cozy cottages to large family houses, see how prefab continues to redefine the future of construction, building, and design.
After completing the design and securing municipal planning approval in the winter of 2016, the team dismantled the existing boathouse by hand the following spring. Heavy equipment was brought by barge to construct pier foundations on bedrock.
Due to the challenges of transporting materials, the architects reused as much of the lumber from the existing structure as possible. "The lower level of the boathouse was clad with wood siding salvaged from the existing structure," says Smirnis.
"On most days, from almost all vantage points, the boathouse reflects the forest or lake and is challenging to identify until you are immediately in front of it," says the firm. Pressure-treated SPF timber lines the outdoor deck.
David Whittaker
The steel framing, windows and door systems, and custom millwork were prefabricated off-site and then transported to the property with a barge. The steel frame was erected in the fall, and rough carpentry was completed before winter 2017, by which time the project was put on hold until the lake ice had melted. The Kawagama boathouse was completed in phases across the spring and summer of 2018.
The facade is wrapped in custom-milled Douglas fir siding and punctuated with CommDoor black anodized aluminum windows. "We choose Douglas fir as our wood for the project for its warmth and ubiquitous heritage in Ontario cottage country," says Smirnis.
David Whittaker
"The dwelling features are very basic, and the intent was to create a space which heightens the experience of living on the water through siting, view, sound and smell," says Smirnis. "Materials were primarily selected for both their aesthetics and their durability and performance in freeze/thaw conditions."
Walls of double-pane, tempered, laminated glass surround the upper living space furnished with Tolomeo lights by Artemide, vintage midcentury chairs, and a custom-made redwood burl table.
David Whittaker
Shop the Look
Rock the Boat: Boats, Cabins and Homes on the Water
Moveable homes with endless opportunities for exploration and changes of scenery. Converted ferries provide ample space for families. Shanty boats inspire images of Huck Finn’s literary journey and youthful spirit. Former cruise ships become charming hotels. Rock the Boat’s floating domiciles showcase alternative living solutions from the private to the commercial. From the romantic lakes of Kashmir to the Bay of Venice, houseboats claim their space atop the water worldwide. A buoyant boutique hotel awaits guests in London. A floating sauna promises relaxation for friends upon the Pielisjoki River. DIY timber rafts evoke pride of craftsmanship whilst inspiring feelings of adventure. These charismatic structures provide refuge from being landlocked and a promise to satisfy curious natures. Rock The Boat profiles the imaginative inhabitants and designers behind these houseboats; the volume offers inspiration to anyone interested in a touch of escape or even a permanent change of address. Photo courtesy of Gestalten Publisher: Gestalten
ShopHawkins New York Icelandic Sheepskin
I love ewe. We love these fluffy, natural Icelandic sheepskins draped over a dining room chair or small bench as much as we do thrown over the couch, or even on the floor for a makeshift rug (and eternally toasty toes).This sheepskin comes from a small farm in Iceland, who have been harvesting wool for decades, where the sheep are raised humanely, have a high quality of life, and graze freely. This particular breed of sheep have been roaming Iceland since 897, when the Vikings first came to the island—that year is stamped on the back of each sheepskin. All the skins are processed in an eco-friendly way, using only geothermal power (produced by the Earth’s internal heat). The extra shaggy snugglers are available in a wintry white or a dramatic black. Prepare for all the warm fuzzies. Made in: IcelandMade of: Natural Icelandic sheepskin Size: Approximately 43.5” L x 27.5” W. Because this is a natural material, size will vary. Sourced from: Hawkins New York Photography by Rocky Luten, James Ransom.
ShopEva Solo FireGlobe Fireplace
Nothing is cosier than gathering around a bonfire with its beautiful flames and intense heat, and with the decorative FireGlobe fireplace, it is easy and safe to light a fire directly on the patio or elsewhere in the garden. The matt black cast iron beautifully sets off the flickering golden flames, and the fireplace creates the perfect mood and warming heat when it starts to feel cool outside.
ShopMinimally decorated to keep focus on the outdoors, the glass-walled living space comprises a living area that faces the lake and two beds tucked behind custom Douglas fir shelving units fabricated in the studio’s Toronto woodshop.
"My favorite part of the project is the experience of the room and views to the lake," says Smirnis. "And, the ability of the structure to fade into the forest. On many days you cannot see the building from the trees."
A Regency wood-burning stove provides heating to the living space. The floors are tumbled Bluestone tiles.
David Whittaker
To lend a sense of warmth and for privacy, the architects wrapped the bedroom area with walls of tongue-and-groove vertical grain Douglas fir that matches the ceiling.
David Whittaker
Due to the boathouse’s proximity to the lake, the architects were not allowed to build a bathroom. An outhouse is located in the woods up the hill.
With the boathouse complete, the architects are focusing on renovating the main cottage on-site—located approximately 300 feet away—which will also be built of salvaged materials from the existing cabin and will include two prefabricated additions.
Kawagama Boathouse lower floor plan
Kawagama Boathouse upper floor plan
Kawagama Boathouse east and west elevations
Kawagama Boathouse South Elevation
Related Reading:
A Prefab Texas Boathouse Gets Delivered to Lake Austin
A Renovated Boathouse on Seattle's Portage Bay
A Modern Lakeside Boathouse in Ontario
Project Credits:
Architect of Record: Building Arts Architects
Structural Engineer: Blackwell Engineering
Published