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MASS Design Group cofounder Alan Ricks upgrades his “not structurally sound” bungalow with innovative materials and enough solar panels to produce more energy than it consumes.

Designed by Arba, the retreat’s enclosed garden provides outdoor space out of the wind while the cuts give it a strong connection with the setting.

A Nova Scotia couple learn that although triangular homes may look simple, they can be devilishly complex.

In their query letter, Ben and Sarah were clear that they wanted a home that could accommodate all of life’s messes. “We don't want a white display kitchen that only looks good when it's clean and not in use. We want our kitchen to be able to work hard. We love to cook and when we do, there are usually lots of things on the go and a mess being made.”

Floor plan of Farouki Residence by Farouki Farouki

walls are lined in flush timber skirting with a neat shadow gap detail to the clay render.

The Linns’ home, which Andrew Linn and Jack Becker completed for Andrew and his wife last year, declares its commitment to natural materials with a patchwork of wood products on its exterior. The sassafras cladding the lower portion of the house’s east face peels away from the building to become a freestanding fence enclosing a small, private outdoor space in the middle of the alley.

Terra-cotta tiles clad the kitchen backsplash, and the countertops are made of oak.

A light-filled extension by Tom Turner Architects nods to the history and craft of a 17th-century home.

The oak cabinet in the living room was another secondhand find. “It had the exact measurements of the wall,” says Annemie. “We just needed to hang it.” The throw blanket is from La Femme Garniture while the pillows and pendants are custom.

Designed by Madeiguincho, the Columba tree house has handbuilt furniture, a roof deck, and a slide.

Birch plywood walls and pine floors offer texture and warmth in the bedroom on the first level.

The guest bath is sandwiched between the two bedrooms and is designed with the same blue tiling found in the main home's kitchen area.