Catchacoma Cottage

Catchacoma Cottage is a one-storey retreat for a multigenerational family, nestled in a forest clearing on a peninsula overlooking Lake Catchacoma. Composed of three interlocking volumes shaped by the site’s sloping topography, the design integrates with the land to forge a quiet yet powerful connection between architecture and landscape.

Wood is the project’s unifying material, anchoring both vision and construction. The structure relies on light wood framing—a deliberate choice for its efficiency, reduced carbon impact, and ease of assembly on a remote site. From frame to cladding, finishes, and decking, timber provides a consistent material language that is both practical and expressive.

On the exterior, dark grey stained siding echoes the vertical rhythm of surrounding tree trunks, allowing the cottage to recede into the forest. At the entry, warm cedar marks a welcoming threshold. Inside, walls of maple plywood and solid maple flooring establish a durable, light-filled environment, their tones reinforcing a sense of continuity with the woodland beyond. Select reclaimed wood elements add texture and character.

Treated wood plays a central role in ensuring long-term performance. Pressure-treated decking forms a multi-tiered platform along the lakeside elevation, stepping down the slope toward the water to create generous outdoor living spaces. Designed to resist moisture and seasonal wear, these preserved wood elements extend the usable life of the cottage while minimizing maintenance, making sustainability tangible for daily use.

In every detail, Catchacoma Cottage demonstrates how thoughtful use of wood—both untreated and preserved—can provide beauty, resilience, and a lasting connection to place.