North Shore Residence: A Mid-Century Modern Revival

Nestled amidst lush woodlands overlooking a tranquil lake, the North Shore Residence stands as a stunning example of mid-century modern architecture brought into the 21st century. Heid Architects masterfully reimagined this once-refined home, breathing new life into its structure while honouring its original character. The result is a dwelling that seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings, offering both comfort and a profound connection to the landscape.

The approach to the home is an experience in itself. An elongated existing bridge, re-clad with warm cedar shingles and wood decking, creates an elevated pathway through the trees. This unique entrance offers a sense of suspension among the branches and canopies, building anticipation for the expansive lake views that await within.

Constrained by the home’s existing roof and floor framing, Heid Architects employed clever design solutions to enhance the structure’s inherent beauty. Paired vertical fins of white oak accentuate the home’s structural lines and frame the modern casement windows, mirroring the tall, forested setting and blurring the boundaries between indoors and out. A field of eastern white cedar shingles, used to frame the expansive glass facades, respects the home’s original material palette and adds a touch of rustic charm. Oblique window punches, strategically placed to increase views of the surrounding tree canopies, add definition and shadow play to the triangular ends of the home, creating a dynamic interplay of light and form.

Inside, the home’s original postmodern and partitioned layout has been replaced with a simplified, open floor plan. Direct circulation lines now flow seamlessly throughout the space, eliminating awkward vestiges of the home’s original diamond-shaped design. A pair of wood-burning fireplaces, one for cooking and one for comfort anchor each end of the ground floor. Tiled in emerald-green, handmade clay tiles and outlined with custom oak trim, these fireplaces are the only elements that momentarily draw attention away from the immersive views of the surrounding trees.

At the heart of the modernized kitchen lies a custom wood-burning Grillwork station. Positioning this heavy masonry unit on the third floor required careful planning and structural reinforcement, including a conveniently located steel beam and additional rafter support. The grill, tiled in a herringbone pattern with emerald green handmade artisan tiles and set on a solid soapstone base, serves as the kitchen’s focal point. A ten-foot-long custom quarried soapstone island, complemented by vertical grain white oak cabinetry, further enhances the kitchen’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The central staircase, previously cramped and carpeted, has been transformed into a stunning architectural feature. Clad in white oak with paired wood latticework and railing, the staircase now winds continuously from the basement to the ground floor, echoing the exterior wood fins and creating a visual connection between the interior and exterior. Large casement windows, replacing the previous segmented curtainwall panels, offer uninterrupted sightlines of the lake and the heavily forested property, maximizing the home’s connection to its natural surroundings.

The North Shore Residence embodies contemporary design ideals, emphasizing the use of natural materials, artisan-crafted tiles, nature-inspired colours, and subtle detailing. These elements converge to enhance the home’s functionality while fostering an appreciation for nature and promoting healthy living. Heid Architects has masterfully transformed this mid-century modern home into a tranquil retreat, a place where the beauty of the natural world is celebrated and embraced.

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