Lake Rosseau Retreat
This project located in Muskoka blends modern sophistication into the natural setting.
Due to the adjacent lake and forest environments, a great deal of care was taken to ensure there were no impacts on these sensitive environments. The blast rock was salvaged to create “planting pockets” on the steep slopes allowing for nearly 700 mature trees to be craned into these locations. Working with local arborists, native species of trees and understory planting were selected to ensure ecosystems weren’t negatively impacted.
East of the residence, Poolscape Inc. constructed a cast-in-place, vanishing edge pool that was formed to sit above a 1200sqft. underground concrete bunker. The bunker houses the pool equipment & boiler, as-well-as site utility controllers for site irrigation and lighting.
Surrounding the pool and wrapping around the residence, extensive concrete slabs were poured and granite tiles laid to create multilevel patios and walkways.
Areas of the patios overlooking the lake cantilevered out over the edge of the rock face and required the installation of custom iron and glass railings between stone pillars to provide safety due to the severity of the slope.
On the west side of the site, a penetration asphalt sport court surface was suspended atop a 4-car concrete garage, more than 45ft above grade level. Enclosed by chain-link fencing, this elevated “sky-court” offers a stunning setting for recreational play.
Working with a local contractor, an existing dock was removed by barge, and a new steel frame was constructed while the lake was frozen. ‘Off-season’ prep-work allowed for seamless continuation of work in the spring when the dock surface, ipe, was installed. Shaped to provide a protected swimming area, the three boat-slip dock is complete with barbecue, built-in umbrella, flush mounted light fixtures, and custom pedestal that provides power and water to boats while docked.
To permit easy access between the residence and dock, natural Muskoka granite steps were craned in to create a safe path down the steep slope.