In Ontario, a Generational Family Property Finds a Sense of Renewal
Timbertop House, designed by Akb Architects, takes inspiration from the vernacular architecture of Ontario farmhouses.
Designed by Toronto-based Akb Architects in 2024, Timbertop House was built as a retreat for the next generation with an architectural plan that focuses on ease of movement and the logistics of family life.
Akb Architects drew inspiration from the vernacular architecture of traditional Ontario farmhouses and their white-painted exteriors. A similar nod to the past, the home’s gabled yet asymmetrical roof is a reference to “the utilitarian form of barns reimagined through our contemporary lens,” notes Kelly Buffey, partner and creative director at Akb Architects.
The 2,650-square-foot home sprawls across a single storey, with a vaulted communal space featuring a living area, open kitchen, and dining area. The house includes three children’s bedrooms that share a bath, as well as a primary suite that features a pivoting wall panel for separation from the communal areas. A wide wraparound deck allows for indoor-outdoor living in the warmer months and includes a custom cedar hot tub. An ample mud room with laundry provides practical space for rural life.
Continuing the connection to place, Timbertop House was built with strong consideration for both seasonality and sustainability. The wood-framed building expands and contracts during drastic temperature changes, while the white-toned exterior provides durable protection for the wood while also reducing solar gain. On the south side, a wall of recessed glazing helps with passive solar performance, intended to help keep the interiorwarmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The home also features energy-efficient radiant floor heating.
The material selection echoes the home’s balance of tradition with the contemporary, such as wide-plank oak floor boards, concrete flooring, and custom Corian vanities. A muted palette in the interior evokes a sense of calm in the picturesque landscape. The hilltop property overlooks rolling hills and forests, continuing the connection to nature. The pared-back design is intended to amplify the beauty of the surroundings while also providing a timeless backdrop to the connections and experiences of daily life.
