Affectionately named, Lambkill Ridge has its moniker derived from the common name for a local plant, Sheep Laurel, which can be found in abundance along the barren lands of Terence Bay, Nova Scotia. Designed as a getaway for a young family of nature enthusiasts, the architecture features two nearly identical volumes mirrored along a long, narrow boardwalk that connects the access road to the winding nature trails beyond. Hoisted up off the forest floor and thrust into the tree canopy, the buildings were designed to situate the user prominently in the natural environment, provide breathtaking views over the barren lands and out to the ocean from the loft spaces within, and encourage the natural landscape to continue to thrive below. The long ascent up the two-tiered stairwell and along the boardwalk provides views to the entrance of a subtle trailhead that is framed by the two darkened volumes.

The first volume that you encounter upon your climb is the sleeping pavilion, where you will find the mechanical closet boasting fully sustainable equipment, a full bath, and sleeping loft above. The second volume, also known as the living pavilion, houses a white-oak-clad kitchenette, the main living space with a wood burning stove, and a guest sleeping loft above. Designed to be largely off-grid, the project includes key features such as window designed to maximize both thermal heat gain and passive ventilation to help regulate temperatures in all months of the year, an incinerating toilet, and a rainwater collection and filtration system.

While the exterior volumes sit starkly in the landscape, the interior materiality draws upon local resources and adds a prominent design feature to this modest project. Locally sourced, rough-hewn hemlock is showcased, highlighting typical light-timber framing practices found in the region. As the structures are ‘outsulated’ (insulation on the outside of the framing), black-metal electrical conduits and other black-metal features are strewn throughout, adding a level of industrialism that juxtaposes the raw nature of the hemlock.

Awards

Architizer A+ Awards - Popular Choice Winner for the Private House (XS <1000 sq ft) Category, 2024

Architecture Masterprize, Honourable Mention in Small Architecture, 2024

Archello, Houses of the Month - June 2024

American Institute of Architects (AIA) Canada Society, Citation in Residential Category, 2024

Architecture and Design : Peter Braithwaite Studio Ltd. (Peter Braithwaite, Lucien Landry, Odin Paas)

Construction : Peter Braithwaite Studio Ltd.

Photographs : Peter Braithwaite

Drawings and Models : Lucien Landry, Keegan Gray, Jam Basilio, Odin Paas