The Port Hope House emphasizes the duality between form and nature by combining intricate structure with existing natural surroundings.

Situated five kilometres outside of the town Port Hope, Ontario, the successful partnership of Teeple Architects and Project Architect Luc Bouliane constructed the home that overlooks the remarkable views of Lake Ontario, as it is seen from atop. A unique feature of the exterior of the home includes an abandoned rail passage which previously served as a connection to southern Ontario.

This is a home so astonishing that it was awarded an honourable mention for design excellence by the Ontario Association of Architects in 2015.

The Port Hope House is highly efficient because its exterior is built from concrete in combination – and followed by – charcoal zinc cladding.

The use of concrete increases efficiency as its high thermal mass generates thermal stability. This creates a greater indoor environment and saves on energy use.

Elements such as fluidity, natural circulation, and a selection of materials allow for openness and airy interiors. The openness of the fields surrounding the home allows for light to seep through, filling the interior space and creating a relaxing environment.

The exterior includes a glass wall that divides the outdoor pool space from the interior media room. This allows for easy transition and access to the two spaces, outlining the entertainment division within the home. The hot tub and pool maintain an all year heating utilising geothermal heating as its source.

The design objective considers an eco-friendly spatial environment. The sustainable elements integrated within the home such as orientation and shape increases solar exposure, eliminating the need for natural gas powered energy. Long concrete walls create thermal mass, and this combined with the heating system reduces the need for natural gas.

All water treatments and maintenance are treated on site. As well, many natural elements are not gone to waste, such as rainwater, which is collected and stored for agricultural and vast land is purposed for plantation.

From afar, the residence appears to rise from the ground; this feature considers the organic and natural take on this home, allowing it to relate to all its surroundings.

The foyer extends into a depressed dining and living room. These rooms feature vein-cut Eramosa limestone floors which continue onto the walls.

Now an elevated room, the breakfast nook showcases untreated concrete elements and warm walnut panelling. Looking above on the main floor, a triangle-like skylight shape allows light to enter from outside.

Leading to the second floor, the stairway is made from warm walnut, like the kitchen, allowing for consistency within the home. The stairway is slender and steep and invites to elevated windows, which creates a friendly space.

The airy master bedroom and ensuite contain full-height windows, creating a pleasing view of the lake. Located in the home office is an entrance to the deck, that directs to the pool.

Port Hope House artfully embodies a unique efficient modern form by merging its structure with the outside environment in which it’s situated. With its high ceilings, extensive views, and resourceful interior/exterior design, these architects successfully connected the two, creating a space like no other. I personally find the various use of materials highly attractive, including its form and simplicity, which is the cherry on top.

Photos courtesy of Architects Luc Bouliane and photographed by Scott Norsworthy & Bob Gundu.

Check out the impressive body of work by Teeple Architects and Architects Luc Bouliane.

And here’s another article worth reading that explains how geothermal heat pumps work by Furnace Compare.

Researched and written by Narmeen Gorail, Undergraduate student of Environmental Design, OCAD University.