Over the past 20 years, we’ve been lucky to have some incredible projects — like this unique build on Muskoka Lake with Eastern European flair.

Year: 2017 – 2018

As Gilbert + Burke has expanded and grown, so has our roster of great projects. We’ve had many unique projects along the way to add to our repertoire, and one of our favorites of all time is this stunning project we call Contemporary Rustic on the Lake. Two years ago, deep in Muskoka cottage country, we were able to build a beautiful cottage for our entrepreneur client and his wife that created a refuge from the city for their family with an incredible patio and outdoor area to allow for enjoyment of the lakeside. With a contemporary feel combined with rustic undertones and Eastern European flair, the Contemporary Rustic on the Lake project has remained a favorite.

See more pictures of this home in our gallery

When starting the project from the ground up, we worked with the rock instead of against it to root the home against the nature that surrounds it. The goal was to blend the home with the landscape outside, we started with scribing the ICF foundation to the bedrock, carefully planning elevations to allow the walk out space to the lake. The design focused on capturing light, placing huge windows and including space with a stone pathway through the woods leading to an outdoor shower. Tilting and sliding doors allowed for easy access to the outdoors and continued viewing of the landscape outside, while the loft level was built to overlook the lake below. The clients, originally from Eastern Europe, imported some gorgeous pieces and products to finish the home; with black tile flooring, cabinets and the fireplace, the clients were able to add a myriad of personal touches.

See more pictures of this home in our gallery

At Gilbert + Burke, one of our biggest priorities is finding ways to complement the nature and environment surrounding the homes that we build. With this project and the talented eyes of Peter Groza, we were able to meld together everything from an Indonesian driftwood island and imported tile stone from Italy to wood walls rubbed with coffee grounds and glass walls for optimal viewing. As an absolutely majestic home that is truly anything but typical, this Contemporary Rustic Cottage on the Lake is one for the Gilbert + Burke books.