Cedar Cladding Defines this Spectacular Holiday Home in Nova Scotia

This cabin-like home is cleverly split into two parts connected by a breezeway that frames the water views and dissolves boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.

Cedar Cladding Defines this Spectacular Holiday Home in Nova Scotia

This cabin-like home is cleverly split into two parts connected by a breezeway that frames the water views and dissolves boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.

The Real Cedar cladding is arranged both horizontally and vertically, adding visual interest to the simple, archetypal built forms and showcasing the striking graphic effect that can be achieved with the material.

When Andrew and Dale Noseworthy decided to build a vacation home close to their day-to-day home in the city of Halifax, they wanted to celebrate contemporary architectural forms whilst evoking their childhood memories of cottage life. "We were constantly working on this balance between clean, modern lines and rustic cottage living," explains architect Rayleen Hill, founder of RHAD Architects.  

Located less than an hour away from the couple’s main home in Halifax, the Monocular is situated on a waterside site in Chester Basin, Nova Scotia.

Located less than an hour away from the couple’s main home in Halifax, the Monocular is situated on a waterside site in Chester Basin, Nova Scotia. "We were looking all along the South Shore and lucked into the land through a work colleague," reveals homeowner Dale Noseworthy. A long, winding path has been etched through indigenous low-brush plantings down to the ocean, private wharf, and firepit. 

Photo by Julian Parkinson

"Our home in Halifax is small so it’s nice to have a place where we can have guests and not be on top of each other," says homeowner Andrew Noseworthy. "As we look down the road, when our daughters have families of their own, we’ll have the space to all gather. Perhaps in retirement, we’ll be there full time." 

Photo by Julian Parkinson

The Monocular, as the home is called, is a modern interpretation of a rural cottage that celebrates its dockside location in the rural community of Chester Basin, Nova Scotia. The name of the home comes from the clever arrangement of two built forms—the main home and the "bunkie" with a screened porch—that are connected by a breezeway to frame the view to the basin with a "monocular." Access to the spectacular view is maximized by utilizing this area as the main circulation zone between various areas of the home.

The entire home is clad in Western Red Cedar siding, imbuing the built form with a rich warmth that responds to the natural surroundings while also making a striking design statement.

The entire home is clad in Western Red Cedar siding, imbuing the built form with a rich warmth that responds to the natural surroundings while also making a striking design statement.

Photo by Julian Parkinson

See the full story on Dwell.com: Cedar Cladding Defines this Spectacular Holiday Home in Nova Scotia
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