§ 01 · The Compound
Three structures. One material language.
The Chown Garage was designed in tandem with the cottage and boathouse — all three conceived from the first sketch as a unified Lake Joseph compound. A consistent palette runs across all three: wood tones, board-and-batten siding, standing-seam roofing, dark grey exteriors that recede into the trees. The garage earns its place in that composition.
§ 02 · The Site
Fitting the land.
Muskoka’s 10% site coverage cap structured every decision on this property. We worked the topography rather than fighting it: the garage lower level aligns with the driveway approach, while the suite above holds views over the cottage roof to the lake. Two floors, two elevations, one continuous shed slope following the grade.
§ 03 · The Architecture
A shed roof. Not more than that.
The shed roof is the defining move — a single slope that gives the garage its silhouette without overworking the form. Standard parallel-chord framing kept the structure efficient and cost in check. Timber accents at the gable and entry echo the cottage across the yard. That restraint freed budget for the parts that matter: finishes, detailing, the suite above.
§ 04 · The Suite
Garage below. Guest floor above.
The ground level holds two garage bays — vehicles, gear, the things cottage life accumulates. Above, a one-bedroom guest suite: a living area, a washroom, a coffee bar, and views over the roofline to the lake. It functions as overflow accommodation, a quiet workspace, a retreat when the main cottage is full. We designed it to carry any of those uses without modification.
§ 05 · Gallery
Twelve frames.
The garage and suite — Lake Joseph, October 2024.
§ 06 · Three buildings · three pages
Continue the tour.
The garage is one of three structures we designed in tandem for the Chown property on Lake Joseph.
Chown Cottage →
New-build cottage — a four-bedroom family retreat, site-led and built to last.
Chown Boathouse →
Two-storey lakeside structure with a rooftop deck — featured in Style At Home, Summer 2025.
