Page 14 - Dockside Magazine Muskoka, Summer/Fall 2018

A custom wall (left) shows off mementos from the old cottage.
Dream
everyone on site during visits and were also surprised by the environment.
“This cottage is one-of-a-kind, and a lot of the people who worked on it were so proud of their roles,” says Steve. “Many of our team worked extra hours and did it with great attitudes. Custom builds really get your creative juices flowing and it shows off each person’s skills.”
The cottage now features
over 4,500-feet of living space in an eclectic design which incorporates a classic Muskoka feel with modern hints. The gazebo and trampoline from the original cottage were designated as “must-haves” by the owner. The gazebo was moved over a few feet and the trampoline is now part of the deck – when walking along the lower deck, it allows you to bounce across.
An office and three bedrooms –oneisabunkbedroom which sleeps eight – make up the second floor, with two more bedrooms on the main floor: many people can sleep comfortably. The games room and great room offer a space for gatherings or quiet time, amazing features for a family of seven.
“Every step you take there
are more amazing details to this cottage,” says Steve. “It’s a testament to what custom builds can become.”
An array of trades join forces on an exceptional cottage
What does it require to double the size of a 2,200-square foot cottage, rotate it to offer a better view of the lake and incorporate two important exterior structures? The answer, says Steve Kirkpatrick of Vision Contracting, is a dedicated, skilled and passionate team.
Vision Contracting’s most recently completed project took 68 skilled designers, tradespeople and labourers working seamlessly together for ten months. From the initial ideas through to
the final finishing touches around the property, each
team member put passion and pride into the build.
“There is a ton of detail throughout the cottage,” says Steve. “And it took thousands of decisions to get the job done right.”
Where can you hide the
duct work and electrical on a timber frame? What materials can be incorporated to modernize the building and keep a cottage feel? Should the gazebo remain in place or be moved? These and many other vital questions were answered throughout the project. All the tradespeople capitalized on their skillsets
to problem-solve and make the design come to life.
“I had a lot of people tell me they’ve never worked on a site where this many different contractors are working together in harmony,” says James Reilly, project manager for Vision Contracting. “People from different trades high-fiving each other: just a can-do attitude surrounded the place.”
It’s part of Vision’s philosophy, says James, acknowledging this positivity starts with Steve and works its way through all who work with them. The owners mentioned being introduced to
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT TURNBULL
TEAM
The grand entrance is strong but not overpowering, with elegant arches marking
the way in and dark grey tones mingling with deep black/browns.
All of the space is used creatively. In the hallway, bookcases double as five-foot sliding doors for the main floor bedrooms. A set of turned stairs with a vaulted ceiling above allows for a dramatic display area above the landing, where shelves are filled with photos, artwork and mementoes of the old cottage.
Keeping references from the old place helped unite old and new, an idea promoted by lead design consultant Paul Hardy. Steve and James loved the
idea, turning an old window into a divider for the master bedroom, and using stones from the old fireplace to craft the backyard firepit. Benches, old furniture and even the pantry doors remain – although they were formerly used for a bedroom and bathroom. Paul’s unique ideas and creativity are showcased in every inch of this build, says Steve.
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