A walk through Dove is akin to moving through the woods and meadows of Ontario: this is how Canadian architecture studio Agathom planned it. Composed of a series of pavilions, the sprawling, 5000 square foot (464 square meter) L-shaped dwelling centers on the concept of connectivity, where simply traversing from one room to the next is a solemn experience in itself. “Each room is independently situated and connected to multiple inner routes, so each main space becomes a destination,” explains the studio. “The goal of connectedness is to produce lasting empathy and a sense of belonging to the natural world.”
Dove’s exterior is wrapped in rich weathering steel and cast concrete, its façades punctuated by geometric windows that trace the slope of the roof. Upon entering, double-height volumes soar over the living area, where impressive back-to-back fireplaces encased in monolithic concrete trunks dominate. Natural light floods the home, its rays reflecting off surfaces and casting light and shadow play throughout the days and seasons.
Materials add a textural richness throughout: a ceiling lined with folded wood panels lend a whimsical, origami-like quality to the space, blending into rough wood boards, white birch, and warm oak walls and floors. The bold-pattern green stone countertops add a touch of colour to the natural palette of the space, while custom lighting fixtures bring out the textural qualities of each material. Interior design elements were carefully curated to harmonise with the muted backdrop of the home: furniture pieces, customised rugs and bespoke casework and cabinetry contribute to the warm, relaxed aesthetic the studio set out to achieve.
Sustainability plays a central role in Dove’s design. “This project employs a concept of environmental stewardship that is often overlooked,” notes Agathom. Ground-source heating and cooling methods are employed, while 41 photovoltaic panels were installed to harness electricity and funnel back the excess into the grid. The roofs are lined with local, drought-tolerant plants to moderate interior temperatures and provide better insulation, producing an environmental-friendly green roof irrigated by rainwater.
Glass doors open up to several outdoor spaces that sit adjacent to the house, along with a greenhouse, a covered walkway, and a pool—features that remind residents of the rich landscape that surrounds them. Finely calibrated to connect people to spaces and nature, Dove is a revelation of surprising spaces both intimate and monumental.
Photography © Steven Evans / Doublespace