Header: Doublespace
Located in the dramatic freshwater landscapes of Pointe Au Baril, Ontario, Whistling Wind Island emerges from the waters, drawing inspiration from the stunning archipelago. There, a series of smaller-scale buildings with asymmetrical rooflines rest upon a one-acre island of exposed Precambrian bedrock.
This unique island retreat by Akb Architects, where structures embrace the elements rather than resist them, was designed for an avid kite surfer. The wind’s force and movement influenced the design, reflected in the asymmetrical rooflines and the seemingly scattered arrangement of the buildings, as if placed by the wind itself.
Sculpting the landscape with wood and stone
Whistling Wind Island consists of a main cottage at the island’s highest point, along with a bunkie, a sauna, and a boat storage building. These modestly scaled structures are linked by wooden gangways and decks that follow the natural topography, filling the gaps between rocky outcroppings. Expansive wraparound decks provide panoramic views in every direction, embracing the island’s raw beauty.
The choice of materials plays a key role in integrating the buildings with the rugged landscape. Cedar shingles cover both the roofs and walls, creating a continuous surface that weathers into a soft gray, echoing the tones of the surrounding Precambrian rock. Deeply recessed windows punctuate the facades, while overhangs provide shade and reduce heat gain. The result is a collection of buildings that appear carved from the island itself, resilient against extreme weather conditions.
Interior warmth and minimalist comfort
Inside, the interiors are wrapped in natural materials, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The main cottage features an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area, anchored by a full-height Muskoka granite fireplace. Custom whitewashed cedar boards run horizontally across the walls, mirroring the vast horizon line of water and sky. The bunkie echoes this design, offering a compact but cozy retreat with two bedrooms, a shared washroom, and a central fireplace.
Large glass walls blur the line between inside and outside, allowing natural light to flood the interiors while framing breathtaking views of the ever-changing landscape. Retractable walls create seamless airflow, taking advantage of cross breezes for natural cooling.
Prioritizing sustainability
Sustainability was a driving force behind the project. Every material was transported by barge, limiting size and weight, and construction was done entirely by hand, including mixing concrete for pier foundations.
The design prioritizes environmental sustainability in multiple ways. Triple-pane operable glass walls enhance insulation while allowing cross-ventilation to naturally regulate indoor temperatures. Water usage is minimized through low-flow plumbing fixtures and an on-demand hot water system, with Georgian Bay itself providing an alternative for bathing. To preserve the island’s dark sky, no exterior lighting was installed, allowing the night’s natural glow to remain undisturbed. Inside, lighting fixtures were carefully selected to create a soft, candlelit ambiance.
Even the off-season was considered; by winter, aluminum roll-down covers protect the windows from ice and storms, ensuring longevity without excessive maintenance.
Whistling Wind Island is a remarkable example of how architecture can respond to the forces of nature rather than fight against them. It’s no surprise that this project earned Akb Architects the BLT Award’s Jury’s Favorite prize in residential design. This retreat offers not only a perfect summer getaway, but also an architectural experience shaped by the wind, water, and rock of Ontario’s wild north.
Project info
Design Company: Akb Architects
Lead Designer: Kelly Buffey
Design Team: Robert Kastelic, Donald Peckover, Byron White, Tim Wat, Antonio Morais, Nicole Rak
Architecture Firm: Akb Architects
Interior Designer: Anne Hepfner Design Inc.
Photo Credit: Doublespace
Project Location: Pointe Au Baril, Ontario, Canada
Project Date: 2023
