In Ontario, a spacious waterfront penthouse of more than 10,000 square feet is held firm by a wooden core, encased in a lattice structure.
Transforming Retreat: Crafting an Intimate, 10,000-Square-Foot Resort in Your House
How about turning your expansive 10,000-square-foot dwelling into a cozy, inviting retreat? Embrace a hearty dose of chilled-out coastal colors, rich woods, and a central, all-encompassing hub as your guiding principles.
When architects Abe Chan and Sam Khouvongsavanh, the dynamic duo behind ACDO, combined two units into one in a shiny, contemporary midrise condo along the shores of Lake Ontario, they faced a challenge: create a tranquil oasis that offers moments for quiet thought, contrasted with flamboyant spaces meant for entertaining—all interconnected through "stunning sequences that highlight the views," per Abe himself.
The clients dreamt of a laid-back sanctuary, filled with breezy Zen moments, yet tempered with theatrical zones designed for yacht parties. The home would be as much a playground for hospitality as it was a showcase for architecture. It drew inspiration from luxurious getaways like Aman resorts and Hong Kong’s Mandarin Oriental, as well as the client’s vast, eclectic art collection. The objective? “To blend Asian resort vibes with a beach house spirit,” as Abe so eloquently puts it.
Stepping through the entrance corridor is like strolling into a top secret, five-star design hotel spa: a surreal, dimly-lit passageway that leads to the double-height living and dining areas. The central hub, a stunning, wooden lantern that ascends to the upper level, pulls together the home’s core functions, including the primary suite, solarium, and principal activities. Walnut paneling and lattice-style woodwork ground the space, resonating with the resorts that boast numerous lanterns.
The sunlit solarium, Sam’s preferred room in the home, is an embodiment of moody sophistication. Here, soft lighting melds with a mirror-glossy coffee table, further accentuating its lakeside setting. The palette draws directly from the site itself, accentuating washed-out woods, walnut, granite, marble, and Zellige tile. Rich blues nod to summer while deeper gray-greens echo the changing shoreline across the seasons.
A sculptural chandelier by Lindsey Adelman anchors the dining area while nautical-esque fabrics adorn the adjacent patio. The ultra-modern home usually opts for a minimalist, sleek finish, yet this project called for a high-gloss ultramarine blue kitchen—a stylish exception. “This one demanded high gloss,” Sam clarifies. Art from Vietnam and France pepper the space, adding character and charm.
Upstairs, the roof’s pitch pulls the eye straight towards the horizon, evoking a strong visual line that’s fortified by the roof condition. Sam explains, “We’ve created details intended for a snug, enveloping experience.” The walk-in closet, appointed with custom-designed rugs, exemplifies one of the comfiest spots.
The primary suite lies at the heart of the nest, boasting a retractable TV that vanishes to keep the view unobstructed. The bathroom, inspired by the Mandarin Oriental, offers a hammam-style steam shower experience. A cove light was added to minimize glare, and an infinity-edge soaking tub sits beside a living wall with preserved plantings, perfect for maintaining with just a occasional spritz.
Art plays a crucial role in enriching the environment. The design team collaborated with Mr Pink, an art consultant, to blend seamlessly with the client’s collection. In the guest bedroom, abstract foliage-inspired art featuring soft colors and an understated pattern was chosen to keep the room feeling light and airy. In the living room, the carpet echoes the gentle, fluid movement of waves with a water-like pattern.
From the 24-foot-high living spaces and glass-enclosed solarium to the stunning lake views, this home masterfully harmonizes spaciousness and privacy, offering an elevated yet serene experience. The ultimate goal? Says Abe, “To incorporate all the elements you'd find in a resort hotel room into a house.”
- The living room, presumably a heart of the house, showcases a water-like patterned carpet that echoes the movement of waves, creating a calming, beach house ambiance.
- The bathroom, inspired by the Mandarin Oriental, offers a hammam-style steam shower experience, complementing the resort-like atmosphere within the home.
- The interior design of the outdoor living space includes nautical-esque fabrics, adding a sailing accent to the ultramodern furnishings.
- The kitchen flaunts a high-gloss ultramarine blue finish, serving as a stylish exception to the minimalist, sleek design typically preferred in this home.
- The home's art collection, a blend of pieces from Vietnam and France, contributes to the room's characters and charm, adding another layer of sophistication.
- The primary suite's design focuses on achieving a luxurious, intimate, and private retreat, as initiatives like a retractable TV that disappears for a clear view of the lake demonstrate.
