Modern Prefab by Kohn Shnier Architects and Royal Homes
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto 
on 07.21.07
Conflict Disclosure: Until recently my day job was working with Royal Homes to promote modern prefab. We commissioned Kohn Shnier Architects to design the small and efficient Q series, which was seen by a Toronto patron of the Arts, who asked for a larger version as a second home for two families in Muskoka, Ontario. I visited the site this week for the first time since the construction and installation, which can be seen here. Another disclosure: I am a terrible photographer and these pictures do not do it justice.
The building is essentially a sixteen foot deep wall; that the maximum width that can go down the road, and Martin Kohn took advantage of this to create the thin, long structure.
The exterior balconies were built on site by Wayne Judges, a talented local builder. Note that the stainless steel mesh has not yet been installed in the handrails.
The terrain is rock, and quite steep. It was disturbed as little as possible, and tree removal was minimized. Because of the difference in grade, Kohn placed the living areas upstairs and the bedrooms below; this way one can change after swimming and then go upstairs to the living areas. One enters by crossing a long bridge from the parking area to the house.
The cladding on the forest side is zinc, installed on site.
Upon entry, one realizes how thin this building is; the other wall is right in front of you. There is a large mudroom with bench to put all the stuff that invariably comes with cottages and kids.
Kitchen, living and dining is in one large room. The minimalist aesthetic of ash floors, walls and ceilings is carried throughout the house.
Beyond the living room is the "outdoor room", which is not being used today as a huge electrical storm moves in during our visit.
Looking back over the Kohn Shnier designed sixteen foot long dining room table, the kitchen island and counters are in a glazed corner.
Storage wall against the glass
A continuous walkway is built on both levels; here the hailstorm has moved in and most of Muskoka was blacked out as trees fall on the power lines. The new gen set did not kick in so there was not too much more interior photography.
Although with so much glass there was still lots of light inside.
and our hosts were still able to whip up a lovely lunch.
The bedrooms are spartan and tiny, designed for sleeping, a bunk and a closet in each. Without a wide angle lens I could barely photograph them.
It held up well through the storm, although the rocks that are supposed to catch the water are clearly in the wrong place. (although the green roof is not yet installed and that might slow down the flow)
After four years of struggling to build modern prefab, it is thrilling to go out with such a bang, and an honour to work with such a wonderful client. Thanks to Martin Kohn, John Shnier, Brigitte and Barbora and everyone who worked on this project with Kohn Shnier Architects; Wayne Judges, and Pieter Venema and Klaas Jorritsma of Royal Homes. You can see the construction and installation at ::RoyalHomesModern
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Wow Lloyd, this is incredible. And the pics look pretty good from my perspective (although I'm not a photographer). Awesome post and congratulations on recognizing all that hard work.
Lovely intersection with the forest. No inner santuary. Light and water in your face. Good.
This thing is fugly. Do the world a favour and build your next one underground. Seriously.
Not only would it be less of an eyesore but it would be easier and cheaper to maintain seasonal thermal continuity. Oh, and put it in a city where houses belong. Quit encroaching on the little that's left of natural habitat.
Ahh yes... jack-ass comments already.
Anyway. It seems like the rainwater system might require more thought then just a pile of rocks. The owners might consider a better solution of distributing the water so that they don't get a nasty erosion problem after a couple years. Or better yet collect some of the rain water.
A little art goes a long way too as far as personalizing a space. :) It's cool to see successful pre-fab owners. I'd like to find out how the space is lasting over the next couple years.
Why can't these prefab structures be warmer. It seems so cold and lifeless! It is so boxy and ugly!
I have always wanted to build a self sustaining home, but I want it to be warm, inviting and homey!