Houzz Tour: A Serene ‘Barn’ Wins Admirers and Awards in Canada

The serene minimalism of this light-filled Canadian home delights the owners – and impresses the neighbours

Houzz28 June, 2014

The professional couple who lives in this Ontario house calls their home a ‘Zen barn’ for its rustic reclaimed wood exterior and minimalist design. Rich textures inside and out warm up the modern look, and natural light streams into the house from all directions.

‘The stairwell, courtyard and second-floor decking above the dining area all let the interior space feel interconnected to the outdoors,’ says designer Rick Shean, of the Ottawa firm Christopher Simmonds Architect. And though this is an unabashedly contemporary design, neighbours embraced it, helping it win an award for best new build in the community in October 2012.

Houzz at a Glance
Location Ontario, Canada
Size 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms

Christopher Simmonds Architect

One of the reasons Shean thinks the home delighted so many of his clients’ neighbours is the structure’s size. ‘It’s not a monstrosity of a home. The size is pretty consistent with homes in the rest of the area, and its exterior is inviting and warm,’ he says. Functional yet decorative red bell lights by Axo Light add to the home’s kerb appeal.

Lights: Alteriors

Christopher Simmonds Architect

‘This house is as much about natural light and artistic, functional light as it is about the home’s design,’ Shean says. ‘Light moves through the structure and changes the space in response to the textures throughout the interior and exterior.’

See 10 ways to use red in your home

Christopher Simmonds Architect

Shean used century-old reclaimed white oak from south western Ontario, as well as pre-finished aluminium in some areas. ‘Studies show that this wood will lose around a quarter of an inch in thickness every 100 years, so even though it’s 100 years old now, it has many years to go before it needs to be replaced,’ he says. The oak came from a local store, The Wood Source.

Christopher Simmonds Architect

Floating cupboards store items and add geometric interest. Book spines, a minimalist floral arrangement and the bell pendant give this part of the house a few unexpected doses of colour.

Floating cabinets: custom made by CSA; live-edge table: Urban Tree Salvage

Cathy Lara

Metal pendants by Tom Dixon hanging above the kitchen island follow the length of the courtyard. Double-glazed Marvin windows help keep the heat indoors.

Cathy Lara

The flooring is a lightweight concrete with an epoxy topping, an elegant low-maintenance choice that resists scuffs and shoe marks. This part of the house makes the most of the available natural light, even in the long Canadian winters.

Christopher Simmonds Architect

Ash wood steps warm up the metal staircase. Underfloor heating keeps toes toasty on all levels of the house.

Cathy Lara

A variety of wood textures and tones gives the space a cosy character and contrasts nicely with the stark white of the walls, ceiling and flooring.

Christopher Simmonds Architect

‘My client called the house a work of art when he saw the reclaimed wood facade go up,’ Shean says. ‘It’s probably one of the biggest compliments that a designer can get from his client.’

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