Diamond Pass Cottage
PROJECT TAGS
LOCATION
BUILDER
PHOTOGRAPHY
The owners were a young family that had spent many years enjoying the drooping old island cottage, with its beautiful views of Diamond Channel.
Water Views and Ample Sunlight
The goal was to build a new camp with a more open plan that took better advantage of the water views and would grab more sunlight from the rear (uphill) side of the house. Additionally, they frequently entertained large groups of friends and family, so they wanted to create something dynamic, that could accommodate up to 16 guests comfortably.
Reusing Salvaged Materials for a Modern Touch
In homage to the original cottage, the owners salvaged beadboard, millwork, and timbers from the old structure. These materials were thoughtfully incorporated into the new camp, serving as visible structural columns, stair components, and wall finishes. This approach not only preserved the memory of the old cottage but also added a layer of history and character to the new building.
Open Layout for All Seasons
To help keep the mass of the new place in proportion with the neighboring cottages, the glazed seasonal porch was broken off from the main house and attached by a narrow connector. Oversized casement windows open to allow the room to function as a screened porch in warmer weather or close to enjoy the fireplace on crisp autumn days. An enormous gable transom at the rear pulls sunlight into the space from the south.
The main house is set up as an open kitchen/living/dining area, with a semi-private family room. Great care was taken to maintain view lines from the kitchen at the back of the house, through the living areas, and out to the water.
Balancing Scale and Functionality
The challenge was to design a new camp that felt appropriately scaled in relation to neighboring cottages while enhancing functionality. This involved breaking off the glazed seasonal porch to reduce the building’s mass and carefully designing the layout to ensure clear viewlines and ample sunlight throughout the interior, all while incorporating salvaged materials from the beloved old cottage to maintain its historic charm.
The Results
Out of respect for the beloved old cottage, the owners salvaged and stockpiled a tremendous amount of its bead board, millwork, and timbers. These were incorporated back into the new cottage as visible structural columns, stair parts, and wall finishes.
