The Webster Cottage, designed by 5468796 Architecture, is a perfect 4-seasoned, get-away cottage for a family of four.

Located in the Village of Dunnottar, Manitoba, Webster Cottage is approximately 150 ft away from Lake Winnipeg. Inside the 50 by 140 feet lot, there are small and large trees isolating the cottage from its surroundings. There is one cor-ten steel roof that covers three main structures: the main cottage, a summer cottage and an accessory building acting as a storage space. There is a very simple material usages to reduce the cost while giving a contrast between the roof structure and the main buildings. The roof is made of cor-ten steel while the structures use a plywood finish to create a cottage-like cozy mood.

The design of the house is made to act as a relaxation home. The windows are directed towards the lake while pointed at a direction to allow natural breezes to flow through lowering utility costs. While maximizing natural sunlight inside the house, there are plenty of outdoor spaces offered by the design including a screen porch, covered decks and open decks. The outdoor spaces are visually connected by a raised walkway leading back to the main cottage. The Webster Cottage is the perfect get-away home for a family to relax, bask in the sun and enjoy a nice quiet lake.

There is a neat seasonal expansion-contraction design used to conserve utility costs in different seasons. During Manitoba's chilly -20*C winter, the building contracts to conserve energy. In order to contract the building, only spaces that are occupied are insulated and heated leaving the rest of the building to 'freeze' through the winter. The summer cottage and storage spaces are closed off in the winter to conserve energy while maximizing on natural breezes during the summer to maximize efficiency. All in all, the Webster Cottage is a beautiful, well-designed four-season cottage home in Manitoba.

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All photographs courtesy of 5468796 Architecture.

Article researched & written by Jay Namkung, Environmental Design student at OCAD University.