Custom Residential Design & Renovation

On a large farm surrounded by forest, horse trails and fields, this site was chosen for its stunning views of both Osler Mountain and Georgian Bay. To capture the views east toward the water, ERA designed an inverted contemporary spit-level residence: living spaces on the upper floor with the bedrooms below. Rational volumes and carefully...

This family had summered at Pointe au Baril for decades, enjoying much of this Georgian Bay island. On a ruggedly beautiful site with expansive lake views, ERA designed a simple set of airy spaces that responded to the landscape, while leaving a light ecological footprint in this new, off-the-grid cottage. Living spaces are cool and...

This historic Prince Edward County house was stripped of its original interior details. Luckily, significant elements were salvaged and made available to the new owners. In close collaboration with the client, ERA restored the residence’s formal layout and re-incorporated the salvaged woodwork back to its historic locations while the newly-designed staircase incorporated the original newel...

Built between 1906-1912, Silver Birches is a well-loved landmark on the remote north shore of Mackinac Island in Michigan. The Lodge is a rare example of an Adirondack-style Arts & Crafts log hotel and is included on the State Register of Historic Sites. After withstanding a century of extreme Lake Huron weather, Silver Birches and its...

The designated Thomas G. Elgie House, is the oldest of three residential buildings in Leaside that predate its incorporation as a town in 1913. Although altered in the 20th century, the original building remains, however the south elevation’s red brick walls and 19th century detailing were concealed by an addition. As part of a conservation...

This project involved the extensive interior renovation and façade restoration of a historic John Wilson Siddall house in Toronto. ERA worked with Croma Design to improve the performance of the building’s envelope, redesign the house’s floor plan and interiors, and preserve select elements such as the original living room and staircase hall. The scope of work...

This off-grid historic cottage burned down during a spring opening. The owners wanted to rebuild it as closely as possible to the original, and a master plan had to be written for the insurance company overseeing the project. The stone fireplace was rebuilt using a Rumford typology, the building was reconstructed with alterations to improve...

The historic Wild Rose Cottage is located on one of  Pointe au Baril’s outer Georgian Bay islands. ERA led the refurbishment of the original cottage and the design of a new “bunkie.” The bunkie components were composed with prefabricated panels which were transported to and assembled on the island. The custom design incorporates two bedrooms, a...

This cottage is part of a family compound on an outer island at Pointe au Baril, Georgian Bay. After several renovations the building had lost some of its original character. ERA led the restoration of the original cabin’s cherished rustic qualities while providing modern amenities and an improved layout. The building itself needed substantial upgrades...

This project is set on a two-acre island in the archipelago at Pointe au Baril, Ontario, and saw the restoration of a historic cottage and bunkie. Careful adjustments to landscaping opened expansive views of the water and natural surroundings. The living room of the main cottage was enlarged to introduce more lake light into the...

This Pointe au Baril Island cottage has been in the same family since its construction in 1923. The owners were keen to install an off-grid solar electrical system and improving comfort while preserving the original cottage character and its beloved features. A new addition follows the material palette and architectural format of the original building,...

This cottage is situated on an outer island of Pointe au Baril in Georgian Bay. ERA designed renovations to a recently built small cottage and planned future alterations and additions. Keeping the cottage volume more or less as existing the interior was completely and efficiently redesigned. The updated cottage was fully winterized and fitted out...