Muskoka Modern Prefab (480 Sq.Ft.)
Worldculturepost - The Muskoka Modern Prefab residence is a stunning, contemporary design by Altius, a Toronto-based architecture firm. Located on the shores of Lake Muskoka, Ontario, this dwelling is only accessible by water and was installed from the lakeside. The site had a pre-existing cottage, which was carefully analyzed in consultation with local authorities. The decision was made to keep the original location of the cottage and replace the old structure with a new bunkie on the same site.
The choice of prefab construction was logical given the water access and the desire to minimize site disruption. A modular approach was used to transport a unit by boat and place it on the existing footprint.
The design follows the regulations for sleeping cabins on Ontario cottage properties, which limit the footprint to approximately 600 sq. ft. However, the design optimizes the space to fit two bedrooms, a full bathroom, and living space within an enclosed area of 480 sq. ft. The design resembles a corner unit condo in an urban high-rise, but with a natural integration into the landscape.
Our modular platform in the workshop allows us to create structures from 400 to 600 sq. ft. in a single module, which is suitable for this context. This construction method can be applied to various uses, such as boathouses, Muskoka Rooms, screen porches, small sleeping cabins, and other accessory structures like workshops, storage rooms, hybrid carports, or remote offices. Prefabrication is efficient, enabling the fast production of intricate architectural products with minimal site disturbance compared to traditional onsite construction.
Many clients prefer prefab construction over conventional methods because of its speed and reduced environmental impact. Another benefit is the shorter turnaround time, which allows clients to enjoy their cottages sooner.
In conventional onsite building, the limited space means only two or three construction personnel can work at the same time. Each trade requires equipment setup and takedown, which introduces inefficiencies for each structure. Prefabricated units built offsite enable economies of scale that are not possible with traditional onsite projects. Our shop environment can accommodate a larger workforce at the same time, eliminating the need for trades to travel to a remote site. This efficiency advantage is especially evident in the fabrication of these smaller units within our workshop.
This project demonstrates our expertise in prefab construction, challenging the idea that prefab units look like trailers. As architects, we combine exceptional design and finish with modular constructs, which is a difference only in construction technique and location. Our quality and sophistication standards are consistent, whether we build custom-site or custom-modular structures.
