Country House in Canada

Designed by Superkül studio as a country house for a family of six, the Compass House in the town of Malmé, Canada, was named after the clients’ desire to take a new course in their lives, as they recently returned to their homeland after a long stay in Great Britain. The 4300 square meter building is located on the Niagara Escarpment ridge and maintains a delicate and balanced relationship with the landscape — forest to the west, hill to the south and fields to the north and east.

In response to the low, horizontal form of the building, an external fireplace resembling a totem pole creates a vertical counterpoint. Windows located in the high gable roof allow soft light to bathe the interior. Thanks to these elements, the view turns upward, and people develop a special relationship with the sky, sun, and clouds.

Inside the house, floors and walls made of light oak and white cedar stand out for their warm natural texture. At the same time, the high snow-white ceiling creates a sense of spaciousness and boundlessness. Such a clear contrast in materials reinforces the motif of the meeting between sky and earth, which can be enjoyed from outside. Built using low-maintenance materials to age beautifully, the house is designed for use throughout several generations.

Thanks to its geothermal system, the building stands out for exceptional energy efficiency, as well as good natural lighting and passive ventilation, making it a home that reflects the values of ecological thinking.

Photos: Ben Rahn / A-Frame Studio