DIN projects elevate pole house overlooking lake winnipeg

the pole house is a year round cottage designed by architecture studio DIN projects for a couple and their son on a heavily wooded site in the manitoba interlake area — two and a half hours north of winnipeg, canada. the cottage lot, obtained through the provincial lottery system, overlooks the lake winnipeg — although a local easement limits the house’s proximity to the water.

pole house view from the driveway

to suit the dense forest context, DIN project has developed pole house as a vertical wood platform structure that floats above the ground on thin steel pipe columns. the resulting tower typology enables views to the lake through the woods. three economical floor plates are stacked unto one another, progressing from most public to most private, and a stair winds around each level contained within a simple rectangular form.

materials and services are matter of fact and raw in their presentation and use

the site’s geology consists of limestone bedrock covered by a shallow layer of overburden. the low profile of this landscape combined with the porous nature of the overburden results in an extremely high water table. this condition necessitates a unique, dock-like crib structure to accommodate high water and freeze-thaw heave. the foundation is a steel pole (recycled gas pipe) grid that extends below the ground surface, and is drilled into the subterranean bedrock.

three economical floor plates are stacked unto one another, progressing from most public to most private

the cottage interior is primarily left exposed, revealing its wood frame, studs and plywood covering. the living spaces are in fact informal, meant for both resting and hiding away. on the other hand, a singular rigid foam insulation jacket strives for thermal efficiency, and internal ducting allows for air to be controlled and distributed vertically. a cast iron wood stove in the middle of the cottage is the primary heating source.

the low profile of the surrounding landscape necessitates a unique, dock-like crib structure

to suit the dense forest context, the pole house is built as a vertical wood platform

the cottage interior, with its wood framing, is primarily left unexposed

site plan showing the proximity of the cottage to lake winnipeg

the resulting tower typology enables views to the lake through the woods

floor plans: interior spaces are designed as informal and leisurely dwellings

the foundation is a steel pole grid extending below ground surface, and drilled into the subterranean bedrock 

elevations: the cottage’s architecture accommodates high water and freeze-thaw heave

a stair winds around each level contained within a simple rectangular form

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save