copper steel slabs of rural residence nod to the red earth of caledon badlands in canada

‘Badlands’ residence stands on the red hillside of rural canada

Toronto-based BLDG Workshop completes the single-family residence ‘Badlands’ that stands in the rural hills of Caledon, Canada. Located in Ontario, approximately an hour northwest of Toronto, the house takes site in a rural area with a long history of fishing, equestrianism, and farming. Intensive farm cultivation of the early 1900s caused erosion over the region’s topography forming a unique geological feature known as the Cheltenham Badlands. The design draws from intricate land contours and distinct colors to shape a modern structure that blends seamlessly with its surrounding landscape. The composition introduces red-hued Corten steel into the volume as a nod to the red earth of the nearby barren area.

‘badlands’ by BLDG Workshop | all images by Doublespace Photography

white volume with minimal shapes is covered by gable roofs

The rolling hills of the Caledon countryside immediately west of the Cheltenham Badlands endure as a protected heritage site, (see more here). Architectural design studio BLDG Workshop draws from the unique geology of the region maintaining the connection between the structure and the rural countryside both through its overall form and through the openings of the construction allowing views of the natural scenery. The glass expanses frame the unaltered parts of the landscape, while intentionally obscuring less desirable and obtrusive built forms of the adjacent properties. The residence, apart from the steel features, develops an entirely white volume with clean and minimal shapes covered by four gable roofs. The main level of the single-story home arranges two bedrooms, alongside the expansive public spaces of a kitchen, a dining room, and a living room, while assembling a full-service guest suite and additional above-grade bedrooms in the basement.

the red-hued Corten steel of the volume serves as a nod to the red earth of the nearby barren area

an entirely white volume with clean and minimal shapes is covered by four gable roofs

the glass expanses frame the unaltered parts of the natural Canadian landscape

the design draws from the distinct regional red color and wintery white hues to blend with its surrounding landscape

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project info:

name: Badlands
designer: Nathan Buhler – BLDG Workshop Inc. | @bldg_workshop

construction: Rob Hockley

location: Caledon, Ontario, Canada

photography: Doublespace Photography | @2spacephoto

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom