Project Overview
This energy-efficient modern cottage in Sundridge, Muskoka, delivers open-concept family living with uncompromising performance. The homeowners envisioned a residence defined by clean architectural lines, maximized natural light, and low-maintenance materials suited to cottage country.
Pars Royal Tower's full design-build approach unified every decision—from the reinforced concrete ICF foundation to the 16-foot ceilings and 10-foot triple-glazed aluminum windows that anchor the interior experience. The result is a 3,200-square-foot high-performance home that meets Village of Sundridge by-laws while exceeding expectations for comfort, durability, and craftsmanship.
The Vision & Design Strategy
The design strategy focused on a clean modern profile, an efficient plan, and strong daylight performance. Soaring 16-foot ceilings create vertical drama while 10-foot triple-glazed aluminum windows draw the surrounding landscape into daily life.
Every bedroom includes an ensuite washroom—a deliberate choice supporting multi-generational use and guest comfort. The high-performance building envelope, combining ICF walls with thermal-efficient assemblies, ensures the home remains comfortable year-round while minimizing energy demands. Clean architectural lines unify interior and exterior, creating cohesion from foundation to roofline.
Challenges Solved
- Challenge: Compliance with Village of Sundridge by-laws for setbacks, coverage, and height
- Solution: Careful site planning and design iteration ensured the modern massing remained disciplined and aligned with site constraints
- Result: Full municipal approval while maximizing usable space
- Challenge: Local soil conditions requiring specialized site preparation
- Solution: Reinforced concrete ICF walls with integrated drainage and moisture protection
- Result: Durable foundation suited to regional conditions
- Challenge: Achieving superior thermal performance in a northern climate
- Solution: High-performance envelope with triple-glazed windows and thermal-efficient assemblies
- Result: Energy-efficient residence with consistent indoor comfort
Craftsmanship & Details
The construction prioritizes materials that perform in Muskoka's demanding climate. Reinforced concrete ICF walls provide structural integrity, integrated drainage, and continuous moisture protection—critical for a region with significant temperature swings and seasonal precipitation.
The building envelope pairs these walls with triple-glazed aluminum windows spanning 10 feet in height. This glazing strategy maximizes solar gain during cooler months while maintaining thermal efficiency. Every assembly was detailed to Ontario Building Code requirements and beyond, ensuring the home delivers on its promise of premium craftsmanship and long-term durability.
Modern Comforts
- Dual-zone climate control with independent second-floor HVAC
- Energy-efficient HVAC system
- Smart home integration
- Radiant basement floor heating
- Snow-melt system
Interior Finishes
Interior spaces balance warmth and modernity through deliberate material choices. The 3-inch white oak staircase anchors the main living area, its natural grain providing organic contrast to the home's clean lines. Glass railings maintain sightlines and allow light to travel freely between levels.
Custom cabinetry throughout the home offers tailored storage solutions while reinforcing the cohesive design language. Radiant floor heating in the finished basement transforms this lower level into genuine living space—comfortable underfoot regardless of the season. The six bathrooms, including ensuites for all four bedrooms, feature finishes consistent with the home's modern aesthetic.
Exterior Presence
The stucco-finished façade presents a clean, contemporary face to the streetscape while requiring minimal long-term maintenance. Large windows punctuate the exterior, signalling the light-filled spaces within and creating visual interest through scale and proportion.
A composite deck with glass railings extends living space outdoors, offering durability against Muskoka's weather cycles. The two-storey massing sits comfortably within Village of Sundridge height requirements while maximizing the program.
Why This Project Represents Pars Royal Tower
The Robert Street residence demonstrates what full design-build execution achieves: a unified vision from concept through completion. By controlling every phase—design, permitting, construction, and finishing—Pars Royal Tower delivered a home where energy efficiency, premium materials, and thoughtful design reinforce each other.
The integration of ICF construction, triple-glazed windows, smart home systems, and radiant heating required coordination that only a single accountable team can provide. This Sundridge home stands as proof that uncompromising quality and practical performance belong together.
Call to Action
Considering a custom home in the Greater Toronto Area or cottage country? Pars Royal Tower's design-build approach delivers clarity, craftsmanship, and results—from first conversation to move-in day. Book a consultation to discuss your vision.
