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Nordic Barn in Collingwood, Ontario
Matt reached out to us back in 2022. He’s a residential contractor in Ontario, based in Collingwood, and he and his wife were looking to build a modern Nordic house design that would suit their everyday family life. They had an urban lot—a simple flat rectangle with a generous backyard—and they wanted something functional, bright, and durable for Ontario’s snowy winters.They came in with inspiration images of modern barn-style house with sharp, steep rooflines—ideal as a snow-friendly roof design.Collingwood is a scenic town in Ontario, Canada, located on the southern shores of Georgian Bay and just minutes from the Blue Mountains. Known for skiing, hiking, and a walkable historic downtown, it’s become a hub for both seasonal retreats and full-time residents. With its mix of outdoor lifestyle and design-forward homeowners, it’s the perfect place for a thoughtful custom home in Collingwood, Ontario.
Sure! Here’s a large block of placeholder text you can use for your website. You can copy and paste sections as needed for different parts of your layout.At [Your Company], we believe that every great project starts with a strong foundation—not just in materials, but in vision. Our team works closely with clients, collaborators, and communities to bring innovative architecture and design to life. Whether you’re dreaming of a modern cabin, restoring a historic home, or building from the ground up, we’re here to guide you through every step.We are a passionate collective of designers, builders, and storytellers with one goal: to create spaces that feel like home. Our projects span residential, commercial, and experimental typologies, always rooted in sustainability, craftsmanship, and care. With decades of combined experience and a curiosity for what’s next, we bring both precision and soul to every detail.
Matt and his wife were drawn to our Lake Barndo design but wanted to evolve it into something that could work as a full-time Ontario family home. Together, we adapted the concept into what is now our 5BD Nordic House—a plan tailored for real life, inspired by clean Nordic lines, and crafted with long-term function in mind.
The house includes a spacious two-car garage with extra room for storage, tools, and gear—especially important in a region with real winters. The garage flows directly into a covered deck, allowing easy movement of furniture and seasonal items.
Inside, the ground floor balances utility and warmth. A generous mudroom connects to a laundry zone. There’s also a front office nook, where Matt can meet clients—just steps from the entry, perfect for a residential contractor in Ontario. A ground-floor playroom doubles as a guest room when needed, offering flexibility for visiting family or overnight stays.
One of the standout spaces is the kitchen—a true showstopper. They went with a striking open-concept kitchen design featuring bold blue cabinetry and a large island. Behind the kitchen is a hidden door leading to a large walk-in pantry, creating both visual impact and daily practicality.
That kitchen opens into a double-height living space, where oversized windows bring in natural light and views of the backyard. The open flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas supports everyday routines, entertaining, and downtime alike.
Upstairs, the private spaces are equally thoughtful. The second floor includes a full master suite with a walk-in closet, freestanding tub, and separate shower, along with two children’s bedrooms that share a clean, modern bathroom. The overall layout supports flexibility and privacy—hallmarks of smart, energy-efficient home design.
This urban lot house design blends bold Nordic simplicity with livable comfort. From its snow-friendly roof design to its multi-functional interiors, it’s a home made for the rhythms of real life—built by and for a family deeply connected to their place in Collingwood, Ontario.
Matt acted as his own general contractor, bringing in his own trade connections to manage the build. The home sits on a slab-on-grade foundation, and the structure was built using a traditional 2x6 wood framing system. With a simple, clean building shape, the framing went up quickly, and each phase passed smoothly through inspections.
One of the more challenging moments was framing the double-height living room wall, but it came together well and created one of the home’s defining features.
For the exterior, they chose a mix of materials that balanced warmth and durability. The roof is finished with asphalt shingles, while the front and back gables are clad in grey brick, giving the house a modern, slightly Eastern European feel. Along the sides, Matt installed large-format fiber cement panels, adding contrast and a clean, contemporary touch.
Overall, the project stayed on budget, and the process was straightforward—thanks to clear planning, good trades, and Matt’s experience managing residential builds.
Client Testimonial – Matt, Collingwood, Ontario
“Working with Design with Frank was a great experience. We felt supported every step of the way. Even while we were out of the country, it was easy to communicate and make design requests. Chloe worked closely with our local engineer, Jim, to develop permit-ready plans, and we were able to obtain our building permit and break ground quickly.”
This Collingwood build is a great example of how thoughtful design and hands-on construction can come together to create a modern, livable family home. Inspired by Nordic forms and adapted from our Lake Barndo concept, the house blends everyday function with clean lines.
With Matt acting as his own general contractor, the build stayed on track and on budget. From the sharp rooflines and mixed-material exterior to the bright, open-concept interior, every part of the home reflects the family’s vision and the unique character of Collingwood. It’s a house designed not just to look good—but to live well, year-round.
