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UUfie renovates Ontario chalet with net barrier and hammock

architecture-design · 2026-08-26

UUfie, an architecture firm located in Toronto, has undertaken the renovation and expansion of the Belfountain House, a chalet from the 1970s in Ontario, Canada. The northern section has been preserved, while the southern part has undergone significant transformation. An elongated roof seamlessly connects both sections, resulting in a four-storey residence that spans 430 square metres (4,628 square feet). The design incorporates white stucco and black wood, promoting a continuous flow between spaces. The upper floor houses bedrooms, a kitchen, dining, and living areas, while the lower level descends the hillside. A suspended net separates the dining and lounge spaces, and the landing features a sauna and gym. Reclaimed elm and radiant concrete floors are among the materials used. Founded in Tokyo in 2009, UUfie has worked on various projects, including a medical clinic in Ontario. Photography by Ema Peter.

Key facts

  • UUfie renovated and expanded a 1970s chalet in Ontario, Canada.
  • The project is named Belfountain House and is located within the Niagara Escarpment.
  • The house preserves the northern portion of the original structure and transforms the southern half.
  • The resulting house is 430 square metres (4,628 square feet) with four storeys.
  • A suspended net serves as both a barrier and a hammock inside the house.
  • The design was conceived as 'like a hike' by cofounder Eiri Ota.
  • The house features a polycarbonate wall in the guest suite for light diffusion.
  • Materials include reclaimed elm, concrete floors, and red steel beams.
  • UUfie was founded in Tokyo in 2009 and is based in Toronto since 2013.
  • Photography is by Ema Peter.

Entities

Artists

  • Irene Gardpoit
  • Eiri Ota
  • Ema Peter

Institutions

  • UUfie
  • Dezeen
  • North Arrow Limited
  • Moses Structural Engineers
  • Hayward Consulting & Design

Locations

  • Ontario
  • Canada
  • Niagara Escarpment
  • Toronto
  • Tokyo

Sources