Omar Gandhi Architects completes Cedar's Kin, a waterfront residence on Lake Huron in Ontario

Canadian studio Omar Gandhi Architects has finished Cedar's Kin, a 5,000-square-foot house in Huron County, Ontario, positioned on a forested bluff above Lake Huron's eastern shore. The residence comprises three linked pavilions across three levels, plus a separate guest cabin and beach hut, all oriented to maximize lake views through existing tree canopies. Architect Omar Gandhi, collaborating with John Gray Thomson and Chad Jamieson, designed the structure to minimize site erosion and preserve trees. A bridge at the uppermost level provides access to the central pavilion, leading down to a double-height living room, with a primary bedroom suite offering sweeping water vistas. The lakeside facade features a thick, chamfered timber frame for a geometric effect, contrasting with a more rectilinear entrance. Eastern white cedar clads the exterior, while oak joinery and cedar soffit boards warm the interiors, which are illuminated by dappled evening light. The lower level includes a basement with a bedroom, bathroom, games room, sauna, and deck, alongside utility areas at the rear. Steps connect the pavilions to terraces and the ancillary structures, which share the same materials and geometric approach, creating a cohesive ensemble harmonizing with the natural setting.