The remote Canadian architecture of power couple Shim-Sutcliffe
The Architecture of Point William delves into a series of works by Toronto architecture firm Shim-Sutcliffe, all masterfully bridging nature and architecture on the Canadian Shield
We have followed the dynamic architecture of Brigitte Shim and Howard Sutcliffe of Toronto-based Shim-Sutcliffe ever since we first profiled the studio back in 2007. Several years, publications and a wealth of strong projects later, and the illustrious Canadian architects have been back on our radar with their sensitive, detail-orientated and contextual work for PW House, on the Canadian Shield. The generous family home was featured in our May 2020 print issue, and then nominated as Best Private House in the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2020.
This particular house is key element in a larger project for the architects. Shim and Sutcliffe started working on the masterplan of a five-acre plot on Point William, Lake Muskoka, in 1997. The home, the largest in the compound, is the newest part in a scheme that serves as an extended family’s weekend retreat. It is exactly this long-term, slowly-but-steadily developed and multi-faceted project that the architects’ latest architecture book, The Architecture of Point William, explores.
The book, newly launched by ORO Editions, showcases Shim-Sutcliffe's masterful work on site, bridging existing structures, landscape and new architecture into a well-balanced, sensitive whole. It also tells the story of the reimagining of this beautiful, natural site on the Canadian Shield, which took place over two decades.
The publication includes an introduction by architect, critic and historian Kenneth Frampton; a captivating interview with the architects by writer Michael Webb, who has followed the project over the years; and expert photography by Ed Burtynsky, James Dow and Scott Norsworthy.
Taking the reader through key structures that are part of the scheme – a mostly residential composition, set upon a rocky base overlooking the surrounding forest and water – the book also offers a wealth of sketches, drawings and other insights. It creates not just a valuable source for architectural information and inspiration, but also the perfect excuse to daydream and mentally travel, in these movement-restrictive times.
INFORMATION
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018), Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022).
-
The McLaren W1 is the latest in the sports car maker's tech-saturated Ultimate Series
First F1, then P1 and now W1, McLaren Automotive reveals its latest limited-edition supercar to the world, a £2m concoction of hybrid power and active aero that is, unsurprisingly, already sold out
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Paul Rudolph at The Met: ‘from Christmas lights to megastructures’
‘Materialized Space: The Architecture of Paul Rudolph’ opens at the Met in New York, exploring the modernist master's work through a feast of an exhibition
By Stephanie Murg Published
-
‘London: Lost Interiors’ gathers unseen imagery of some of the capital’s most spectacular homes
This new monograph is a fascinating foray into the interior life of London, charting changing tastes, emerging styles and the shifting social history of grand houses in the heart of a fast-changing city
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Bunkie on The Hill is a cosy Canadian cottage full of charm
Bunkie on The Hill, a design by Dubbeldam Architecture + Design, is tucked into the trees, slotting neatly into Ontario's nature
By Shawn Adams Published
-
Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024: meet the practices
In the Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2024, our latest guide to exciting, emerging practices from around the world, 20 young studios show off their projects and passion
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Svima looked to Japanese architecture, 'nature and ecology' for Passageway House in Serbia
The Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024 includes Svima, a young Canadian practice joining our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios
By Tianna Williams Published
-
'Tropicality' explored in Indonesian architect Andra Matin’s first monograph
'Tropicality' is a key theme in a new book on Indonesian architect Andra Matin, whose work blends landscape, architecture and living
By Harriet Thorpe Published
-
Arthur Erickson's Museum of Anthropology at UBC has been given a new lease of life in Vancouver
After an extensive renovation, The Museum of Anthropology is part Shinto shrine, part cathedral, part longhouse – and a temple to learning
By Hadani Ditmars Published
-
A dramatic new lakeside cabin in the Canadian wilderness rises above the trees
Kariouk Architects' lakeside cabin ‘m.o.r.e. CLT’ explores new material approaches while making a minimal impact on a precious landscape
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
‘A Time ⋅ A Place’ is a lovingly compiled photographic portrait of cars and architecture
‘A Time ⋅ A Place’ is a celebration of the European Car of the Year and changing perceptions of modern design, pairing the best buildings of the age with their automotive contemporaries
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Álvaro Siza’s new monograph through the lens of Duccio Malagamba is impactful and immersive
Álvaro Siza and photographer Duccio Malagamba collaborate on a new monograph by Phaidon; ‘Before / After: Álvaro Siza Duccio Malagamba’ celebrates the Portuguese architect's work
By Michael Webb Published