R House is a quiet rural residence nestled within a forested outcropping in Northern Ontario. Thoughtfully placed to protect the site’s wetlands and preserve the natural paths travelled by deer, moose, foxes, bears, and rabbits, the home settles gently into the landscape, embracing the rhythms of the natural world.
Rooted in Passive House principles, the home features a high-performance envelope with continuous insulation, triple-pane windows, and a fully ducted air source heat pump system that supports healthy indoor air quality. Durable, low-emission materials were chosen with regional sourcing in mind, including locally harvested Eastern White Cedar cladding and polished concrete floors that provide thermal mass and a quietly elegant finish.
Following an elongated east–west axis, the design maximizes passive solar gain on its south-facing facade and captures the shifting light of each day. Morning sun fills the kitchen and bedrooms, while the living spaces bask in the warm glow of the setting sun. The north side features limited glazing that shields the home from cold winds, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.
Designed by poliarchitecture Inc. and built by polibuild Inc., this two-storey slab-on-grade home, completed in 2024, reflects refined craftsmanship and thoughtful details that create spaces both elevated and inviting, while ensuring a healthy home for a growing family.
