Cherry Valley is a minimal house located in Prince Edward County, Canada, designed by StudioAC. This area is renowned for its complex coastline and emerging wine industry, with a landscape that primarily features fields and shorelines. Cherry Valley is positioned on a site that encompasses both a meadow-like plateau at its entrance and a ridge leading down to the lakeshore. The house is strategically placed just below the tree canopy, on a natural ridge offering shelter from the wind and views of the lake, framed by trees. The design of the residence integrates it into the ridge, with the rear protected and the front offering views from beneath the tree line. The house features large windows facing the lake, and ground-level panoramic windows overlooking the meadow.
These windows provide an immersive view of the surrounding nature, from the ground up to the sky. The design also includes larger dormers that enhance natural light, replicating the effect of sunlight filtering through tree canopies. The architectural style and materials of Cherry Valley draw on the local agrarian architecture. The use of brick and cedar reflects the dual nature of the site: brick forms the solid wall against the hillside, while cedar extends down the facade facing the water, complementing the surrounding trees. Inside, the walls and surfaces are clad in Douglas fir, with brick elements that echo the exterior design. This blend of materials and the strategic siting of the house create a dialogue between the building and its natural surroundings, making Cherry Valley a notable example of contemporary residential architecture that respects and enhances its setting.
