The Halifax, Nova Scotia, firm of MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects is, as its cofounder, Brian MacKay-Lyons notes, “probably best known for our houses” (as can be seen in Record Houses 2009, 2012, and 2016). The Burge house, on Mount Thom, in central Nova Scotia, is a notable example of the architects’ straightforward approach. Embedded in a hill above a meadow that opens to a creek and lake below, the residence is a simple but striking structure. Mackay-Lyons describes its form as that of a “clip” of extruded, corrugated, and folded weathering steel. A board-formed concrete retaining wall on the north side, 144 feet long and 20 feet high, supports the steel moment frames’ column-and-beam structure. Because of the wall and the concrete floor, MacKay-Lyons notes, “You’re living between a folded roof and folded concrete.” In addition, a pair of sliding perforated weathering-steel screens are motorized to give the south facade a sense of privacy and security.

The board-formed concrete north wall is exposed in the living area (1) and dining area (2). Photos © James Brittain, click to enlarge.