https://www.architecturalrecord.com/rss/1797 en-us http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/17734 Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:11:58 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/17734-in-new-brunswick-mackay-lyons-sweetapple-architects-designs-an-off-grid-cottage-for-a-nonagenarian-client http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/16110 Wed, 01 Mar 2023 06:07:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/16110-mackay-lyons-sweetapple-architects-make-their-mark-on-halifaxs-waterfront http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/15768 Wed, 27 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/15768-design-ed-podcast-brian-mackay-lyons http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/15748 Tue, 19 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/15748-house-of-the-month-mackay-lyons-sweetapples-burge-house-is-an-essay-in-weathering-steel On a forested site on Lake of Bays, north of Toronto, 40 picturesque cabins embrace a modern vernacular.

]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/14272 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/14272-bigwin-island-golf-resort-by-mackay-lyons-sweetapple-architects Three prototype cabins in the resort community are completed. Photo © Doublespace photography The cedar-shingled hipped roofs seem to float above the wood-framed structures. Photo © Doublespace photography Inside, cedar lines the walls and ceilings, while floors are oak. Photo © Doublespace photography Image courtesy MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects A seasonal house in Canada’s Maritimes takes inspiration from local fishermen’s cabins.

]]> http://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/11587 Fri, 01 Apr 2016 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/11587-mirror-point-cottage-by-mackay-lyons-sweetapple-architects Mirror Point Cottage The Eastern white cedar– shingled house sits among spruce, pine, and oak trees on the shores of Grand Lake in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis County. Its simple form is a nod to the “Newfie Box” of the area. Photography © James Brittain Mirror Point Cottage The 80-foot-long house is essentially an extrusion of its gabled front, with the main entrance below the elevated structure. Photo © James Brittain Mirror Point Cottage A sunken area serves as a summer kitchen. Photo © James Brittain Mirror Point Cottage An operable clerestory along the entire northern facade provides natural ventilation. Photo © Will Green Mirror Point Cottage Framed views of the lake. Photo © James Brittain Mirror Point Cottage The gang-nail roof truss, normally hidden, is exposed and painted white, along with the pine planks of the main walls and sloping ceiling. Photo © James Brittain Mirror Point Cottage The cabinetry of the kitchen and fireplace in the main living space is clad in the same Western red cedar that sheathes the staircase. Photo © James Brittain Mirror Point Cottage Image courtesy MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Mirror Point Cottage Image courtesy MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Mirror Point Cottage Image courtesy MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects chebogue-schoolhouse-mackay-lyons-sweetapple-architects.asp Sat, 16 Aug 2014 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/8454-chebogue-schoolhouse Chebogue Schoolhouse Chebogue SchoolhouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsKingsburg, Nova ScotiaPhoto © Will Green Chebogue Schoolhouse Chebogue SchoolhouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsKingsburg, Nova ScotiaPhoto © Will Green Chebogue Schoolhouse Chebogue SchoolhouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsKingsburg, Nova ScotiaPhoto © Will Green Chebogue Schoolhouse Chebogue SchoolhouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsKingsburg, Nova ScotiaPhoto © Will Green Chebogue Schoolhouse Chebogue SchoolhouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsKingsburg, Nova ScotiaPhoto © Will Green Chebogue Schoolhouse Chebogue SchoolhouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsKingsburg, Nova ScotiaPhoto © Will Green Chebogue Schoolhouse Chebogue SchoolhouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsKingsburg, Nova ScotiaImage courtesy MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Chebogue Schoolhouse Chebogue SchoolhouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsKingsburg, Nova ScotiaImage courtesy MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects “On the first day on the project, we decided to fly it off a cliff,” says Brian MacKay-Lyons, describing the simple wood and steel–frame residence his firm designed. 

]]> 1310-cliff-house.asp Wed, 16 Oct 2013 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/8538-cliff-house Windows on the sides and front of the house capture ocean views. Cliff HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaWindows on the sides and front of the house capture ocean views.Photo © Greg Richardson Inside, a bathroom and laundry off the entrance make way for an open kitchen, dining room, and living area. Cliff HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaInside, a bathroom and laundry off the entrance make way for an open kitchen, dining room, and living area.Photo © Greg Richardson Visitors to the Cliff House approach an unfenestrated facade, punctuated by a single doorway. Cliff HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaVisitors to the Cliff House approach an unfenestrated facade, punctuated by a single doorway.Photo © Greg Richardson Cliff House Cliff HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaPhoto © Greg Richardson Cliff House Cliff HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaPhoto © Greg Richardson Cliff House Cliff HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaPhoto © Greg Richardson Cliff House Cliff HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaImage courtesy Mackay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Cliff House Cliff HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaImage courtesy Mackay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Most architects say they start each project with a blank slate.

]]> two-hulls-house.asp Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/8805-two-hulls-house The architects call the house a 'landscapeviewing instrument'. Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaThe architects call the house a 'landscapeviewing instrument'.Photo © Greg Richardson Clad with 8-inchwide boards of cedar, the landside ends of the two pavilions. Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaClad with 8-inchwide boards of cedar, the landside ends of the two pavilions.Photo © Greg Richardson The landside ends of the two pavilions are inward-focused spaces that contrast with the lanternlike decks facing the sea. Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaThe landside ends of the two pavilions are inward-focused spaces that contrast with the lanternlike decks facing the sea.Photo © Greg Richardson Interior spaces, such as the entry foyer and kitchen, are lined with wood and crafted as if they are pieces of furniture. Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaInterior spaces, such as the entry foyer and kitchen, are lined with wood and crafted as if they are pieces of furniture.Photo © Greg Richardson Interior spaces, such as the entry foyer and kitchen, are lined with wood and crafted as if they are pieces of furniture. A ramp also leads to the lower-level living and service areas. Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaInterior spaces, such as the entry foyer and kitchen, are lined with wood and crafted as if they are pieces of furniture. A ramp also leads to the lower-level living and service areas.Photo © Greg Richardson The bedroom pavilion extends farther than the daytime wing, so its sloping roof rises to 32 feet, 4 feet higher than its sibling. Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaThe bedroom pavilion extends farther than the daytime wing, so its sloping roof rises to 32 feet, 4 feet higher than its sibling.Photo © Greg Richardson Concrete floors with radiant heating and a wood-burning fireplace keep the house warm, while cross ventilation aided by remotely controlled clerestory windows eliminate the need for air-conditioning. Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaConcrete floors with radiant heating and a wood-burning fireplace keep the house warm, while cross ventilation aided by remotely controlled clerestory windows eliminate the need for air-conditioning.Photo © Greg Richardson A simple drawing shows the inspiration for the design. Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaA simple drawing shows the inspiration for the design.Photo © Greg Richardson Beach on the property Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaBeach on the propertyPhoto by Clifford A. Pearson View of woods and water Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaView of woods and waterPhoto by Clifford A. Pearson Driveway to the house Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaDriveway to the housePhoto by Clifford A. Pearson Front of the house Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaFront of the housePhoto by Clifford A. Pearson View of the house from the shore Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaView of the house from the shorePhoto by Clifford A. Pearson Steps down to the shore Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaSteps down to the shorePhoto by Clifford A. Pearson Living pavilion Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaLiving pavilionPhoto by Clifford A. Pearson Children's bedroom Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaChildren's bedroomPhoto by Clifford A. Pearson Ladder to sleeping loft Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaLadder to sleeping loftPhoto by Clifford A. Pearson David Bourque of MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects (left) and client (right) Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaDavid Bourque of MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects (left) and client (right)Photo by Clifford A. Pearson View of the Nova Scotia coast Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaView of the Nova Scotia coastPhoto by Clifford A. Pearson View of Shobac Farm with buildings by Brian MacKay-Lyons Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaView of Shobac Farm with buildings by Brian MacKay-LyonsPhoto by Clifford A. Pearson View of Shobac Farm Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaView of Shobac FarmPhoto by Clifford A. Pearson Studio at Shobac Farm by MacKay-Lyons Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaStudio at Shobac Farm by MacKay-LyonsPhoto by Clifford A. Pearson Two Hulls House Two Hulls HouseMacKay-Lyons Sweetapple ArchitectsNova Scotia, CanadaImage courtesy MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects The place seems to be at the edge of the world, where an expansive sky, shimmering water, and a hilly landscape dotted with spruce and pines are only interrupted by rustic cottages and barns.

]]> 0901shobac-1.asp Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/8709-shobac-cottages-and-studio