The Skybox house, built by Halifax-based MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects, resembles a small birdhouse perched above the sloped terrain in Upper Kingsburg, Nova Scotia. The tiny cottage quietly sits on stilts and hovers above the lush landscape. The compact two-story residence flaunts an upside-down house concept in a 1,050-square-foot layout and efficiently tucks two bedrooms into a tiny space.
Instead of flattening the sloped terrain, architect Brian MacKay-Lyons placed the Skybox house on steel stilts to prevent damage to the site, giving the structure a floating form and providing a safe corridor for local wildlife.
Inspired by the Nova Scotia fisherman’s cottage, the architect wrapped the building with galvalume (industrial aluminum-zinc alloy) for long-term durability. The metal cladding protects against the harsh coastal climate and salt air, and provides minimal maintenance. The steep slope of the gable roof fits the exterior walls, offering a crisp minimalist silhouette.
A continuous band of ribbon windows wraps the upper story, while the ground floor has few windows to maintain privacy. The windows flood the interior with ample light and soften the sharp industrial look of the corrugated façade.
An elevated entrance bridge connects the compact house to the main road, and a bright blue sliding shutter opens into the wood-wrapped interior. Compared to the industrial exterior, the interior exudes a modern rustic aesthetic through tactile woodwork, which fills the indoors with organic warmth.
As mentioned before, the metallic house has an upside-down concept with private spaces on the ground floor and social spaces on the upper floor. By placing the social zone on the upper floor, the homeowners enjoy uninterrupted, vantage views of the landscape.
The ribbon windows capture the peak natural light and fill the space with ample brightness. The social zone, tucked beneath an exposed timber-vaulted ceiling, has an open-floor layout. It has a living room, a dining room, and a kitchen. The dark blue cabinetry softly contrasts with the light blue kitchen countertop, imbuing the space with a calming coastal vibe to complement the Nova Scotia coastline.
The living room sits next to the ribbon windows and includes a comfortable sofa set with a textured wooden coffee table. A marbled stone accent wall with a modern wood-burning stove sitting on a blue-painted wooden bench adds subtle drama to the living space.
Also Read: Norwegian Cabin Flaunts Organic Shape of 18 Tree-Like Columns Made With Uprooted Spruce Trees
The décor items displayed in the cubbies in the wall cabinet enhance aesthetic appeal, and the soft rug keeps your feet warm while you lounge on the sofa. The ribbon windows bring in sunlight throughout the day and keep the indoors naturally warm. The dining room includes a light-toned wooden dining table that seats six.
The ground floor includes a private zone, with two cozy bedrooms and bathrooms. Clever placement of the sleeping area on the lower floor keeps the bedrooms naturally cooler and provides privacy from prying eyes.
The Skybox house offers a contemporary living experience filled with natural warmth and an airy atmosphere. The homeowners described the house’s aesthetic as Fish Shack Fabulous, owing to the use of humble materials and clean silhouette that pays homage to the Nova Scotia fishing cottages.
Via: Yanko Design