We have followed the dynamic architecture of Brigitte Shim and Howard Sutcliffe of Toronto-based Shim-Sutcliffe ever since we first profiled the studio back in 2007. Several years, publications and a wealth of strong projects later, and the illustrious Canadian architects have been back on our radar with their sensitive, detail-orientated and contextual work for PW House, on the Canadian Shield. The generous family home was featured in our May 2020 print issue, and then nominated as Best Private House in the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2020.
This particular house is key element in a larger project for the architects. Shim and Sutcliffe started working on the masterplan of a five-acre plot on Point William, Lake Muskoka, in 1997. The home, the largest in the compound, is the newest part in a scheme that serves as an extended family’s weekend retreat. It is exactly this long-term, slowly-but-steadily developed and multi-faceted project that the architects’ latest architecture book, The Architecture of Point William, explores.
Spread from the book
The book, newly launched by ORO Editions, showcases Shim-Sutcliffe's masterful work on site, bridging existing structures, landscape and new architecture into a well-balanced, sensitive whole. It also tells the story of the reimagining of this beautiful, natural site on the Canadian Shield, which took place over two decades.
The publication includes an introduction by architect, critic and historian Kenneth Frampton; a captivating interview with the architects by writer Michael Webb, who has followed the project over the years; and expert photography by Ed Burtynsky, James Dow and Scott Norsworthy.
Taking the reader through key structures that are part of the scheme – a mostly residential composition, set upon a rocky base overlooking the surrounding forest and water – the book also offers a wealth of sketches, drawings and other insights. It creates not just a valuable source for architectural information and inspiration, but also the perfect excuse to daydream and mentally travel, in these movement-restrictive times.
INFORMATION
-
Tag Heuer unveils sporty new collections at LVMH Watch Week 2025Tag Heuer has announced a series of new watches at LVMH Watch Week, including Formula 1 and Carrera editions
-
Reflections from Los Angeles: a local writer's personal account of the LA firesArchitecture writer and local resident Michael Webb reflects on the devastating 2025 Los Angeles fires and offers his personal account of the events of the last two weeks in California
-
Sundance Film Festival 2025: The films we can't wait to watchSundance Film Festival, which runs 23 January - 2 February, has long been considered a hub of cinematic innovation. These are the ones to watch from this year’s premieres
-
This Canadian guest house is ‘silent but with more to say’El Aleph is a new Canadian guest house by MacKay-Lyons Sweatapple, designed for seclusion and connection with nature, and a Wallpaper* Design Awards 2025 winner
-
Wallpaper* Design Awards 2025: celebrating architectural projects that restore, rebalance and renewAs we welcome 2025, the Wallpaper* Architecture Awards look back, and to the future, on how our attitudes change; and celebrate how nature, wellbeing and sustainability take centre stage
-
The case of the Ontario Science Centre: a 20th-century architecture classic facing an uncertain futureThe Ontario Science Centre by Raymond Moriyama is in danger; we look at the legacy and predicament of this 20th-century Toronto gem
-
Year in review: the top 12 houses of 2024, picked by architecture director Ellie StathakiThe top 12 houses of 2024 comprise our finest and most read residential posts of the year, compiled by Wallpaper* architecture & environment director Ellie Stathaki
-
This sustainable family home is an Ontario retreat in tune with its settingRidge House by Superkül is a private Canadian retreat that nods to its context and embraces nature and landscape
-
Bunkie on The Hill is a cosy Canadian cottage full of charmBunkie on The Hill, a design by Dubbeldam Architecture + Design, is tucked into the trees, slotting neatly into Ontario's nature
-
Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024: meet the practicesIn the Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2024, our latest guide to exciting, emerging practices from around the world, 20 young studios show off their projects and passion
-
Svima looked to Japanese architecture, 'nature and ecology' for Passageway House in SerbiaThe Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024 includes Svima, a young Canadian practice joining our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios
