# Ontario Hemlock House Draws Inspiration from Traditional Farm Structures Architect Brian O'Brian completes a contemporary rural residence featuring corrugated metal and greenery. - **Source:** [Architecture news and projects | Dezeen](https://brifing.si/source/50c21201-9cc6-48e0-8a7c-6ea605af10c3) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/17a50804-a197-4d3a-981d-5cdc147fd1bc ## From Renovation to Replacement The project in Markdale, Ontario, began as a modest renovation of a 1930s farmhouse. However, the client eventually opted for a full replacement, leading to the creation of the 3,250-square-foot Hemlock House. Architect Brian O'Brian designed the new structure to replace the original building while maintaining a connection to the site's history. ## Agrarian Design Language Brian O'Brian drew inspiration from the region's traditional agricultural buildings to inform the home's contemporary form. The design features a long bar-shaped volume paired with an adjoining box, echoing the layout of local barns. This approach aims to blend the modern residence into the surrounding 72-acre landscape of woods and farmland. ## Distinctive Exterior Features The house showcases a slanted, corrugated-metal facade on its north side, which includes three windows protected by sliding, perforated steel panels. An angular green roof covers the attached box section, while the main bar volume is topped with a sloped metal roof. These elements provide a functional yet aesthetic agricultural appearance. ## Southern Elevation and Glazing In contrast to the industrial north side, the southern elevation features hemlock siding and extensive glazing. This side of the house overlooks a swimming pool and outdoor patios, creating a softer transition to the landscape. Various roof overhangs are strategically placed to shield the interior spaces from intense sun and heavy snow. ## Interior Spatial Organization The interior is divided into public and private zones across two levels. The linear volume houses the principal suite, a secondary suite, and two bedrooms with a shared bathroom. Meanwhile, the adjoining box contains the kitchen, dining area, and living room, facilitating a clear separation between communal living and private sleeping quarters. ## Material Logic and Palette The architect employed a consistent material palette throughout the residence, focusing on concrete and hemlock wood. These materials define every surface, establishing a steady material logic that bridges the gap between earthy textures and industrial design. Neutral colors are used throughout the interior to maintain a cohesive and calm living environment. ## Site Context and History The property spans 29 hectares and includes an old farmhouse and a century-old barn, which the new driveway traces. The client commissioned O'Brian after seeing his previous work, which involved converting a 19th-century stone schoolhouse into a cottage. This history influenced the architect's desire to honor the site's agrarian lineage. ## Regional Architectural Trends The Hemlock House joins a growing list of notable residential projects in Ontario that reinterpret rural building types. Other examples include a renovated 1970s chalet by UUfie and a black cabin by Barbora Vokac Taylor. These projects collectively demonstrate a trend of integrating contemporary domestic forms with the region's historical architectural vernacular. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dezeen.com/2026/11/04/hemlock-house-ontario-brian-o-brian/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._