Ridge on the Chimney is a collection of four rental cottages, situated in the remote rural community of Chimney Corner on the west coast of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Overlooking Chimney Corner Beach and the Northumberland Strait, the buildings— referred to as “cabins” and “bunkies”—accommodate between two and six people. The project includes two 1-bedroom bunkies, measuring 515 and 575 square feet, respectively, and two 2-bedroom + bunk cabins, each spanning 1,275 square feet.

Conceived as a cluster of simple, wood-clad gabled forms, the cottages are positioned along a north-south “ridge” in the landscape. To the west, the land drops dramatically over cliffs into the Northumberland Strait, while to the east, it rises into the mountains beyond. The architectural language references the local vernacular, drawing inspiration from gabled agricultural barns and coastal fish shacks. The buildings assume a “taut skin” form availing themselves of zero-eaves detailing, and designed to withstand the powerful “Les Suêtes” winds—a local weather phenomenon that brings sustained speeds of up to 100 km/h and gusts reaching 200 km/h.

Entry corners “bites” are recessed to provide shelter upon arrival, leading to a compressed entry sequence that transitions to a vaulted living, kitchen, and dining space with expansive glazing that frames breathtaking views of Chimney Corner Beach and the surrounding natural landscape.

Rooted in the ethos of “economy and place,” the design blends traditional geometries with modern detailing, using minimal materials to create a significant architectural impact that enriches the landscape while fostering meaningful connections between people and place.