Hillcroft Modern

by Zoran G. September 20, 2026

Hillcroft Modern

A lakeside bungalow
Mississippi Lake · Beckwith, Ontario

Room to gather.
Space to retreat.

On Mississippi Lake in Beckwith, near Carleton Place, Hillcroft Modern reimagines the bungalow as a home of generous proportions and contrasting experiences. Low, horizontal wings settle into the landscape, while a taller central volume brings light, openness and a sense of occasion to everyday living.

The brief is deeply personal: a comfortable home for daily life, with the space to welcome family and friends. Across 4,500 square feet on the main floor, the design balances shared living, private bedrooms and an unusually close relationship with the outdoors.

4,500

Sq. ft. main floor

3

Bedrooms

3

Bathrooms

A measured arrival

A sequence
of rising spaces.

The entrance unfolds through a deliberate progression in height. A 12-foot covered front porch creates a sheltered threshold. Beyond the door, the foyer rises to 16 feet before opening into a living space with a dramatic 21-foot ceiling.

Each transition changes the feeling of the home: protected at the porch, welcoming at the entrance and expansive at its centre. The architecture gives the arrival a sense of occasion while keeping the route into the house clear and intuitive.

The main floor

One level.
Different ways to live.

The central living space acts as the organising heart of the plan, connecting two distinct wings. A quieter bedroom wing supports privacy and rest, while the kitchen and dining spaces form the social side of the home. Three bedrooms, including the primary bedroom, and three bathrooms support the everyday needs of the household.

This arrangement allows a gathering to unfold without taking over the entire house. There is room to cook, talk and spend time together, alongside places where family members can step away and enjoy a quieter moment.

An integrated composition

Practical space.
A considered presence.

The four-car garage adds approximately 1,600 square feet and is integrated into the bungalow’s overall form. Its lower roofline extends the horizontal composition, allowing the taller entrance and living volume to remain the focus.

In the renderings, pale masonry, warm wood tones and dark cladding give the broad elevations depth and rhythm. The timber-lined canopy and distinctive entrance door bring warmth at the point of arrival, while planting, raised garden beds and sculpture create a welcoming foreground.

The heart of the design

Outside, brought
closer to home.

The covered rear lanai is the defining gesture of Hillcroft Modern. Recessed into the body of the house, it draws an outdoor room inward, creating a close connection between the main living spaces and life on the terrace.

This is a place for a long meal, a conversation in the shade or an evening that moves easily between indoors and out. The shelter of the roof gives the lanai a sense of enclosure, while its open edge keeps the pool, gardens and lakeside setting part of the experience.

For clients who love to entertain, that relationship is essential. The lanai becomes a natural meeting place: close to the activity inside, yet fully engaged with the outdoors.

Made for hosting

Life around
the pool.

The lanai opens onto a generous pool area, with a pool house forming part of the outdoor programme. Dining, lounging and gathering are considered together, giving guests different ways to enjoy the setting while remaining connected to the home.

Broad terraces, planting and steps create a gradual transition from the house to the landscape. The intention is a setting that works as well for a quiet afternoon as it does for a lively summer gathering—generous, comfortable and easy to share.

A second layer of living

Space for the things you enjoy.

A further 4,500 square feet in the finished basement extends the home’s possibilities. The programme includes a theatre room, gym, yoga room, office, storage and a dedicated recreation lounge—the clients’ own “man cave.”

Bringing these activities to the lower level gives work, exercise, entertainment and hobbies room of their own. It also allows the main floor to retain a calmer focus on daily living, gathering and the connection to the lake.

Comfort in every season

Light, warmth and thoughtful performance.

Large windows are central to the experience of the home, connecting the interior with daylight and the surrounding landscape. Energy-efficient European-style windows and spray-foam insulation are specified as part of the approach to improving thermal resistance and supporting year-round comfort.

These practical choices sit alongside the architectural ones. The aim is a home where openness and comfort work together, and where the spaces that make a strong first impression remain enjoyable in everyday use.

Project images shown are architectural renderings. Areas are approximate.

Custom House

Rideau River Custom

by Zoran G. September 20, 2026

Rideau River Custom

Modern Riverfront Residence
Manotick, Ontario

A calm presence.
A bold expression.

Layered volumes, natural materials and generous glazing shape a contemporary home connected to its riverfront setting. Strong horizontal rooflines and deep overhangs bring a sense of calm to a residence of remarkable scale.

8,000+

Sq. ft.

5

Bedrooms

7

Bathrooms

The exterior palette

Material, light,
proportion.

Light natural stone meets dark architectural cladding and warm wood accents. The garage wing and upper terrace form part of the composition, held together by the long, quiet line of the roof.

A considered arrival

An entrance
shaped by light.

A double-height entrance anchors the home. Pale stone, slender dark frames and the warmth of the timber soffit give this generous space a distinctly residential character.

Bold architecture.
A warm welcome.

Full-height glazing reveals the scale of the entrance, while broad stone steps and soft planting bring the experience back to a human scale.

The project film

Experience
the residence.

Take a closer look at the design, its setting and the details that bring it to life.

Rideau River Custom · Project film

Life outdoors

Open to
the landscape.

Covered terraces and generous outdoor living areas extend the home toward the river. Dining, entertaining and quiet retreat become part of the same connection between inside and out.

Generous in scale.
Grounded in everyday life.

Five bedrooms and seven bathrooms are complemented by an office, theatre room, golf simulator and wine cellar. An elevator, two staircases and multiple service spaces support daily life. Throughout, the design remains focused on proportion, natural light and a warm family atmosphere.

Custom House

Manotic Modern

by Zoran G. March 7, 2025

Manotic Modern

A contemporary family residence
Manotick · Ottawa, Ontario

A bold presence.
A home for everyday life.

In Ottawa’s Manotick community, this custom home brings together a confident contemporary exterior and a practical approach to family living. Pale masonry, dark horizontal bands and warm timber accents give the street-facing elevation a clear rhythm. Generous glazing opens the home to daylight, while the lower garage wing keeps the overall composition grounded.

The design brings three priorities into balance: open, connected living spaces; comfortable places to enjoy the outdoors; and flexibility for the years ahead. An upper balcony, a sheltered ground-level terrace and a one-bedroom apartment extend what the home can offer beyond its main living spaces.

2

Storeys

1

Bedroom apartment

2

Outdoor levels

The architectural character

Character through
contrast.

The front elevation is composed as a series of overlapping planes. Light masonry frames the tall windows, dark fascia bands draw the eye horizontally, and timber inserts introduce a warmer note at the entrance. The contrast gives the house definition without relying on decorative excess.

From the approach, the lower garage volume and taller living accommodation read as parts of one coherent design. Changes in depth create shadow and shelter, making the entrance legible and giving the facade a different character as the light moves through the day.

Everyday living

Open to light.
Connected to life.

The open-plan concept supports the familiar rhythms of family life: preparing a meal, sharing a conversation and moving between connected spaces. Large areas of glazing bring daylight into that experience and keep the surrounding landscape present from within.

Heated ceramic flooring is specified for the main level, with hardwood on the upper floor. Together, these finishes balance practical everyday use with warmth underfoot and a more intimate character upstairs.

A coherent whole

Practical space.
Considered design.

The garage is integrated into the architecture rather than treated as a separate object. Its lower roof and quieter wall surfaces allow the two-storey residence to remain the focus, while the same restrained palette connects the different volumes.

Our approach is to make the practical parts of a home contribute to its overall quality. Here, proportion, material transitions and the position of openings work together to create a clear composition from both the street and the garden.

Life outdoors

Two levels.
More ways to unwind.

At the rear, the home changes from a composed street presence to a more open setting for everyday life. A broad deck connects the glazed living spaces with places to sit, dine and spend time outside. Above, a generous balcony provides a second outdoor retreat.

The balcony also helps define the sheltered porch below. This relationship gives the outdoor areas different qualities: a more protected place close to the house and open space toward the garden. Outdoor living becomes part of the architecture, not simply an addition to it.

The intention is a home that supports both gathering and quiet time, with a natural progression from the interior to the terrace and beyond.

A quieter perspective

Room to gather.
Space to pause.

The upper balcony offers a different way to experience the garden. Its light railing keeps the view open, while the roof above creates a sense of enclosure. Below, the timber deck gives dining and lounging a shared, welcoming surface.

These spaces do not need to serve the same purpose at the same time. A family meal, a conversation outdoors and a quieter moment upstairs can coexist within a home designed around more than one pace of life.

Room for changing needs

Flexibility built into the brief.

A one-bedroom apartment adds an important layer of flexibility to the project. The original design includes it as a potential source of rental income, broadening the ways the property may support its owners over time.

Considering that possibility during design helps connect present-day living with longer-term needs. It is a practical example of how a custom home can be shaped around more than its initial appearance.

Planning ahead

A home that can evolve.

The garage roof is designed with the possibility of a future green-roof conversion in mind. Considering this option early gives the owners room to develop the home over time, with the roof structure and planting strategy coordinated as that next step takes shape.

Good design makes room for informed choices. Through our residential design services, we help connect the architectural idea with the drawings, materials and coordination needed to develop it further.

Architectural visualizations of the proposed home. Landscaping illustrates the design concept.

Custom House

Edwards Modern

by Zoran G. March 7, 2025

Edwards Modern

A contemporary family residence
Edwards · Ottawa, Ontario

Space for family.
Room for individuality.

Edwards Modern brings a generous family home into focus through light, proportion and a clear connection to its wooded setting. Pale masonry and textured grey stone are held between dark horizontal bands, while warm soffits soften the deep roof overhangs. At the centre, a tall glazed stairwell gives the entrance a distinctive sense of openness.

The design balances the space to come together with the freedom to find a quieter corner. Open living and dining areas, a separate family room and a dedicated office support different daily routines. Upstairs, a private primary suite and additional bedrooms create a more restful part of the home, with balconies extending selected rooms outdoors.

2

Storeys

3,800

Sq. ft. living area

2

Car garage

The architectural character

Framed by light.
Grounded in stone.

The front elevation is defined by overlapping roof planes, deep shadow lines and a deliberate contrast between solid masonry and glass. The entrance canopy draws the eye toward the front door, while the two-storey glazing beside it reveals the stair as part of the architectural composition.

Stone accents give the facade texture and vertical emphasis. Dark frames connect the windows, balconies and garage to one another, and timber soffits bring warmth to the sheltered edges. These details work together to give a substantial home a clear, composed identity.

Life together

Connected spaces.
Different rhythms.

The main level is planned around approximately 2,000 square feet of living space. Formal living, family and dining areas offer different settings for conversation, entertaining and everyday relaxation, while the breakfast nook creates a more intimate place to begin the day.

A dedicated office makes room for focused work without asking the shared living areas to serve every purpose. The aim is a home that feels connected, with enough choice for family members to settle into their own routines.

The practical side

Everyday needs.
Considered from the start.

A double attached garage, mudroom and mechanical room are integrated into the plan from the outset. These spaces support arrivals, storage and the everyday operation of the home, helping the principal rooms remain comfortable and uncluttered.

Our design approach considers those everyday transitions alongside the larger architectural gesture. The route from the driveway to the entrance, the relationship between the garage and living spaces, and the position of the glazed stair all contribute to how the home is experienced.

The garden connection

Sheltered spaces.
Open to the garden.

At the rear, the architecture opens toward the garden. A wrap-around sunroom brings a sheltered, glazed edge to the main living level, with patio doors connecting it to the paved outdoor space. The surrounding trees become part of the experience from within.

Above, a generous corner balcony offers a different perspective on the landscape. The roof overhang and light glass railing balance a sense of shelter with open views, giving the upper floor an outdoor setting of its own.

Keeping the planting low and composed allows the windows, terrace and lawn to read as one connected sequence, with places for gathering close to the house and open green space beyond.

A quieter retreat

A private retreat.
A view of your own.

The upper level provides approximately 1,800 square feet of living space. The primary suite includes an ensuite, walk-in closet and private balcony, creating a retreat within the larger family home. Two additional bedrooms share a bathroom.

This separation of shared and private spaces is central to the design. A busy main level can accommodate guests, meals and daily activity while the upper rooms offer a more personal pace and a quieter connection to the outdoors.

Daylight and transparency

Light at the heart of the home.

The glazed stairwell is both a focal point and a source of daylight. Its tall windows make the movement between floors visible within the architecture, breaking up the masonry facade and giving the entrance a strong vertical element.

Oversized windows throughout the home extend that idea into the living spaces. Window placement, room arrangement and views are considered together, so the glass contributes to the experience of the home as well as its exterior character.

From concept to detail

Architecture, carried into detail.

The design specifies a raised slab-on-grade foundation, masonry cladding, spray-foam insulation and a two-ply SBS membrane roof. Bringing the envelope and structural approach into the design conversation early helps align the architectural form with the details needed to realise it.

Through our residential design services, we develop the relationship between plans, materials and construction information, helping clients understand their choices as the project takes shape.

Architectural visualizations of the proposed home. Landscaping illustrates the design concept.

Custom House

Hawkesbury Villa

by Zoran G. March 7, 2025

Hawkesbury Villa, an exquisite custom-built residence by ZG Architecture, is a refined masterpiece located on Front Street, harmoniously blending contemporary design with the timeless elegance of Hawkesbury’s historic charm. This unique 7,000-square-foot home spans two meticulously designed floors, each offering 3,500 square feet of luxurious living space.

The main level features an open-concept floor plan, where a magnificent oak curved stairwell serves as a striking architectural feature, gracefully connecting the grand living room, family room, and a dedicated office. The kitchen, a true culinary haven, is complemented by a full pantry and adjoins a formal dining room with direct access to a balcony, offering sweeping views of the lush backyard. The living room’s impressive double-height ceilings contribute to the airy and spacious ambiance, further elevating the home’s sense of grandeur.

On the second floor, the master suite is an opulent retreat, accompanied by three additional generously sized bedrooms, each featuring custom walk-in closets and private ensuite bathrooms. A small office space, located near the lofted area, overlooks the living room below, creating an open, connected feel throughout the home.

The fully finished walkout basement, with soaring 10-foot ceilings, provides an array of versatile spaces, including a kitchenette, additional dining and living areas, a gym, a guest bedroom, and a full laundry room. A state-of-the-art theater room adds a touch of luxury, while a dedicated mechanical room and cold storage space ensure maximum functionality.

A stunning 12×12 skylight atrium serves as a central focal point, bathing the home in natural light and offering a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors. With its exquisite features and timeless design, Hawkesbury Villa stands as a true architectural gem, seamlessly reflecting the rich history and character of Hawkesbury.

Custom House

Manotic South Contemporary

by Zoran G. March 7, 2025

Manotick South Contemporary, nestled in the picturesque southern region of Manotick, near the river, is set on a one-acre wooded lot that provides a tranquil forested backdrop. This extraordinary residence, designed and constructed by ZG Architecture, seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern architectural sophistication. Every aspect of the design and build process has been carefully considered, reflecting ZG Architecture’s unwavering commitment to excellence in both craftsmanship and innovation.

The 2,000-square-foot main floor features an open-concept layout, highlighted by a striking architectural hallway that directs the eye toward large windows framing the serene views of the backyard forest. The space includes a thoughtfully positioned office, a gourmet kitchen with a pantry, and an elegant dining room that opens onto a covered porch, ideal for both casual and formal gatherings. The living room is designed with an open-to-above ceiling, connected by a sleek catwalk from the front hallway, enhancing the sense of openness and light.

The master suite, located on the main floor, serves as a private retreat with direct access to the outdoors, a spacious walk-in closet, and a fully appointed ensuite. The second floor is designed with both privacy and comfort in mind, featuring a corner master suite, two additional luxurious master suites—each with walk-in closets and ensuite bathrooms—and a conveniently located laundry room.

The fully finished basement offers versatile spaces for entertainment and relaxation, including a home theater, an entertainment area, a guest bedroom, a full washroom with a sauna, and a well-appointed mechanical and storage room.

The exterior of the home is adorned with a combination of stone and stucco, complemented by windows and meticulously detailed architectural elements that enhance the home’s modern yet timeless appeal. Manotick South Contemporary stands as a true testament to the exceptional quality and innovative design that defines ZG Architecture, offering a harmonious blend of modern luxury and natural beauty.

Custom House

Gatineau Riverside Chalet

by Zoran G. March 7, 2025

This modern cottage on Saint Louis Street in Gatineau, designed by ZG Architecture, is nestled on a steep lot that offers breathtaking views of the river. Created as an idyllic summer retreat, the design thoughtfully integrates the home with its natural surroundings, ensuring a seamless connection with the landscape. Current renderings featured on the website present a sophisticated exterior palette of white tones with contrasting black elements; however, an alternative design option is being explored, incorporating earthy tones and natural wood materials to further complement the environment.

The home is built on a slab-on-grade foundation with an attached double-car garage, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Inside, the main floor embraces an open-concept layout, combining the kitchen, dining, and living areas into a harmonious, free-flowing space. The design is accentuated by oak chevron wood floors, which add warmth and texture to the modern aesthetic, and integrated lighting that enhances the home’s natural light throughout the day. A covered pergola connects the kitchen and living room, creating an inviting transition between the interior and exterior, while wrap-around windows allow for panoramic views and ample natural light.

An open staircase leads to a second-story loft above the garage, which includes a private patio—perfect for small gatherings and relaxation. This level, encompassing 1,300 square feet, houses two well-proportioned bedrooms that share a bathroom, a compact laundry area, and an expansive master suite with his-and-hers walk-in closets and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.

With its evolving exterior design that seeks to harmonize with the natural environment, this residence represents the ideal modern retreat on the river—an elegant blend of contemporary living and the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Custom House

Bi-Generational Gatineau

by Zoran G. March 7, 2025

This bi-generational modern masterpiece in Wakefield, Quebec, designed by ZG Architecture, masterfully integrates two distinct living spaces under a single roof. Set amidst the tranquil Wakefield Forest, with sweeping views of the serene river, the residence epitomizes a seamless fusion of contemporary design and the surrounding natural beauty.

The front unit, designed specifically for elderly parents, offers a luxurious yet intimate 1,500-square-foot apartment, complete with its own private garage. The grand entrance opens into an elegant dining room and a sophisticated kitchen, setting the tone for the refined interior. The living area, encased in expansive windows and adorned with a striking cathedral ceiling, creates an atmosphere of openness and light, enhancing the sense of grandeur and comfort.

The main unit, spanning three levels, is equally impressive, featuring a welcoming main hallway flooded with natural light. The loft space, accessed via a staircase, boasts a private balcony—ideal for morning reflections or quiet moments of respite. The expansive living room, designed with an open-to-above ceiling, allows light to cascade throughout, emphasizing the home’s airy ambiance. Adjacent, the kitchen and dining areas are complemented by a functional storage room/office and a dedicated mechanical room. On the second floor, two generously sized bedrooms share a bathroom, while the master suite offers a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a private balcony. The attic space provides a serene loft area, further enhancing the home’s versatility. Additionally, the carport roof is designed to be transformed into an additional balcony, offering a unique outdoor retreat.

The front unit’s second floor features a master ensuite with a full washroom and custom closet, an open office/laundry area, and a captivating open-to-below space that showcases the cathedral ceiling and a striking fireplace, serving as a visual focal point for the entire unit.

With 3,000 square feet of living space in the main unit and 1,500 square feet in the front unit, this residence represents the pinnacle of luxurious, functional living. It stands as a true testament to thoughtful design and craftsmanship, offering a harmonious balance of modern living and natural elegance in the heart of Wakefield.