Small Living in Severn
A bunkie in Simcoe County leans into sustainable design principles
Nestled in the wilds of Severn, Ontario, a timber-clad bunkie perches quietly on the waterfront of its sprawling 7.66-acre site. As owners Elizabeth Graham and Matthew Uniac worked on crafting their dream home just steps away along the edge of the Canadian Shield, this minimalist micro-dwelling became their ideal, sustainable retreat—a perfectly scaled-down solution to tide them over. Adrian Worton, principal at Daymark Design, guided the couple in shaping a vision they would eventually bring to life themselves, right in their own backyard.
Employing a site-specific design approach, Daymark looked to the stone- and tree-lined terrain to inform much of the initial composition, with eyes set on a modern form suitable for everyday living.
Part of being remote and still able to provide facilities for full-time living means this cozy cottage had to generate everything it needed on site, including heat, electricity and water.
The idea was to leave the land untouched and use local timber to create a residence that not only seemed to belong but blend in. As such, the structure sits atop a natural clearing that requires no excavation, blasting or tree removal—save for the driveway.
Exterior cladding, Scouten White Cedar; sconce, Amazon; windows, Marvin Canada; solar panels, Canadian Solar.
The modern interiors make the off-grid bunkie design a haven for homebodies. Sofa, Kavuus.
Cabinetry from IKEA was adorned with gold accent hardware courtesy of CB2.
A woodfire stove provides the main source of heat, which gets locked inside thanks to an unbroken layer of insulation around the entire cabin. Nearby, another small, natural clearing is home to a 1925-watt solar array offering optimal power collection and storage for every energy need, like the cabin’s washer/dryer, dishwasher, 40-gallon water heater, HRV, indoor and outdoor lighting and more.
At just 301 square feet, you might expect this off-grid and intimate-sized lodge to feel inflexible, but it fits a lot into a little, employing traditional and creative design tactics to transform perception inside and out. Pendant, countertop, IKEA; sink faucet, Amazon.
Stepping through the door, you’ll find a living space, a surprisingly spacious kitchenette, a bedroom, a full 3-piece bath and even a loft that offers another living space entirely separate from the main floor—and an opportunity to sneak away from all the close-quarters action every once and a while.
The bunkie design features an open gable roof that provides high ceilings. At the same time, tall windows interline the untreated eastern white cedar cladding, stretching upward toward the peak of the grey standing seam metal roof. The large panes easily pass light back and forth across the cottage, while the untreated cedar will weather and scar over time until the structure melts back into its natural surroundings, as designed. These elements elicit an illusion of expanse in all directions, making the cabin feel open, airy and connected to nature.
Structural consulting for the bunkie design was provided by Tatham and Associates.
Daymark’s bunkie design embodies the essence of sustainable, off-grid living with style and warmth. Its black-framed windows and doors create a striking contrast against the light wood, seamlessly coordinating with the ink-toned cabinetry in the kitchenette. Unmissable is the spacious deck, offering a cozy retreat amidst nature, and a wood-fire-heated hot tub just a few steps further.
As the bunkie continues to blend into its natural surroundings, it will landmark itself as an ideal sanctuary for its owners—a place to retreat, recharge and harmonize with nature in every season.
