This Muskoka Cabin Got a Dark, Modern Makeover
Daymark transforms a crumbling seasonal dwelling into a darkly elegant, year-round retreat—one that honours the past and surrenders to the landscape
High above the still waters of Muskoka’s Lake Rosseau, what began as a modest seasonal cabin has been reimagined as a bold yet gentle retreat. It’s the work of Adrian Worton, founding principal of Daymark Design Inc., and it reflects a practice rooted in patience, texture and restraint.
The Muskoka cabin pairs a grounded material palette with a bold, modern facade.
“The pivot was sudden,” Worton says. Originally envisioned as a modern two-storey build with a walk-out basement, white cedar cladding, and a sculptural boathouse, the project took a sharp turn after the team spent more time on site. “The property was intended as an investment,” he explains. “That formed a large part of the criterion for design. But the more we experienced the land, the more we felt compelled to preserve what was already there.”
So began a sprint. Design and documentation were completed in a single month to meet permit deadlines, with a shift in strategy that favoured the architectural envelope first—interiors would be backfilled during construction. “The new goal was to maintain as much of the existing structure as possible, specifically the foundation. I approached this from a massing perspective—looking at shape and roofline to create a balanced form—then reworked the existing floor plan to suit the new project parameters. This is notably the opposite of how I typically work.”
The envelope features R24 exterior walls, R32 roofing, and a combination of R30 + R20ci insulation below. Roof, Steel on Wheels Roofing.
The site—perched atop a rocky outcrop and nestled among mature trees—became the project’s quiet guide. “In many ways, it feels like the cottage is alone amongst the forest, a backwood cabin of sorts,” says Worton. “The drive was to craft something that sat silently against the tree line, cutting a bold form but with a palette that complements the landscape.” The result is a subdued silhouette. Dark brown reclaimed Ghostwood siding, black steel fascia, and windows all work in concert to absorb the shadows cast by the forest, not reflect them.
Ghostwood, a material salvaged from beetle-infested and fire-killed timber, is an ecologically thoughtful choice. “These trees, naturally dried over years, are now preferred by environmentally conscious consumers,” Worton explains. “They’re durable, beautiful—and inherently sustainable.” That use of texture and tactility is essential to Daymark’s approach. “I often find myself not only visually consuming the world around me but also relying on the sense of touch. I try to bring this into my work with a limited palette of natural, locally sourced materials.”
The Muskoka Cabin by Daymark Design Inc. Exterior cladding, Ghostwood Canada.
Despite its new two-storey form, the structure adheres to the original footprint. “The success of this project can be attributed to minimal landscape disturbance,” Worton says. “Although primarily a renovation, the final result is a new cottage seamlessly integrated into its established setting, as if it has always been there.”
Clear sightlines throughout the cabin draw focus to the living room fireplace, adding a meditative touch to early mornings and cozy evenings.
Inside, warmth and weight anchor the design. The existing vaulted ceiling in the main living area was preserved, along with its sunken conversation pit—a subtle nod to the era in which the Muskoka cabin was first built. But here, those original quirks become design opportunities. “We leaned into this feature by creating compression at the entry with lower flat ceilings and a release upon entry into the vaulted main hall.”
Millwork throughout the came was courtesy of Line to Line.
Windows (throughout), Inline Fibreglass; armchair, Restoration Hardware.
A long dining table makes for fruitful family dinners. Dining chairs, Restoration Hardware.
Bar stools, CB2: kitchen island, Line to Line.
The kitchen’s striking stonework makes a moody statement.
White oak floors and ceilings, custom millwork in dark tones, and painted pine shiplap balance the richness of the palette. “There are no flat drywall surfaces in the cottage,” says Worton. “Each surface has a texture, creating play from the sunlight in shadow.” Modern amenities like concealed laundry, a custom steel fireplace, and efficient heating systems are integrated with quiet precision, never stealing focus from the architecture itself.
The layout is designed to foster connection—both among people and with the landscape. Large windows frame Arthurlie Bay, while covered outdoor spaces extend the experience through every season. “Creating intentional spaces for gathering and more private moments gives each individual their own experience,” Worton explains. “The flow of a space should be intentional to create these moments.”
A stairway acts as a structural pause in the hall, guiding the gaze toward the kitchen’s glow beyond.
Views of Lake Rosseau offer a moment of pause after a climb to the second floor.
White wall tile brightens the bathroom, allowing the dark stone bath area to stand out without making the space feel cramped.
A soaker tub in the ensuite bath adds an element of luxury.
Daymark and the clients reached for natural materials for every design detail—furniture, furnishings and decor included.
The renovation wasn’t without challenges. “Significant structural deficiencies, rot and water issues were present on site. Unsupported and insufficient structure, large sections of rotten floor joists, rim joists, exterior and interior sheathing.” Worton and his team took the building down to its studs. “The entire structure was stripped. Floor joists were sistered, roof joists replaced, walls reframed, and existing structural point loads properly supported. At some point on projects like this, you question the reasoning behind saving any of the existing structure and starting fresh—but as with any project, you’re committed to the process. The team pressed through each issue, providing a revitalization to the existing cottage form, preserving that tie to the past.”
That past lingers in the very way the home feels. “Materiality and the use of your senses,” Worton says, when asked what makes the home feel so rooted and calm. “Choosing natural materials like wood and steel provide a depth and richness. Darker notes in the millwork and steel elements further deepen the overall tone and mood. The exterior is dark and moody, intentionally selected to blend with its surroundings. When architecture does not compete with its natural setting, I find a personal sense of calm and unwinding can be achieved—in this case, the feeling of arriving to the cottage, a reprieve to the world around you.”
A sunlit bedroom offers a gentle wake-up call at the Muskoka cabin. Bed, bench, Rove Concepts.
From a technical perspective, the home performs as well as it looks. The envelope features R24 exterior walls, R32 roofing, and a combination of R30 + R20ci insulation below. The glazing-to-wall ratio is 20.5%, striking a careful balance between energy efficiency and expansive views.
As with all of Daymark’s projects, collaboration was essential. Structural work was supported by Moses Structural Engineers, with contributions from GTA Designs on mechanicals and several key trades. “The client group was very design-forward,” Worton says. “They came with their own ideas, trades, and suppliers that led to the final vision. Their combined experience in residential development and roots in the Muskoka area gave them a unique line of sight towards the final product.”
Softened by time and scarred by decay, the one outdated Muskoka cabin now boasts a striking facade and modern, livable spaces that will last a lifetime.
Looking back, Brackenrig isn’t just a design project—it’s a document of process, adaptation, and care. “The reflection of a project lies not just in the end result but in the experience,” Worton reflects. “The laughs shared, moments of deep discussion, collaboration. Ultimately, while unabashedly Daymark, the cottage is also a reflection of the client and its collaborators.”
