Canadian wood house designs have come a long way over the years, and many of us prefer the modern designs which offer a sleek, contemporary feel to any living space. Modern wood house designs typically incorporate large glass windows and doors into the design, with a focus on maximizing the amount of light coming in. This style of design also often includes sharp lines and angles, while also using natural materials to emphasize the modern look. Additionally, some modern wood house designs often feature full-length balconies with a great view of the outside, making them perfect for outdoor entertaining.Modern Canadian Wood House Designs
The English Country style of Canadian wood house designs is a classic style, typically featuring a relaxed, traditional style mixed with a mix of modern touches. This style of architecture often includes gabled roofs, in addition to interesting architectural details like towers and turrets. The interiors of these wooden houses are usually traditional in style, with the use of wood paneling and beams to reinforce the classic aesthetic. Other features of the English Country wood house design include stone fireplaces and skylights, as well as beautiful gardens to complete the picture.English Country Canadian Wood House Designs
The Craftsman style of Canadian wood house designs is a popular choice for those who want to bring some charm and beauty to their home. Craftsman wood house designs typically feature a combination of wood and stone, as well as a terraced or stepped roof line. Inside, these homes are often sparsely furnished, with the focus on wide open living spaces. Large windows and skylights are also often used to bring in lots of natural light.Craftsman Canadian Wood House Designs
The contemporary style of Canadian wood house designs is incredibly popular with younger homeowners and those looking to add a modernistic touch to their home. This style of wood house design usually focuses on open spaces, with plenty of windows and doors, and a minimalist interior. The furnishings tend to be simple and streamlined, while colors such as whites and greys are often used to bring striking contrast to the design. Contemporary wood house designs often feature a minimalistic outdoor space, which perfectly completes the overall look.Contemporary Canadian Wood House Design
Loft-style Canadian wood house designs are ideal for those who are looking for a stylish and practical living space. This type of Canadian wood house design typically features a large, open plan living space, with an emphasis on airiness and minimalism. Heavy use of wood and stone is not uncommon, and natural colors such as blues and greys are often used in the design. Additionally, large, floor-to-ceiling windows can be found in most loft-style houses, whilst balconies may also be a feature.Loft-style Canadian Wood House Designs
The modern ranch wood house design is a popular choice for those looking to build a spacious and stylish home. Ranch wood houses usually feature high ceilings and wide open living areas. Stone and wood are often used interchangeably in the design, to create a modern yet rustic look. Additionally, some of these wood houses may also include separate sleeping spaces and kitchens, as well as outdoor spaces for barbecuing or entertaining.Ranch Canadian Wood House Designs
The Victorian style of Canadian wood house designs is a unique factor for anyone looking to build a beautiful and distinctive home. These wood houses are characterized by steeply pitched roofs, intricate details, large windows, and ornate decorations. The prominent gables of the roof lines, as well as high windows, speak to the grandeur of this style of architecture. Interiors of these wooden houses are usually airy and elegant, with wooden floors and high ceilings.Victorian Canadian Wood House Designs
Traditional wood house designs are extremely popular in Canadian homes. These wood houses tend to feature a combination of traditional elements such as wood and stone, as well as modern touches like plenty of windows and doors. Traditional wood houses often include a spacious living space, with large kitchens and plenty of natural light. Colors tend to be neutral and natural, while furnishings are often of wood and leather.Traditional Canadian Wood House Designs
Cottage Canadian wood houses are almost always charming and inviting. This style of wood house typically features a wrap-around porch and a steep roofline, both of which lend to the cozy feel of these homes. Cottage wood houses often include interesting architectural features such as bay windows and peaked ceilings. The interiors of these wooden houses are often cozy and inviting, with the use of warm colors and plenty of soft furnishings.Cottage Canadian Wood House Designs
Tudor Canadian wood house designs are becoming increasingly popular due to their ornate and dramatic look. These wood houses usually feature distinct architectural details such as steeply pitched roofs, half-timbering, and prominent windows. Inside these wooden houses, the interiors are usually luxurious and inviting, with plenty of space for entertaining. The use of stone and wood used throughout the design, creates an atmosphere of sophistication and timelessness.Tudor Canadian Wood House Designs
Rustic Canadian wood house designs are the perfect option for anyone looking to build a home in a rural area. These wood houses usually feature a low-pitched or flat roof, as well as using plenty of stone and wood to emphasize the rustic element. Additionally, these wood houses often include a wrap-around porch and plenty of decks and balconies. The interiors are usually airy and open, using a combination of natural colors and warm tones.Rustic Canadian Wood House Designs
How Canadian Wood House Design Reflects Our National Heritage
With a vast and varied landscape, the unique styles of Canadian wood house design have developed to take advantage of all the country has to offer. As early settlers adapted to the land, their buildings were designed to make the most of the environment and its natural resources. Local materials, techniques, and climate were taken into account when creating the structures of the early 1800s, and many of those same design principles are still found in today's Canadian wood house designs.
From the wild western coast with its cedar and fir, to the white pines, yellow birches, and spruce of the North, to the oak, cherry, and maple wood found in the East, Canada is home to an abundance of timber. As a result, a wide variety of wood house designs can be found throughout the country. This variety results from the use of different wood species, as well as the regional variations in climate and other architectural influences.
In addition, Canadian architecture has a strong cultural basis. There is a deep respect for history and local traditions that is reflected in the design of modern wood houses. Although it is easy to appreciate the beauty of a Canadian wood house, it is nice to know that the designs are as functional today as when the first settlers arrived.
Understanding Canadian Wood House Design
From the classic A-frame cabins in the north to the Craftsman-style cottages in the east, Canadian wood house designs are a reflection of the country's long and varied history. To truly understand how to make the most out of a Canadian wood house design, it's wise to look at the early designs of the settlers.
It doesn't take a professional builder to spot the similarities between the original wood houses and the designs of today, as there are plenty of overlapping principles in Canadian wood house design. For example, building a house near a body of water allows for the use of wind to help cool the house in the summer, while still utilizing the benefits of the sun's heat during the winter months.
Cedar shingles are still a popular choice for roofing, as they provide excellent insulation from both the hot summer sun and the cold winter temperatures. Local woods, such as pine, are commonly used for the structure, while the interior is often finished with a durable flooring material like cherry or maple.
Designing Your Own Canadian Wood House
When it comes to creating your own wood house design, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Rather, the design should be tailored to the environment, the climate, the surrounding landscape, and the individual's lifestyle. With a wide range of building materials and thousands of individual wood house designs to choose from, it's easy to customize a Canadian wood house to suit any family.
Whether you're building a one-story ranch house or a multi-story timber frame, your Canadian wood house is a chance to reflect your unique personality and design style. By taking advantage of the local materials and climate, you can create a beautiful and comfortable living space that celebrates the Canadian heritage of building with materials from the land.