Project Nahma – Phase 2
We have been beside ourselves waiting to unveil this Balsam Lake beauty that we first wrote about last year! You can read about Phase 1 for more background on Project Nahma and follow along with how we brought this across the finish line this summer with Four Points Construction! Also remember you can check out all the images of Project Nahma here on our Home by Tim + Chris Project Portfolio page.
A true example of builder and designer working in tandem to create, build and design our client’s family story.
First of all, let’s talk about the relationship a builder and design team must have in order to deliver the final product based on the original conceptual design and vision to a client like in the case of Project Nahma. A lot of our marketing with Four Points is based around the idea that homeowners get the best result when builders build and designers design.
The Four Points Construction and Home by Tim + Chris relationship is built on trust, conversations and results.
These are the tenants of why we see this relationship as crucial:
The builder and designer speak a common language – do they talk? Do they share time together and have similar interests in not only design but also the project?!
A builder that understands creative ideas so that expertise is shared – a builder has to have some idea of what’s current, design techniques and the category in general!
A paired dynamic to translate homeowner guidance – can they chat about what each other have heard from the client? Do they carve out time to compare notes?
A builder and designer relationship built on mutual respect and earned trust - Are they friends? Do they go for a drink together? Do they celebrate wins together and share lessons?
Project Nahma has helped solidify the Four Points and Home by Tim + Chris relationship knowing that we have put forward the gold standard for the area in how a builder and design team come together for optimal results.
Project Nahma is evidence of the builder and design team relationship creating lock in step. Together, we were able to complete this custom build in just 1.5 years! With this project making its debut in the 2025 July issue of Our Homes Magazine we are truly proud of our relationship with Four Points Construction. Together we are the gold standard example of how the right builder and design team can benefit both home and cottage owners in the Kawarthas!
We are a design team with an incredible amount of talent and love for the region in which we design! Principal, Chris Van Lierop and Lead Designer Jenis Kempt on site at Project Nahma.
Jenis Kempt, our principal Lead designer enjoys a moment in one of Pj’s parent’s heirloom antique chairs recovered and rebuilt by our upholsterer and using @tonicliving Catalina stripe indoor/outdoor fabric. Jenis has over 10 years of design experience and is an integral part of the Home by Tim + Chris team! Her deep-rooted passion for detail and multi-faceted design is appreciated by all clients as her interiors are timeless and fitting for those who want to push the boundaries of their Kawartha lifestyle.
That brings us to: “one for the generations!” Nahma is located on South Bay of Balsam Lake. It is the new majestic, family home on the property of the historic Nahma Lodge. Designed as a BONE Structure steel frame construction, the residence is approximately 8,000 square feet containing three homes in one. Owners, Pj and Al had a dream to build on the same land as Pj’s parents lodge, which would honour the desire of keeping the property in the family. For more background read our previous blog about how this family set out to create their own generational imprint with Nahma.
A view from one living space as Al and Pj’s looking through to daughter Laura and Jeff’s living space. @kuzcolighting @visualcomfort @canyon_stone_canada @elecustom @farrowandball
Jeff and Laura’s open concept kitchen has its own private entrance as well as a pass through from the main shared great room. Each living quarter has its own door system for complete privacy and each act as separate units. @hudsonvalleylighting @jennair @hanstoneca
A kitchen window view to the old lodge adjacent to the new family home! A piece of history within view. Stools by EQ3.
Building the new residence as a multi-generational, high efficiency home, would require design vision and project skills to not only create what can be described as architectural art, but an interesting and innovative lifestyle concept. With the help of BONE Structure Architects, Four Points Construction as the builder, and Home by Tim + Chris as the designers, the teams set out to create and build an exceptional story!
The plan for a multi-generational residence, with both shared and separate spaces, inside and out for the entire family, inspires a specific design. The family expresses how:
“Designing a home while thinking of the path for generational habitation requires a different train of thought as it pertains to layout. If all four generations are to live on site with a place for everyone, you have to think of everything from planning for private spaces, moving between levels, wider doorways, clear passageways, lower light switch placements, accessible bathrooms, outside entrances, pathways and patios.”
It was important for us as designers, to spend as much time getting to know the family. The wish was to stay true to the spirit of the charming old lodge and marry that with a modern aesthetic. Features that take accessibility requirements into account mean that both the existing family and future generations can be assured that their home caters to all life phases and ensures the overall space marries common areas with private separate zones.
Gathering all the input from Aileen, Pj, Al, Laura, Jeff and their two sons, our design team created a large central living space which includes a statement fireplace, a dining area that can accommodate both formal and intimate settings along with a roomy kitchen island. It becomes a great space for the family to gather together as a whole.
Kitchen island and kitchen install by Lucvaa Kitchens. Light wood tones work in conjunction with floors and other built-ins throughout the home.
Furniture sourced by the Home by Tim + Chris design team provide details that blend where necessary and contrast where required for interest and layers.
The incredible butler pantry and kitchen opposite the main kitchen. The butler pantry/kitchen was designed with the same linear layout to optimize space, form and function. It also features plenty of open shelving to display family heirlooms.
Looking into the butler pantry from the main kitchen and great room area. A view to the exterior stonework that graces the lakeside façade.
Four custom crafted birch pendant lights from Propeller Lighting grace the island. No easy task creating these considering the detail and time required to wrap and form each pendant! The pendants provide a warm hue for many a happy hour around the spacious island! Counter tops are Cambria by Lakedale.
An expansive open concept view from Al and Pj’s great room out to Balsam Lake. Floors are by Whelan’s Flooring. @kentwoodfloors @brizofaucet (faucet) @signaturehw (handles) @fisherpaykel (appliances) @marquisfireplaces
This notable detail of the pendants lends both a symbolic and artistic element to the entire great room. It is significant that birchwood represents renewal and is often referred to as the “tree of life.” These amenities are grounded with Canadian brushed oak hardwood. Each stylistic detail works in harmony to bring the outdoors in and honour the majestic impression that Nahma provides.
One of the more unique features within the build, is a large custom, round window that provides the primary bedroom a beautiful view of the great room fireplace wall. The window is a tension producing visual that one would not expect on an internal bedroom wall! In our previous blog post, you can see the window under construction to get an idea of how this particular feature came together.
Custom round window by Varcroft and Bianco in Lakefield provides intrigue and acts as a character feature for both the primary bedroom and the great room looking outward.
Another show stopper is a bridge that passes opposite the lakefront curtain window to connect the two separate living spaces. A seamless glass bridge railing enhances the openness of the great room below, where a grand fireplace made of Corten steel rises that will weather into a rust-coloured patina over time. While looking outward grants an enhanced view of the outdoor spaces, looking down provides a beautiful vista of home furnishings and textiles that our design team curated especially for the space.
The bridge that connects the two living spaces with railing by Kawartha Stair and Railing. Windows by Big Foot Windows and Doors.
Our design studio works with clients to find customized furniture solutions for each project. We offer a selection of styles, accents, fabrics and accessories. The design team walks each client through how their particular personal style will come to life within their space. @elecustom @gusmodern (table)
Hursting chairs by Ele Custom in a deep burgundy hue provide accent colour for the great room without taking from the South Bay view.
Neutral tones allow the home’s character and family antique pieces to take centre stage. Several built-ins and bookcases by Home by Studio TC, house and display many of the owner’s unique collection pieces.
Seating built-ins in various locations by Lucvaa in a light pine wood provide practical solutions for seating and display. Each entry shares a similar style for consistency yet has unique features personal to each family.
Built-ins by Lucvaa provide ample storage and black hardware provides contrast and a handsome elegance when it comes to detail.
Wallpaper by Milton and King in an overgrown floral print provides a colourful and interesting backdrop to the client’s home office.
All bathrooms are accessible with no elevation and wide entranceways.
Moody tones create ambiance and an elegant undertone for this primary bathroom. Lighting by Visual Comfort offer a reflective display against a mirrored wall. @teodorevanities @brizofaucet
Smooth entries allow for easy mobility for all generations.
Fixtures by House of Rohl provide the finishing touches for primary Al and Pj’s primary bathroom.
The house has an elevator in keeping with the requirement for easy accessibility to the second floor. An interesting feature is a kinetic art installation, designed and built by Al who has a background in mechanical engineering. The installation works in conjunction with the elevator mechanics and is an example of art and engineering working in tandem.
Al’s automata installation that plays off the elevator mechanics! It’s truly a built-in work of art!
The envelope of the home is an energy efficient design with extensive insulation and special thermal breaks to prevent thermal conduction from the outside of the building into the internal living spaces. The heating and control system is state of the art, with air to glycol heat pumps to control radiant floor heating, and three air to air heat pumps to control the room air in several separate zones. Fresh air changes and humidity is also controlled by zones across the house. This allows the owner to manage energy usage when occupancy varies throughout the house. In addition, the low slope roof profiles, will be fitted with solar panels, invisible from grade, to offset energy costs.
Exterior stonework by Doughty Masonry features granite detail and pillars lakeside. @masonalstone @bigfootdoor
For the exterior, Canadian granite pillars with finished wood siding, help blend to the original cedar log lodge building that still remains on site. However, the “North Star” of the home remains the view. Perched at the shoreline, the new residence is a true example of building innovation, structural creativity and boundless imagination. Pj’s family interpreted Nahma as a “place to catch big fish” and the property will continue its tradition of being an access point for the many lake families and visitors by providing a boat launch. The original lodge building will be preserved and used as a gathering spot for the community.
Canadian granite with wood provides a full colour palette while balancing neutral tones with the hardscape. Al has plans for further landscaping and we can only imagine how this will play off of the overall exterior! @waynedaltongaragedoors
Front view with stone detail.
For full project images of Project Nahma, check out our project portfolio page
