Oro Pod Residence
A Forest Retreat
A pod-style contemporary home rooted in wellness, entertaining, and connection to nature.
Surrounded by forest, this custom home was designed to reflect a unique lifestyle; balancing entertaining, wellness, and daily living within a contemporary yet cozy environment. The client envisioned a space divided into functional zones, with purposeful flow between private and social areas, and a strong connection to the outdoors.
LocationSimcoe County
ServiceArchitectural Design, Furniture and Decor, Integrated Design, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture
StatusCompleted
StyleContemporary
TypeEstate
The Journey from Concept to Completion
The client—a successful restaurateur and culinary expert; approached us with a clear vision: to design a home that could fully support both their professional passions and personal lifestyle. At the top of their list was a chef-worthy kitchen with an adjacent hidden pantry and outdoor cooking area. They also sought a clear separation between public, private, and guest spaces, pet-friendly design details, seamless indoor-outdoor living; and a contemporary style that still felt warm and livable.
Additionally, they wished to keep visible technology to a minimum, particularly in the great room, while maintaining functionality and preserving the calming views of the surrounding woodland.
“I’ve never been more excited to share my space with family and friends! The team listened to my wish list and brought each item to life in a way that fused the exterior and interior design together perfectly.”
The Challenge
Designing for a large, forested property brought its own unique set of challenges. Spatial zoning needed to feel intentional and connected. Our approach was to develop a pod-style layout, dividing the home into three distinct architectural* zones:
- A central public living pod featuring the kitchen, great room, dining space, and pantry
- A private primary wing with a secluded bedroom, ensuite, and outdoor lounge
- A guest wing that includes a full suite and two additional bedrooms with a shared bath
This pod strategy allowed for seamless transitions between spaces, supporting everything from quiet daily routines to large social gatherings.
The Solution
To reflect the client’s personality, we paired glass and steel with warm wood tones, textured furnishings, and layered lighting. Custom details; like rope-accented furniture, angled hardwood flooring, and millwork, bring depth and warmth, while a double-sided stone fireplace anchors the open concept space with cozy ambiance. Designed for comfort, durability, and livability, the home feels as grounded as it is elevated.
The result is a residence that reflects the homeowners’ lifestyle and passions, with highlights including a custom kitchen, retractable TV, and wellness amenities. More than a house, it’s a multi-generational sanctuary that fosters wellness, creativity, and connection, surrounded by the beauty of the forest.
“The pod design and outdoor kitchen are perfect for entertaining and helps bring the outside in. The result is a cozy, comfortable and practical home that perfectly suits my lifestyle and I couldn’t be happier.”
Key Features
Chef-Level Kitchen & Entertaining Spaces
The heart of the home is a fully-equipped kitchen designed for entertaining, featuring a vibrant green pantry hidden behind integrated millwork and a covered outdoor cooking station. Room adjacencies support everything from recipe testing to lively dinner parties.
Wellness-Focused Amenities
The lower level features a fully outfitted gym and cedar-clad rock sauna. A dedicated music room encourages daily creativity, while natural light and views promote calm and wellbeing throughout.
Pet-Friendly Design
A two-part mudroom includes a custom dog shower, integrated food stations, and durable flooring, ensuring comfort for the client’s dogs without compromising on style.
Integrated Technology
To preserve views and reduce visual clutter, a custom retractable TV lift was engineered to hide seamlessly in the great room floor; trimmed in hardwood to sit flush and disappear when not in use.
*Designs are developed by Landscape Architects, Architectural Technologists and BCIN-qualified designers registered with the Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario,
the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects, and/or the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
