BLDG Workshop is a leading architectural and design firm, based in Toronto, Canada. The company has a reputation for producing innovative and functional design solutions that reflect the unique cultural, social and environmental context of each project. The team at BLDG Workshop is comprised of highly skilled architects, designers and artists who bring a diverse range of experience and expertise to each project.

BLDG Workshop places Corten steel details on all-white home in rural Ontario - Sheet1
BLDG Workshop Badlands Home in Ontario_@Dezeen, James Brillon.

A Well-Rounded Architecture Firm

<<BLDG Workshop has a portfolio of impressive projects that showcase their unique design style and attention to detail. Some of their notable works include the transformation of a heritage building into a contemporary office space, the design of a sustainable community center, and the revitalization of a park in the heart of the city. Each of these projects demonstrates BLDG Workshop’s commitment to creating spaces that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible.

BLDG Workshop has recently made a bold statement in rural Ontario with their latest project. The firm has combined the natural beauty of rural Ontario with modern design techniques to create a unique and eye-catching all-white home. Located in what is locally known as the Badlands (Cheltenham Badlands), this home is not just any ordinary home, it is a masterpiece with its innovative use of Corten steel details.>>

BLDG Workshop places Corten steel details on all-white home in rural Ontario - Sheet2
BLDG Workshop Badlands Home in Ontario Interior_ @Dezeen, James Brillon.

Materiality

Corten steel is a type of steel that is known for its distinctive rust-like appearance. It is often used in architectural designs as a way to add texture and intrigue to a building. Corten steel is also known for its durability and resistance to weathering, making it an ideal material for outdoor use.

The Badlands Home in Ontario is a perfect example of how Corten steel can be used to enhance the beauty of a building. The Corten steel details used in this home are strategically placed to add a touch of rustic charm to the clean and modern design. The Corten steel is used on the exterior of the home as well as on some of the interior details such as the fireplace and kitchen island.

One of the most striking aspects of this home is the use of Corten steel in the form of a large, cantilevered roof. This roof provides shade for the outdoor living area and creates a dramatic visual contrast against the all-white exterior. The Corten steel is also used as a cladding material on the exterior walls, adding depth and distinctiveness to the design.

The Badlands Home in Ontario is a testament to the versatility and beauty of Corten steel. It is a perfect example of how modern design techniques can be combined with natural materials to create a unique and eye-catching architectural statement.

BLDG Workshop places Corten steel details on all-white home in rural Ontario - Sheet3
BLDG Workshop Home in Ontario Sections_@Dezeen, James Brillon.

Environmental Commitment

BLDG Workshop is committed to creating environmentally conscious architecture. The firm strives to minimize its impact on the environment by using sustainable building practices and materials. In the case of the all-white Badlands Home in Ontario, Corten steel was chosen for its durability and low-maintenance qualities, which reduces the need for frequent replacements and repairs.

BLDG Workshop also uses energy-efficient design strategies, such as passive solar heating and cooling, natural ventilation, and high-performance insulation. These strategies help to reduce the building’s energy consumption and carbon footprint. In addition, the firm incorporates green roofs and rainwater harvesting systems to promote water conservation and mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Moreover, the firm’s commitment to environmentally conscious architecture is evident in its previous works. For example, BLDG Workshop designed the Elm & Willow House, a net-zero energy home that produces as much energy as it consumes. The house features solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, and a high-performance building envelope that minimizes air leakage and heat transfer. Similarly, the firm designed the Hill-Maheux Cottage, a prefabricated home that utilizes passive solar design, a green roof, and locally sourced materials.

BLDG Workshop’s dedication to sustainable architecture not only reduces its impact on the environment but also creates healthier and more comfortable living spaces for its clients. By incorporating energy-efficient and green design strategies, the firm helps to promote a more sustainable future for all.>>

BLDG Workshop Badlands Home in Ontario Main Floor Plan. @Dezeen, James Brillon.

<<The Badlands Home in Ontario: an Architectural Statement.>>

BLDG Workshop places Corten steel details on all-white home in rural Ontario - Sheet5
BLDG Workshop Home in Ontario_ @Dezeen, James Brillon.

We can see firsthand the implementation of an environmental conscious program with the Badlands Home in Ontario. One of the key points in this approach is the use of Corten steel that gives the home its unique look, as well as being a durable and low-maintenance material that would reduce the need for frequent replacements and repairs. The use of this material not only reduces maintenance and upkeep costs but also extends the lifespan of the building, reducing its environmental impact over time. 

The Badlands Home in Ontario is a two-story home that features a minimalist design aesthetic. The exterior of the home is covered in Corten steel panels, which have been perforated to allow natural light into the home. The Corten steel panels are also used as shading devices, which help to keep the home cool in the summer months.

The interior of the Badlands Home in Ontario is just as impressive as the exterior. The Corten steel is used in a variety of ways throughout the home, from the fireplace to the kitchen island and even on the stair railings. The use of Corten steel in the interior creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, while also adding an element of industrial chic.

This home is a perfect example of how Corten steel can be used to create a modern and sophisticated architectural statement while taking into account environmental considerations. It incorporates energy-efficient design strategies, such as passive solar heating and cooling, natural ventilation, and high-performance insulation. These strategies help to reduce the building’s energy consumption and carbon footprint. The use of natural ventilation and passive solar design can also improve indoor air quality and comfort for the occupants. Together with its all white facade, the home seeks to blend with the natural environment it inhabits. >>

BLDG Workshop places Corten steel details on all-white home in rural Ontario - Sheet6
BLDG Workshop Badlands Home in Ontario_ @Dezeen, James Brillon.

Setting Precedent

Corten steel is a versatile and beautiful material that can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the beauty of a building. The Badlands Home in Ontario and the Steel Residence are two prime examples of how Corten steel can be used in architecture to create unique and eye-catching designs. Whether used on the exterior or interior of a building, Corten steel is sure to make a lasting impression and add value to any architectural project. This house is an excellent example on how modern architecture can make a statement without overbearing the landscape.  

BLDG Workshop places Corten steel details on all-white home in rural Ontario - Sheet7
BLDG Workshop Home in Ontario_ @Dezeen, James Brillon.

Images/visual mediums

1_BLDG Workshop Home in Ontario. @Dezeen, James Brillon.  [online] Available at:https://www.dezeen.com/2022/12/27/bldg-workshop-badlands-home-ontario/

2_BLDG Workshop Home in Ontario. @Dezeen, James Brillon.  [online] Available at:https://www.dezeen.com/2022/12/27/bldg-workshop-badlands-home-ontario/

3_BLDG Workshop Home in Ontario. @Dezeen, James Brillon.  [online] Available at:https://www.dezeen.com/2022/12/27/bldg-workshop-badlands-home-ontario/

4_BLDG Workshop Home in Ontario. @Dezeen, James Brillon.  [online] Available at:https://www.dezeen.com/2022/12/27/bldg-workshop-badlands-home-ontario/

5_BLDG Workshop Home in Ontario. @Dezeen, James Brillon.  [online] Available at:https://www.dezeen.com/2022/12/27/bldg-workshop-badlands-home-ontario/

6_BLDG Workshop Home in Ontario. @Dezeen, James Brillon.  [online] Available at:https://www.dezeen.com/2022/12/27/bldg-workshop-badlands-home-ontario/

7_BLDG Workshop Home in Ontario. @Dezeen, James Brillon.  [online] Available at:https://www.dezeen.com/2022/12/27/bldg-workshop-badlands-home-ontario/

References

1_James Brillon |27 December 2022 Leave a comment (2022) BLDG workshop places steel details on all-white home in rural Ontario, Dezeen. Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2022/12/27/bldg-workshop-badlands-home-ontario/ (Accessed: February 15, 2023). 

Author

G. C. Reyes is a classically trained artist and architecture student from Miami, Florida currently working in New Jersey. She enjoys 3D printing and design and thinking about the architecture of the future. Some of her favorite artists include Louis Kahn, Steven Holl, Marina Abramovich, and Leonard Cohen.