Pine Island Cottage by Thom Fougere & Bureau Tempo

A serene family getaway nestled on a secluded island in the heart of Georgian Bay

Nestled on a secluded island in the heart of Georgian Bay, Ontario, Pine Island Cottage blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings. With interiors designed by Bureau Tempo and Thom Fougere Studio, this serene family getaway unfolds as a series of gathering spaces that gently cascade along the island’s sloped stone formations. Mirroring the textural richness of the natural world, the interior is at once rugged and serene.

A rough stone to sit on, an unexpected bit of rain — this is the kind of friction that dissipates naturally when we’re outdoors, bringing us into communion with nature. The texture of the wood-grain walls, the sturdiness of the wrought-iron handrails, and the grip of the flamed stone underfoot in the shower all suggest friction, rooting you in the moment and enriching your exchange with the space.

In the central living area, four distinct zones — kitchen, dining room, living room anchored by a fieldstone hearth, and outdoor porch — encourage togetherness, while the sleeping quarters, situated at a higher point on the island, offer a peaceful refuge.

The Spatial Journey

Guests are welcomed by a pebble-shaped oak door handle and led into a low, gently lit, oak-lined entryway. The space gradually opens as the floors terrace down, the ceiling height grows, and the material palette lightens, revealing the main living space.

“The design process for the cottage was as beautiful as the final product, with many personal discoveries alongside the client and site-specific cues that directly informed our decision making. The kitchen island as a ritualized gathering point was one such instance – it became not only an experiment with materiality, but also a highly functional element of the kitchen.” — Thom Fougere

Repeated use of custom-cast wall sconces and wrought-iron handrails crafted by a local blacksmith creates a tactile rhythm throughout the experience.

The Private Quarters

The bedroom wings are connected to the main living area by a glazed, elevated breezeway. A guest bedroom and children’s room with bunk beds are located on one side, while a private office and primary bedroom with an ensuite are on the other.

A shift from concrete to wood to locally sourced Eramosa stone denotes the experience of traversing the cottage. The stone floor has been flamed to create a weathered, timeworn appearance and foot feel.

“Early conversations with the client about embracing patina and encouraging the use of materials that would age well established a direction that led to rich material selections and a few unexpected pairings.” — Adam Robinson, Bureau Tempo

The primary bedroom features expansive storage, oak-lined at one end and custom rug-fronted closets suspended on iron frames at the other, softening the room both visually and acoustically. Echoed use of fieldstone provides a backdrop to the bed and vanity opposite.

In the ensuite bathroom, a custom double-basin stone sink, a flamed stone shower floor, and a ceramic tub create a warm and tranquil setting for daily rituals.

About Thom Fougere

Thom Fougere is a Canadian designer working across product design, architecture, interiors, furniture, and creative direction. He partners with brands and clients from around the world to develop distinctive designs that resonate with a tactile, sculptural presence. Through a hands-on process and close collaboration with craftspeople, his approach explores the utility of furnishings, objects, and their relationship to the spaces they occupy.

About Bureau Tempo

Tempo is a full-service architectural design office based in Montréal. We create thoughtfully considered experiences in custom residential

and hospitality design. Together, in close collaboration with our clients, we seek holistic solutions that balance utility and beauty.

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