La Pointe by Solares Architecture is a Sustainable Lakeside Retreat

Solares Architecture designed La Pointe, a holiday property in Prince Edward County, Ontario, known for its sweeping views of Lake Ontario. Positioned on a long and narrow property, La Pointe is surrounded by lush fields, mature trees and a lakefront.

The main house is accompanied by a pool and cabana, a guest house and a vineyard, all designed with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. The house was custom-built to take advantage of the landscape, to provide a refuge for family and friends, and to withstand the harsh lake winters.

La Pointe runs on all-electric systems supported by a solar-powered backup battery, and no fossil fuels are used for primary or backup power. Excess energy generated by the solar system is fed back into the grid, earning energy credits through Hydro One of Ontario’s Net Metering programme.

The house has excellent insulation and an airtight building envelope, which contribute to its energy-efficient design. The models show that the house could withstand six full days in -20 degrees Celsius (minus four degrees Fahrenheit) weather without a single joule of energy coming from anywhere – including the back-up energy system, the wood stove or even the sun – before the internal temperature dropped below zero.

La Pointe has been designed to be extremely energy efficient while meeting high sustainability standards. The use of a solar-powered battery backup and the absence of fossil fuels are in line with modern eco-friendly practices, offering a responsible approach to energy consumption.

The house’s design also ensures that it remains cosy and functional even during the harsh winters typical of lake environments. Its innovative systems and sustainable features make La Pointe a model of environmentally conscious architectural design.