S2 | Rewind Design | E13 Georgian Bay Island Cottage, Whistling Wind with Akb Architects
Akb Architects
Designers of the the unseen elements of minimalist design. Founded in 2004, Akb Architects is the Toronto-based residential architecture studio of Robert Kastelic and Kelly Buffey, architects dedicated to the practice and art of building. The quest to capture the poetic and ineffable qualities of space manifests in Akb’s design process, which prioritizes a clarity of vision, attention to detail, and a rigorous commitment to conceptual intent. - Akb
Photograph above is of Akb's Muskoka Cottage project - https://www.akb.ca/projects/muskoka-cottage/
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Welcome to Episode 13 of Rewind Design Season 2! If you are brand new to this podcast, welcome! My name is Katy McNabb and I am a registered Interior Designer working in Ontario’s Cottage Country. I am on a mission to share sustainable ways of building, promote green energy and document the history of the Cottage Country.
This immersive episode of the Rewind Design is a rich dialogue with dynamic duo Kelly and Robert from the acclaimed architectural firm, Akb Architects. We delve into their architectural interests, personal paths, and outstanding work in cottage property design. Born and raised in different parts of Toronto, they shed some light on their early influences and formative experiences that inspired their architectural pursuits.
Kelly Buffey
Partner, Creative Director
Robert Kastelic
Partner, Technical Director
Kelly, the Creative Director, shares insightful thoughts about her meticulous approach to design decision making. In contrast, Robert, the Technical Director, enamors listeners with his passion for building structures and finding practical solutions to architectural challenges. The episode also intricately unfolds their personal lives, painting a vivid portrait of their harmonious work partnerships, family life, and sustainable architectural practices.
A remarkable highlight is their work on the Whistling Wind Project, an innovative island property beautifully balanced with the surrounding nature in Pointe du Baril. Despite the challenges, they have created a functional, and luxurious cottage that stands as a testament to their architectural rigor and environmental concern.
IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
Robert + Kelly’s paths to becoming Registered Architects + forming Akb (turning 20 this year!)
Award Winning Island Cottage - Whistling Wind in Pointe au Baril
Robert + Kelly’s design style - “the unseen elements of minimalist design”
Whistling Wind
Where sustainability meets serenity: The Whistling Wind Project by Akb Architects captures the essence of harmonious cottage living in Ontario's Cottage Country.
LISTEN TO OUR INTERVIEW BELOW!
Intimate Interiors: Living with Nature
“Low maintenance materials, easy living, less formal, intimate relationship to the landscape, more consideration for guests, more holistic approach to sustainability and environmental impact.” - Akb
Where are you both from + how long have you been working in the design industry?
Born in Toronto, raised in Scarborough. My father’s parents were English. My mother’s parents were Estonian; she was born in Sweden during the second world war and then the family immigrated to Canada when she was seven. I have been working in the design industry for 30 years. Rob’s parents were both Slovenian. He was born and raised in Toronto. Rob has been working in the design industry for 34 years.
How did the two of you connect to join forces to form Akb?
We met in 1997 at KPMB Architects. I moved on a few years latter and worked at Yabu Pushelberg before working freelance. After a few years I returned to school to do my Masters in Architecture at the University of Toronto. Shortly thereafter, Rob was looking for a change from KPMB and he offered to take on my client work so that my projects could continue during the school year. So we organically started working together at a time in our lives when it felt right to do so.
Can you speak a little about your company, Akb, and how it was founded? Where do the initials Akb come from?
Once we started working together, we realized that our skill set and design sensibilities were complimentary to each other. We felt that, together, we had a unique voice/vision that we wanted to share with the world. We were driven by our passion and desire for self expression but we really did not know what we were getting into from a business perspective. We have learned a tonne about the business of architecture since then.
In terms of our respective roles, we established our boundaries early on. We became busy very quickly and, as a result, we each leaned into our individual strengths. We continue to lead the studio in each of our respective areas of excellence. Rob directs all technical aspects of the work whereas I lead all design work. Akb is an acronym for Atelier Kastelic Buffey Inc. Atelier is a French word that describes a studio or workshop in which a collective group of artists, designers or architects work together. Kastelic is Rob’s last name and Buffey is my last name. The order of our last names was arbitrary – we ultimately went with what we thought sounded better.
What inspired you both to become architects, specifically in the residential sector?
I had always been highly aware of my spatial environment from the time I was very young. I became interested in studying architecture when I was in high school but I unfortunately did not have the right prerequisites to apply for the program. As a result, my path to architecture was circuitous. I did my BA at Queen’s University in English and Art History. Then a BAA at TMU (formerly Ryerson University) in Interior Design and worked for seven years as an Interior Designer. At the age of 32, I was re-inspired to go back to school to finally study architecture. I did my Masters at the University of Toronto. I enjoy residential architecture because it requires direct human connection to get it right. It allows us to develop a deeper understanding of our clients’ lifestyles and needs. It’s intimate and highly tailored, resulting in the translation of the visceral into the physical. It’s so rewarding to know the people you are designing for and to be able to enhance the quality of their lives by creating spatial experiences designed specifically for them.
What drove you to study architecture, after degrees in Interior Design (Kelly) and Environmental Studies (Robert)?
When I was applying to university from high school I became interested in studying architecture but at that point I did not have the necessary prerequisites. So, I decided to do a general arts degree, majoring in English and Art History. After I completed my BA at Queens University, I applied to the interior school at TMU (formerly Ryerson), thinking that I would go for Tne year to get a portfolio together and then apply to architecture school. But I enjoyed the Interior Design Program so much (particularly building full scale furniture) that I stayed for the full 4 years and completed my degree. My interior design thesis, however, was an architectural building rather
than an interior – a Tadao Ando style theatre made entirely of concrete that was more about shaping space, volume and light rather than creating a decorative lining within the shell of an existing building.The artistry of sculpting form and space and how they impact our well-being has always been my true passion, so it felt natural for me to study architecture. It was always a question of when I would do so rather than if I would.
Harmony in Design
“Understand the client’s needs/desires, analyze the site, research zoning requirements, then meditate on all of this and how each parameter influences/affects the other.” - Akb
Can you describe your roles in the company, Kelly as Creative director and Robert as Technical Director?
As Creative Director, I lead the design and vision of our work (architecture and interiors which are intrinsically intertwined). I am now working with our newly appointed communications team on marketing, communications, and the creative direction of the firm. As Technical Director, Rob leads the building science aspects of our work. His ability to synthesis design intent with elegant technical solutions is truly outstanding. He also coordinates with our IT and Accounting team as needed.
What areas of Cottage Country do you work in + what are the main types of project you do? (ie. renovations, new builds, spec builds)
Muskoka, Pointe Au Baril, Parry Sound, Haliburton, Thornbury, Collingwood, Prince Edward County, Cambridge, Mono. We have also worked internationally in Paris and we are currently working on a project in Telluride. The majority of our work is bespoke ground up projects that are uniquely designed for each client. We also do large-scale renovations and additions.
Nature-Inspired Design: Living in Symbiosis
“Minimizing ecological footprint, preserving the beauty of the landscape, minimize disruption to the land, integrating passive heating/cooling, maximizing natural light and ventilation, maximizing insulation, harvesting geothermal energy, creating a peaceful experience for cottage owners and their neighbours.” - Akb
How did you start designing cottages and have you always been passionate about this? I see you also work on residential projects in the city, as well as mountain properties.
We were invited by the Metrick Family to design their cottage and boathouse which was our first cottage property although we had done several ski chalets prior to that. Cottages and chalets have a lot of programmatic overlap so it was a natural progression for us to evolve that thinking into cottage architecture. Working outside of the city on beautiful, serene landscapes is also incredibly inspiring for us so as more cottage clients reached out, we took on more of this work. Now many people associate Akb with cottages, chalets and country houses, which we absolutely love to design although we still do a lot of inspiring work in the city as well.
Can you briefly describe your general design process from start to finish?
Understand the client’s needs/desires, analyze the site, research zoning requirements, then meditate on all of this and how each parameter influences/affects the other. Once the information has been mentally synthesised, we begin with a sketch that evolves into a developed drawing and three dimensional model that is then pushed, pulled, and manipulated. We work back and forth between interior and exterior. The process is iterative. The magic comes through drawing upon a deep understanding of how space makes you feel, calling upon memories of spaces that have had a profound impact on you and recreating them and combining them in a new way. We continue this process until the building intuitively feels right both on the inside and the outside.
How does cottage design differ from designing for a principal residence?
Low maintenance materials, easy living, less formal, intimate relationship to the landscape, more consideration for guests, more holistic approach to sustainability and environmental impact.
The Design Process
“We work back and forth between interior and exterior. The process is iterative. The magic comes through drawing upon a deep understanding of how space makes you feel, calling upon memories of spaces that have had a profound impact on you and recreating them and combining them in a new way. We continue this process until the building intuitively feels right both on the inside and the outside.” - Akb
How would you describe/define sustainable design in cottage country?
Minimizing ecological footprint, preserving the beauty of the landscape, minimize disruption to the land, integrating passive heating/cooling, maximizing natural light and ventilation, maximizing insulation, harvesting geothermal energy, creating a peaceful experience for cottage owners and their neighbours.
Sustainability is a broad term. Can you explain the specific sustainable practices and technologies you utilize in your projects?
Sustainability for us is a conscious and sincere effort to make and leave good marks upon the earth. The impact of the construction industry is unfortunately highly detrimental to the environment, and we want to be sure that the buildings we are designing are built with quality and foresight. We want the buildings to live in harmony with nature, be enduring in materiality and design and be loved for generations. We are appealing to the unconscious as well as the conscious side of design. Some of the technologies we have used are geothermal, solar panels, increased insulation, strategic window openings, triple pane windows, natural ventilation, sensitive integration into the land (minimal blasting), use of local/regional materials.
What is most important to you and your firm?
A happy client (which is founded upon an enjoyable process and a successful outcome).
ie materiality, energy use, durability, heating/cooling costs, renewable energy, material choices, or water conservation
Longevity (systems can change over time, but the bones of the building need to be well considered, the construction solid and the materiality durable)
How many members of the Akb team are there?
13 – 8 architectural staff, 1 interior designer, 2 partners, 1 communications director, 1 executive assistant.
I see you have staff members who are LEED certified and also Passive House Certified, why is this important to you?
It is our responsibility to take care of the earth by delivering projects that prioritize sustainability, energy efficiency and environmental considerations. Having this expertise within our office enables us to offer our clients innovative, high-performance, and environmentally friendly buildings.
I also see that many of your staff have differing backgrounds and international experience. Why is this important to you?
Having diverse backgrounds and international experience brings a greater breadth of knowledge and perspective to our work. It fosters an inclusive and dynamic work environment and has helped us build a strong, adaptable and globally aware team which ultimately makes the work better.
Season 2 is generously funded by the Georgian Bay Land Trust
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