Burk Residence Mamanu Totonu o le Fale Tuaoi by Nargiza Usmanova

Burk Residence Mamanu Totonu o le Fale Tuaoi by Nargiza Usmanova is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Apamemea in Mamanu Totonu Competition Category.

ApamemeaTotonu· 2026

Burk Residence Mamanu Totonu o le Fale Tuaoi

by Nargiza Usmanova

Client: Mezza Studio

A' Design Award Apamemea Winner in Totonu Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #180736

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Burk Residence Mamanu Totonu o le Fale Tuaoi

O le Burk Residence o se mamanu totonu o se fale tuaoi tumaoti na faia mo se nofoaga i tafatafa o le vaituloto i Ontario, Kanata. O lenei nofoaga malolo e tasi le fogafale e valu ona potumoe ma le ono faletaele, faatasi ai ma faalo e sefululua futu le maualuga ma faamalama e amata mai i le fola e oo i le faalo e faaali mai ai le vaomatua ma le vaituloto. O le fausiaina i laau ma teuteuga faauluai e lagolagoina ai le faaaogaina i le tausaga atoa i se nofoaga mamao. O se poletito tele faatasi ai ma se faamalu, o se sauna, o se fale faamalositino ma se fale tifaga e faalautele atili ai vaega e nonofo ai. O le faatulagaga e taialaina lelei ai malo i le va o potu filemu, avanoa mo le soifua maloloina ma nofoaga faapotopoto i fafo.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Apamemea

O le A' Design Award Apamemea na manumalo ai Burk Residence Mamanu Totonu o le Fale Tuaoi, o se faamaoniga matuā mamalu e tuuina atu i mamanu ese e iloga i le fatufatuaʻi, le atamai ma le poto. O ē manumalo i le Apamemea o mea e iai le tomai atoa ma fatufatuaʻi mataʻina e faamaonia ai le poto masani tele, le mafaufau ma le atamai o tagata mamanu. E faamoemoeina Burk Residence Mamanu Totonu o le Fale Tuaoi e avea ma mea e vivii tele, ua pelepelea, e iloga i le tomai faapolofesa ma mea fou. O lenei mamanu na manumalo i le A' Design Award Apamemea e tuufaatasia ai faiga sili i le faatufugaga, saienisi, mamanu ma tekonolosi ma e sili ona lelei i le mataituina o mea itiiti. Burk Residence Mamanu Totonu o le Fale Tuaoi e faamalieina matagofie manaʻoga, pa i manaʻo, faalataina lagona ma faaosofia le fia iloa.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The private cottage, an architect-designed lakefront retreat, features an eight-bedroom layout crafted with premium materials and contemporary detailing. Expansive glazing frames the surrounding forest and water, while the structure's integration with the landscape ensures privacy, comfort, and functionality throughout the year. The design emphasizes spatial clarity, natural light, and a refined connection to its environment.
Dimensions & Packaging: Design and Architectural Highlights:
12-foot ceilings
Floor-to-ceiling lakefront and forest views
1,570 sq ft deck with 14 ft canopy
8 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms
Hot tub, Sauna, Cinema
Gym, Pool table, Ping Pong table and Games
Kayaks, Paddle boards
Dock and loungers, 2 Fire pits
Volleyball net and Playground
Tags: Interior design, Cottage design, Canada style, Hospitality, Private house
Production Technology: An architectural masterpiece defined by floor‑to‑ceiling windows, timber construction, a single‑storey private cottage layout, premium finishes, and expansive lake views, complemented by resort‑level recreational amenities.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was designing a large retreat that felt both private and integrated with the natural landscape. Remote‑site logistics, climate constraints, and strict building regulations shaped every decision. Limited access, material transport, and winter conditions required adaptive planning. Balancing modern comfort with environmental sensitivity led to innovative spatial solutions and durable construction choices.
Research: This applied design research aimed to create a lakefront retreat that blends comfort with natural immersion. Using site analysis, climate study, and material testing, the team gathered data through environmental observations and user‑flow simulations. Results showed that expansive glazing, spatial zoning, and durable finishes improved light, privacy, and year‑round use. The insights support better residential design in remote settings and enhance real‑life living, tourism, and regional development.
Inspiration: Inspired by the serenity of Canadian wilderness, this project draws from the clarity of modern minimalism and the quiet power of Jack Lake’s landscape. The design emerged from a desire to merge refined architectural restraint with the warmth of Canadian hospitality, creating a retreat that elevates nature through thoughtful research, material precision, and spatial calm.
Project Duration: The project began in April 2021 in Torino and was completed in May 2025, situated 300 km north of Toronto on the tranquil shores of Jack Lake near Burk’s Falls in Ontario, Canada.
Operation Flow: Guests move through the retreat with ease, transitioning from lakeside relaxation to wellness and social spaces. The private dock, hot tub, and large deck invite outdoor gathering, while the amenity wing offers sauna, gym, and theatre experiences. Each area is designed for intuitive use, creating a smooth flow that enhances comfort, connection, and restorative lakefront living.
Patents: Copyrights belong to Nargiza Usmanova, 2025.
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Maxim Zinchuk, Burk's Falls Cottage, 2025.
Image #2: Photographer Maxim Zinchuk, Burk's Falls Cottage, 2025.
Image #3: Photographer Maxim Zinchuk, Burk's Falls Cottage, 2025.
Image #4: Photographer Maxim Zinchuk, Burk's Falls Cottage, 2025.
Image #5: Photographer Maxim Zinchuk, Burk's Falls Cottage, 2025.