Mulmur Hills Farm by Turkel Design – Residential Architecture in Mulmur, Canada

Mulmur Hills Farm, designed by Turkel Design, is a stunning 4,300 ft² multi-generational residence nestled within 100 acres of rolling farmland and forest in Mulmur, Canada. Completed in 2021, this architectural gem reflects the owners’ deep respect for the nineteenth-century farmstead that originally graced the site. With its warm, inviting interiors and seamless connection to the surrounding landscape, the home serves both as a tranquil escape from nearby Toronto and a seasonal residence for a growing family.

The home is carefully sited at the edge of a forest, protected by a wall of stacked local granite. Its open-plan rooms flow effortlessly toward expansive fields and scenic views, allowing natural breezes and sunlight to animate the living spaces. Designed for fireside gatherings, holiday celebrations, and family interaction, Mulmur Hills Farm balances comfort, durability, and timeless elegance.

Architectural Highlights

The great room is defined by a soaring ceiling of laminated Douglas fir beams combined with western red cedar soffiting, creating a dramatic yet refined centerpiece. The custom-designed beams feature dual-axis laminations: the core uses new-growth, architectural-grade Douglas fir, while the edges incorporate water-salvaged old-growth finger-jointed Douglas fir. This technique achieves the rich texture and grain of fine furniture while minimizing the use of old-growth wood.

The upper floor features a cantilevered yoga and painting studio, constructed from cross-laminated timber (CLT), providing breathtaking views of the surrounding acreage. The roof plane is ingeniously integrated within the beam section, reducing its visual mass while maintaining structural strength, especially crucial for the region’s substantial snow loads.

Sustainable Materials & Local Craftsmanship

Sustainability and local sourcing were central to the project. The home’s structure and shell were prefabricated near Quebec City using domestically engineered wood panels, minimizing onsite construction noise and vehicle trips. The exterior is clad in thermally modified black ash, combining durability with a sophisticated, rustic aesthetic.

Interior finishes showcase meticulous craftsmanship, from walnut and oak casework to custom bent aluminum fascia and handrails tailored to the client’s comfort. The home’s palette—locally sourced woods, stone walls, concrete, and blackened metal accents—creates a refined yet rustic atmosphere that resonates with the agricultural and woodland heritage of the site.

Mulmur Hills Farm embodies a thoughtful balance of rustic elegance, sustainability, and family-focused design, making it a distinguished example of contemporary Canadian residential architecture.

All Photographs are works of Maxime Brouillet