Ridge On The Chimney | Mackay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects

Ridge On The Chimney is a collection of four rental cottages, situated in the remote rural community of Chimney Corner on the west coast of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia—a world-renowned destination celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Overlooking Chimney Corner Beach and the Northumberland Strait, the buildings— referred to as “cabins” and “bunkies”—accommodate between two and six people. The project includes two 1-bedroom bunkies, measuring 515 and 575 square feet respectively, and two 2-bedroom + bunk cabins, each spanning 1,275 square feet.

For the client behind Ridge On The Chimney, this project is far more than a hospitality venture—it’s a heartfelt expression of place, identity, and care.

“We’re in the smiles and memories business,” says Founder and Cape Breton native, Scott Fitzgerald. “Having grown up here, it gives me joy to share this little piece of paradise with the world.”

Ridge On The Chimney represents their deep-rooted love for Cape Breton and a desire to offer something truly meaningful to others: a destination that blends sensitive design with the warmth of Canadian craftsmanship. Every detail, from handpicked local furnishings to the soulful rhythm of coastal life, reflects their passion for creating connection—between guests, nature, and each other. It isn’t just about beautiful stays; it’s about creating unforgettable moments that resonate long after the journey ends.

A collaborative vision rooted in regional architecture

Conceived as a cluster of simple, wood-clad gabled forms, the cottages are positioned along a north-south “ridge” in the landscape. To the west, the land drops dramatically over cli­ffs into the Northumberland Strait, while to the east, it rises into the mountains beyond. The architectural language references the local vernacular, drawing inspiration from gabled agricultural barns and coastal fish shacks. The buildings assume a “taut skin” form, availing themselves of zero-eaves detailing, and are designed to withstand the powerful “Les Suêtes” winds—a local weather phenomenon that brings sustained speeds of up to 100 km/h, and gusts reaching 200 km/h.

Entry corner “bites” are recessed to provide shelter upon arrival, leading to a compressed entry sequence that transitions to a vaulted living, kitchen, and dining space, with expansive glazing that frames breathtaking views of Chimney Corner Beach and the surrounding natural landscape. The buildings are designed to offer guests a sense of ‘refuge’ and ‘prospect’– the bedrooms provide a sense of protection and privacy (refuge), while the main living areas foster a strong connection to the landscape (prospect) through open, expansive layouts and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions.  

Set just down the hill from the cottages, a communal area invites guests to gather and connect at a shared outdoor kitchen that includes a firepit, seating, and a BBQ, where guests can cook together outdoors. This supported the client’s vision of wanting to create a hospitality space where guests have a sense of privacy and personal retreat in their “bunkie” or “cabin”, while simultaneously fostering opportunities for connection and a shared sense of community throughout their stay.

Rooted in the ethos of “economy and place”, the design blends traditional geometries with modern detailing, using minimal materials to create a significant architectural impact that enriches Chimney Corner’s landscape, while fostering meaningful connections between people and place.

“This project embodies and celebrates our practice’s values of cultural responsiveness to local landscapes, climate, and material culture,” states Shane Andrews, Partner and Senior Project Architect. “Our work is known for its poetic and sensitive architecture that is often defined by its quiet strength, simplicity, and honesty.”

This project is part of a more ambitious masterplan which will include a spa, additional cottages, and a series of private homes.

Technical sheet

Location
Chimney Corner, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Completion date
Fall 2023

Client
Ridge On The Chimney 

Project Size 
One Bedroom Bunkies: 515 & 575 SF
Two Bedroom Cabins: 1275 SF

Project Team
Architecture: MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects
Design Lead: Brian MacKay-Lyons
Project Architect: Shane Andrews
Project Team: Talbot Sweetapple, Paryse Beatty, Isaac Fresia, & Matthew MacKay-Lyons 
Structural Consultants: Andrea Doncaster
Builder: Cape Breton West Construction

Collaborators

Lighting: Hollis + Morris 

Wood Stove: Stûv

Wood-fired Hot Tub: AlumiTub

Dining Tables: Woodstock & Cie

Cookware: Meyers

Mattresses: Obasan

Duvets: Northern Feather Canada  

Blankets: MacAusland

Planters: Veradek 

Propane Firebowls: DreamCast 

Adirondack Chairs: CR Plastics 

BBQ: Napoleon

Outdoor Table: Toja Grid