Build the Unbuildable — Lakeside Architecture Inc
Some of the most beautiful architecture in the world is found in Ontario’s cottage country — perched on granite outcrops, tucked into forests, and standing proudly over the water. But behind every stunning boathouse and lakeside retreat lies a story of vision, challenge, and craftsmanship.
Build the Unbuildable takes listeners behind the scenes of what it really takes to design and construct these one-of-a-kind projects. Hosted by John Tyreman with architect James Pitropov of Lakeside Architecture, the show blends aspirational lifestyle with an insider’s look at the “how.” Episodes explore site selection, design challenges, environmental considerations, and the art of creating cottages that feel timeless yet functional.
Whether you’re a new cottager imagining your dream getaway, a seasoned lakeside family looking to expand, or simply someone fascinated by the intersection of nature and architecture, this show offers both inspiration and practical insight. Subscribe and follow along. You’ll never look at the shoreline the same way again.
Build the Unbuildable — Lakeside Architecture Inc
Latest Episodes
Future-Proof Your Lakeside Cottage Against Extreme Weather
Climate change is reshaping cottage country, and architect James Pitropov explains what that means for how we design and build lakeside homes. Drawing on years of field experience across Muskoka, Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe, and the...
Building a Boathouse: Foundations, Function & Lake-Friendly Design
Start designing your dream lakeside cottage today: https://lakesidearchitecture.ca/design-your-dream-cottage/In this episode of Build the Unbuildable, John and James take you beneath the surface—literally—to explore what it really takes...
Building On a Point of Land: Taming a Wild Site for Lakeside Access
In this episode of Build the Unbuildable, James Pitropov and John Tyreman explore what it takes to design and construct a dream cottage on one of the most challenging sites imaginable — a steep, landlocked point of land on Lake Muskoka....
Steep Sites, Smart Design: Build Without Losing Your View (Or Your Mind)
Building your dream cottage on a steep lakefront lot might seem impossible—but it’s not. In this episode of Build the Unbuildable, architect James Pitropov and co-host John Tyreman unpack the art and science of designing for topography. From st...
Renovate or Rebuild: What to Do When the Old Cottage Can’t Keep Up
Should you renovate or rebuild your lakeside cottage? On this episode, Principal Architect James Pitropov and co-host John Tyreman explore how to decide what’s worth saving—from family memories to grandfathered footprints—in your l...