Nova Scotia Coastal Houses

Brian MacKay-Lyons was born and raised in the small town of Arcadia in southern Nova Scotia, Canada. During his first architecture degree (which he completed in Nova Scotia), he was fascinated not so much with contemporary structures, but with the barns and agricultural buildings on the farms around where he grew up. The image above is a study he did while studying architecture, analysing the proportions of barns.

Nova Scotia barns - (Brian didn’t design them, but he looks to them for inspiration). Because Nova Scotia’s climate can be harsh, barns are built big to house stock in the winter (or a lot of feed for the stock), and are therefore often strong presences in the landscape.

Nova Scotia barns - (Brian didn’t design them, but he looks to them for inspiration). Because Nova Scotia’s climate can be harsh, barns are built big to house stock in the winter (or a lot of feed for the stock), and are therefore often strong presences in the landscape.

Brian and his wife Marilyn (who have three adult children) live on a farm on the coast of Nova Scotia, where they raise sheep and cattle and go sea kayaking. Their home is the silvery structure at right in the top image.The four smaller buildings are cottages for guests that the couple also rent out as holiday homes. You can see a clear connection between these buildings and the barn-like structures that inspired it.

Brian and Marilyn's home

Another view of Brian’s farm, house and guest cottages. Until last year, he hosted week-long architecture workshops at the farm for other architects and students.

Brian has designed many homes for clients who live (or holiday) along the Nova Scotia coastline. This one, recently completed, is one of the most spectacular.

Brian has designed many homes for clients who live (or holiday) along the Nova Scotia coastline. This one, recently completed, is one of the most spectacular.

Brian has designed many homes for clients who live (or holiday) along the Nova Scotia coastline. This one, recently completed, is one of the most spectacular.

Inside the Nova Scotia coastal house, with its double-height living and dining space and coastal views.

Inside the Nova Scotia coastal house, with its double-height living and dining space and coastal views.

Brian’s work in Nova Scotia has attracted international attention, and big commissions overseas, including the job of designing the Canadian Chancery and Official Residence in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was constructed using local brick.

Brian’s work in Nova Scotia has attracted international attention, and big commissions overseas, including the job of designing the Canadian Chancery and Official Residence in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was constructed using local brick.

Brian’s work in Nova Scotia has attracted international attention, and big commissions overseas, including the job of designing the Canadian Chancery and Official Residence in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was constructed using local brick.