A pair of innovators from Toronto have decided to bring their unique skillset and decades of experience to Muskoka.
The recently created Muskoka Cottage Developments is the brainchild of Joshua Dias and John Znaczko. Dias is an international entrepreneur, investor, president of Ensō Innōvations and former president of Trillium Group, while Znaczko is an engineer with 40 years of experience working on builds around the globe ranging from historic restorations to major residential and commercial builds.
“We decided we wanted to step away from the hurried pace of the city and really focus on putting all of our experience and creativity to good use,” says Dias. “Muskoka was the natural fit. I’m a long-time local cottager, and environmentally sustainable cottages and homes that blend in with the surroundings are what people are looking for in Muskoka.”
Muskoka Cottage Developments is focused on revolutionizing the way homes and cottages are designed and built, says Dias.
“We’re committed to challenging existing parameters and innovating the construction process to create significant value for our clients, investors, and Muskoka community stakeholders,” says Dias, who owned a cottage for 10 years on the Black River in Vankoughnet, just east of Bracebridge. “We really care about Muskoka and the environment here and this is a great opportunity for us to put our creativity to work.”
Josh Dias (left) and John Znaczko are bringing their innovative approach to home and cottage design and construction to Muskoka
Because they have only recently decided to focus their efforts in the region, Muskoka Cottage Developments is also one of the only builders available to get started immediately.
“I know some builders in Muskoka are backlogged up to 24 months or more but we have a team of experienced tradespeople ready to go right now,” he says. “That’s the benefit of us having decades of experience in the city. These people are highly skilled and ready to come up and spend the entire week in the area and then return home on the weekends.”
Muskoka Cottage Developments works closely with Ensō Innōvations to build sustainable and net zero cottages and homes. Ensō Innōvations is an architecture innovation company working to make buildings renewable and affordable by embracing principles of the circular economy. Their vision is to redefine revenue in terms of environmental full-cost accounting that would contribute to the health of both people and nature.
They help plan innovative projects and their unique approach uses cutting-edge computational techniques that take advantage of artificial intelligence, parametric design, simulation, and optimization to evaluate thousands of possible design solutions, finding the right balance of trade-offs. Their solutions are informed by local conditions, pragmatic use of resources, and sustainability standards such as LEED and WELL, says Dias.
The group also works with Element5, which was founded by Muskokan Patrick Chouinard.
“Element5 is a business that engineers, manufactures, and installs cross-laminated timber or CLT,” says Dias. “This product is stronger than concrete and we’re really excited to be working with Patrick and doing cottages together.”
The options Muskoka Cottage Developments can provide run the gamut. That includes everything from design to construction, and even teardowns and renovations.
Incorporating cutting-edge design, environmental building principles, and the ability to start work immediately, Muskoka Cottage Developments has positioned itself to be one of the most innovative players in Muskoka for years to come.
Learn more at muskokabuilds.com or by calling 416-836-7056 or 416-885-4855.
This is a sponsored story paid for by the featured advertiser
Susan Godfrey says
I’m afraid I am not terribly impressed with this “unique” architecture. It all begs the question; if an owner wishes to experience the Muskoka atmosphere but then builds an urban chic, sleek second home..why leave their first home in the city? If the “conveniences” of home are what is desired then maybe staying put is the best course; the whole point of Muskoka is truly being immersed and enjoying it’s unique offerings.
James Rockwell says
Meh, seems like a typical city based business self promoting.
Nothing wrong with waiting for a talented local builder who understands where he’s building.
I guess you could use someone from away who has zero local contacts, zero local experience, and zero local footprint when something goes wrong. I’d like to see those Tarion warranty repairs and what the timeline is like.
Lynn Levesque says
Althpugh I’m in Collingwood, I feel the same, stay home,put a pool in. I cant drive from one end of town to the other in 20 min,from thurs to sun night.They are pushy and impatient when they get here.. if you come to Collingwood, please leave your ego’s at hiway#7. Thankyou
Bill Beatty says
Clearcutting is not part of Muskoka Charm nor is the pictured structure. They must be kidding !
Karen Penfold says
I agree with Susan Godfrey’s comments. It is totally unbelievable how cottages are being built today on our beautiful great lakes in Ontario. Cottages are more like an extension of city living rather then rural life. One day we as people will be sorry when there is no where left to escape to from the city’s traffic, hustle and bustle, pollution, etc. Our beautiful lakes, streams, and marshlands will be choked with the latest model cottages, 10 boats or more parked at each dock, (whereas years ago there was one family boat), the latest gadgets for riding thru the woods…not walking on two feet, and all the modern appliances and amenities of a year round mansion.
Alison Phillips says
Building in Muskoka is completely different than building in Toronto. Toronto site design princples and experience does not apply. The picture of the modern home is on a clear cut, not an environmentally sensitive approach.
Anne M Cayley says
I wish there could be a nice place for all people of all incomes to get out of the city and enjoy a peaceful relaxing time in nature. The builders chose Miskoka, as its becoming a getaway for the rich and famous.
It will happen but its a shame really, someone will pay for this.
Ryan James says
There is nothing wrong with waiting for a local reputable builder, who uses local trades and suppliers.
You coming up here and stating that you have guys ready to come and work here for the week then head back home to the city is an arrogant statement.
We have many qualified local trades and small business owners here that would do just as good if not better of a job and your keeping the money local to support the Muskoka economy.
Appreciate that you want to build sustainable quality homes/cottages here in Muskoka but you need use local business, trades suppliers.
Just my thoughts.
Michael Harding says
I think people are missing the “sustainability” and “net zero” offerings. Having had a family cottage in Muskoka for three generations, I see the value in having a builder with a tech background come to Muskoka. It is the way of the future and will happen one way or the other so we’re better of accepting and embracing it. Let’s face it, this pandemic has changed Muskoka and cottage country forever and there’s no going back. So we might as well accept it. This land is sacred and has always been so from the time of the indigenous people and will always remain sacred. I’m sure we were not welcome here originally but we’re here now so let’s welcome any talent that might come.
Susan M Kennedy says
I have been looking for a builder here to do a teardown and build me a new cottage on Lake Joseph for about a year and half and no one seems to get back to me. There was a time when builders in Muskoka were very different. Things have changed here in Muskoka and I think we need to accept it. I will be contacting these guys very soon in order to get a quote since I can’t wait any longer for a local builder anymore.
Allen Markle says
I think the concept is pretty old and the design looks great in certain settings; like along the estuary in Mandura, Australia, the edge of a mesa near Pueblo, Arizona, or where the ‘Big Daddy’ of the type stands, at Falling Water near Pittsburg P.A. I wonder if even the Kauffman’s money and Frank Lloyd Wright’s fame could get that design passsed here in Muskoka, straddling a fresh water stream as it does.
These new designers have undoubtedly studied the books, are fond of the type, and along a shoreline, hillside or even interspersed along the streets of our new subdivisions, the style might be refreshing. Too many though and it would be ‘Little Boxes’ all over again.
But flat roofs in Muskoka? There aren’t a lot and for a reason. When my ancestors cobbled their buildings together here, I doubt there was a single flat roof in the bunch. Engineering for snow load is simpler now and waterproofing also, but I just bet even today, lots of people will look at that flat roof design and say “Maybe I’ll just wait and see if that one stays dry”.
I like the look, think a flat roof is a bit iffy, but if the roof doesn’t leak and the basement stays dry, you got it made in Muskoka.
Now if we could wedge a bit of grace into some of our new condominiums, that would be great. Maybe some flat roofs? Just kidding! .
Sophie Cohen says
We are a young couple and have recently purchased land on lake Muskoka about a year ago and we’re eager to build a cottage so we can start to enjoy it with our family and friends. The reality is that if we were to wait for a local builder, our kids would miss their best years at the cottage. So that said, my partner and I are pleased to see a builder that is ready to start immediately.
Ángela Argentina says
I think the designs are beautiful and we need to shift towards more sustainable lifestyles, that includes the homes we live in. I don’t understand why everyone is so against this? If you don’t like it, nobody is making you move into one, I think it adds a modern flair that harmonizes with the beauty of nature and aims to support it.
Different isn’t bad, it’s innovation. Not everybody wants a rustic cottage or home, and rustic isn’t necessarily sustainable either. Id love to see the interiors and more features.
Ángela
Joshua Dias says
I wanted to personally thank everyone for their comments! All feedback is much appreciated and well received. I also want to thank all those who reached out and have asked for quotes. We look forward to doing business with you through the summer. And just to address all the “not so positive” feedback, I would like to begin by saying that I am as much a “Muskokan” as all of you on here who have commented and I love Muskoka deeply. I’m fact, I am also vegan and therefore care deeply about the wildlife and the environment in Muskoka, Ontario, Canada and the world for the matter! Also, for those of you who think all Torontonians have big EGO’s, are aggressive and arrogant, although that might be true for many, it’s just can’t be true for all! Also, with regards to using local trades, of course that is our first choice. We have been trying to find/work with locals but have been unsuccessful and hence why we decided to use our own trades in the interim until we can find trades in the area. With re. to design/build, the featured cottage was a cottage we built in Quebec and not Muskoka. That is all we have to show for now but is not an fair specimen of our vision/designs for Muskoka by any means. We work with various local architects, along with my team at Ensō Innōvations to optimize designs with AI in order to make them net zero/sustainable. So I really hope to win people over one person at a time since we’re here to stay for years to come. Thank you.
Robert David says
Do you suppose that it is just a coincidence that the only people who like the advertisement wrote in on June 5 within hours of each other (and after all of the negative comments)?
David Wilson says
I don’t seem to understand why everyone feels the need to attack a business that has entered a market where builders have had zero competition for years! There is enough business to go around and I’m sure these guys will do just fine despite all the negative comments from people who have nothing to do but look for reasons to complain about everything. I was quite disgusted after reading all the comments for a people in a community that I have been part of for decades and my parents and grandparents before me. This is not how I was raised and how I was taught to treat people trying to make an honest living. You should all be ashamed of yourselves. I hope you are able to sleep well at night after spewing such negativity!
Anna-Lise Kear says
Mr. David Wilson; Seriously do think these developers/builders need your support? Perhaps it is good to hear another point of view, rather than gushing envy??
People who live and love the area, year round are entitled to their opinion. Since a primary issue in Muskoka is affordable housing for many, how will these designs make the lives of individuals and families better? People live here and make a way of life – not all come here to play in this GTA bedroom community.
Reckless clear cutting to create the Muskoka palace in place is worthy of major criticism.
Orest kozak says
Great idea
There is mention that Mr Znaczko is an engineer
For future reference I ask from what engineering school