About 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.
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 Kawarthas, James breaks down the real risks owners are now facing—wildfires, flooding, ice storms, gale-force winds, and power outages—and why traditional building methods are no longer enough. James shares practical strategies for passive design, high-performance e...
25 Nov 2025
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 to design and build a boathouse on Ontario’s lakes. From driving steel piles into bedrock to navigating seasonal ice, shifting water levels, and the quirks of Canadian construction seasons, James breaks down the unseen engineering that keeps boathouses stand...
11 Nov 2025
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. James walks through the journey of transforming a property once deemed “unbuildable” into a stunning architectural retreat. From securing easements and carving a road through rock, to building with the land’s natural constraints and capturing panoramic lake v...
28 Oct 2025
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 strategic surveying and ICF foundations to retaining walls, terraces, and multi-level layouts, James explains how thoughtful design can transform vertical challenges into breathtaking opportunities. You’ll also learn why early collaboration—with surveyor...
14 Oct 2025
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 lakeside cottage. Featuring a stunning Georgian Bay project in Killarney, this episode shows how thoughtful design can turn limitations into possibilities. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction 01:38 Renovating vs Rebuilding 07:30 Additional Challenges 10:45 Regulator...
1 Oct 2025
Building A House On An Island: Challenges, Best Practices, and Examples
Design Your Dream Home Guide: In this episode of Build The Unbuildable, James Pitropov, Principal at Lakeside Architecture Inc, shares his experience building on some of the most challenging sites in Ontario's cottage country; islands. How do you transport equipment and materials? What is the environmental impact? What should be factored into the design of such a cottage? We answer all these questions and more. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction 00:53 Challenges of Building on an Island 01:20 Log...
22 Sept 2025
What is Build the Unbuildable?
If you’ve ever dreamed about building a lakeside cottage or marveled at those stunning boathouses dotting Ontario’s shorelines, this show is for you. In this trailer video, host John Tyreman introduces Build the Unbuildable and his co-host, architect James Pitropov of Lakeside Architecture Inc. Together, they preview what’s to come — from stories of nostalgia and family traditions on the lake to the rise of new cottagers seeking serenity and million-dollar views. Subscribe now and join us be...
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