--- title: "Mafcohouse — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mafcohouse-pfvwus-pf~1132873342 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1132873342.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: Mafcohouse category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/4f33332103e38627_5314-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1164 Glen Lake Ct., Eagle Lake, Ontario K0M 1M0, Canada" latitude: 44.7669 longitude: -78.699 phone: "(647) 699-1773" website: http://www.mafcohouse.com rating: 5 review_count: 12 followers: 189 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # Mafcohouse > Cottage Country Premier Design Build Firm Original Houzz profile: [Mafcohouse](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mafcohouse-pfvwus-pf~1132873342) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Eagle Lake, ON - **Serves:** Bracebridge, Eagle Lake, Gatineau, Gravenhurst, Haliburton, Huntsville, Kawartha Lakes, Kirkland Lake, Lindsay, Musoka, North Bay, Palm Springs, Parrysound, Pembroke, Petawawa, Peterborough, Port Carling, Renfew, Seguin, Timmins, Tobermory - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (12 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Responds Quickly ### Business highlights - Responds Quickly We love to build modernist homes that connect with and celebrate their natural environment. Our first home in 2001 was a personal retreat we named Barerock. An all-glass pavilion, flat roof, post and beam structure. The home was off-grid and sustainable, giving us a sense of independence and a synonymous relationship with our natural surroundings. We drew design inspiration from the timeless mid-century “International style” architecture alongside the 1945 – 1966 California Case Study House Program. Barerock was a phenomenon – attracting the attention of architecture, lifestyle and ecological publications worldwide. Like minded people began contacting us and MAFCOhouse was born. Since 2005, MAFCOhouse has designed and built over 40 homes in Canada. We recently formed Mh US with plans in the works for a model home in the mid-century mecca – Palm Springs, California. Our ideals remain the same – our inspiration now is you. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Architectural Drawings - House Plans - New Home Construction - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - Green Building - Universal Design - Drafting - Structural Engineering - Site Preparation - Custom Homes ### Areas Served - Bracebridge - Eagle Lake - Gatineau - Gravenhurst - Haliburton - Huntsville - Kawartha Lakes - Kirkland Lake - Lindsay - Musoka - North Bay - Palm Springs - Parrysound - Pembroke - Petawawa - Peterborough - Port Carling - Renfew - Seguin - Timmins - Tobermory ### Typical Job Cost CAD 200,000 - CAD 2,000,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Mafcohouse | | Address | 1164 Glen Lake Ct., Eagle Lake, Ontario K0M 1M0, Canada | | Phone | (647) 699-1773 | | Website | http://www.mafcohouse.com | | Followers on Houzz | 189 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Mafcohouse](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mafcohouse-pfvwus-pf~1132873342) - **Website:** http://www.mafcohouse.com - **Phone:** (647) 699-1773 ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 12 reviews** ### All 12 reviews **★★★★★ — Jaimie M, Aug. 2017** > While we have not fully finished our project (very close) I wanted to write a review to help others who might have some questions. This has been a 10-year dream that is coming true. We first saw a Mafcohouse in Dwell magazine back in 2006 when their lake cottage was a feature. Once we saw the design, layout, and placement within the landscape we started to dream about owning our own Mafcohouse. Fast forward many years we finally had a lot to build on to make our dream a reality. > > We wanted to have a modern interpretation of an old-school cottage. Very functional, not too large (easy to heat in the winter), blend into the landscape, two bedrooms, office, and a bridge :-). Dan and Dianne (Mafcohouse) were able to design us a building that achieved all of our goals. > > Dan's careful attention to detail and experience has made the the building process straightforward and enjoyable. Mafco is always a phone call away and has been willing to go out of their way to provide excellent service. We feel very lucky to be working with them. > > I would recommend them to anyone looking for a custom modern build. **★★★★★ — XV GP, Aug. 2017** > We are exceedingly pleased with our Mafco house and found Dan and Diane provided professional support at every stage of development. They worked closely with us in terms of placement of the house on our 9 acres of wilderness to minimize our footprint and maximize our integration with the setting. Dan's concept of wrapping our cottage around existing rock outcroppings was brilliant and his continued efforts to manage the delivery of this concept at every stage was essential for realization. We found both Dan and Diane to be very open to working collaboratively and patiently with us on the design of the cottage, bringing their expertise and experience to bear on our developing vision. The Mafcohouse pre-engineered subunit design enables lower cost through engineering approval and the integration of state of the art construction materials. The cottage is incredibly solid without appearing to be. Our master bedroom with floor to ceiling windows on three walls makes us feel like we are sleeping in a wilderness diorama. We are immensely proud of our Mafcohome, and do not think that such a full realization of our esthetic would have been possible without Dan and Diane. **★★★★★ — Jon Case, July 2017** > If you want a modern building with clean lines, low roof lines, and modern style, Mafco is for you. Enjoying the look and feel of Modern architecture, with floor to ceiling windows, wide views and lots of light AND building a Modern building from scratch that delivers on that are two different things. I hired Mafco house (Dan and Dianne) because their portfolio demonstrated to me that we shared the same taste in contemporary design, but also that they had the experience I needed to help me build a water access cottage. The final product was precisely what I wanted. I was, and am, impressed by their knowledge and attention to detail, having built many projects they have clearly ironed out their own best practices and I was able to to tap into that experience when making design decisions. Where they really shined was on service. Everyone has had, or heard of the spotty reliability of designers and contractors once the cheques have been paid. That was not my experience with Mafco. Mafco made several trips to my site to look at the landscape and topography during the design phase, they were on site for the delivery of their product, and they even come back three years later to help fix up small issues with a job by a 3rd party contractor. They are not a general contractor, but Mafco truly is a full service design group that has left me extremely satisfied with building my dream cottage, and the design/build process was an unforgettable adventure. **★★★★★ — Deb Jeffery, July 2017** > It is with pleasure that I am writing this review for Mafcohouse. Our cottage is a priceless oasis and we owe that in large part to the clean, simple design of Mafcohouse. We wanted a place that would meld with nature and bring the outside in. Mafcohouse achieved this. By visiting several of their builds, we knew that their design aesthetic paralleled our own. But Dan and Diane were very careful to make sure they understood the particulars of what we were looking for. They met with us several times on site to review site location, design details and discuss details with the contractor. Our cottage lies on the boundaries of a national park. It was extremely important to us that it both blend seamlessly with the environment and have minimal environmental impact. Mafcohouse echoed the importance of this and delivered on both fronts. Everyone who has seen our house is stunned by its beauty and design. I would certainly recommend Mafcohouse without hesitation **★★★★★ — Helen and Alan Abelsohn, July 2017** > We love our Mafcohouse cottage in Haliburton. It was terrific working with the Mafcohouse team of Dan and Diane to take our vacant land and turn it into our family retreat. Mafco totally understood our needs and helped us throughout to make our home both beautiful and functional for family use. The process of building our cottage was made easy by Dan's careful attention to detail and experience. We greatly benefited from and enjoyed their creative input into the design of our cottage. Dan was professional throughout and the quality of the design and materials that they organized was excellent. **★★★★★ — Pamela Chapman, June 2017** > Working with Dan and Diane of Mafcohouse was a great experience. > We appreciated the opportunity to collaborate on the design to suit our site, our needs, and our preferences. They have a strong aesthetic sense so their design advice was always useful, and their recommendations enhanced the natural beauty of the site and our desire to achieve energy efficiency. They were patient as we adapted and revised the plans. Dan is always prepared to take the time to explain construction methods and advised on materials, including recommending the use of new methods and materials which make the building state of the art. He was also patient in supporting our contractor, who was not familiar with some of the construction methods used, and was very hands on at site visits, beginning with siting the building and continuing through meetings and discussions with contractors and sub's. Mafcohouse ensured that the framing materials were delivered on time, and their installation of the roof, windows and doors was timely. Their level of communication at all stages of our project was stellar. We could not be happier with our lake home, and give Dan and Diane huge credit for helping us to realize the modern building we imagined. **★★★★★ — hes001, June 2017** > It was evident from our first day snowshoeing on the land and our initial 'doodling' sessions, that Dan and Diane understood our vision for the land and home. The process was open, collaborative and, as importantly, most enjoyable. As a result, we quickly arrived at a design we loved. > > The structural kit of parts proved to be flexible, and they pushed the boundaries for us to achieve a few key elements. They also accommodated our requests for a higher performing envelope aimed at lower energy reliance, maximizing passive solar gain and minimizing environmental impact. > > We are pleased with the high quality and solidity of the building as well as the warmth, calm and connection with nature imbued in our home. It wouldn't have happened without their dedication, design savvy and their expertise to get us there. **★★★★★ — HU-83331, June 2017** > We love our Mafco House! Mafcohouse was a pleasure to work with. They understood our needs and concerns - everything was exactly how we wanted it. Mafohouse assisted with coordinating deliveries to our water-access location and everything went very smoothly. They were on-hand for all of the critical building phases. **★★★★★ — sathiv, Dec. 2014** > Mafcohouse is great! > > Their models are modern and flexible. It made it easy to visualize what we had in our mind for a cottage. From planning to completion they provided sound consultation. Most importantly, when things did not go as planned, they took the responsibility to fix things. We are very lucky to have them serve us. > > Sathi Vanigasooriar **★★★★★ — jcolero, Dec. 2014** > Dan and Diane (Mafco) worked with us to create a little slice of heaven. > We had an idea of what kind of building we were looking for, and they worked tirelessly to make it a reality. > From the initial concept meeting, right through to completion...they were committed, industrious, patient and open minded. > They understood our 'esthetic' immediately, and our need to build a place where the experience was as important as the structure. > Originally, we worked with Mafco to simply design our building, but they continued on with us through the permit stages, working with the contractor, the build out, and beyond. The end result was a true realization of our original concept. We could not be more proud of our cottage, and the Mafco team. We would recommend them to absolutely anyone who wants to build a beautiful space. That's exactly what they did for us! > A space that is respectful of the environment it shares, of the family that shares it, and a space to build build memories in. > > Sincerely, > > Jody Colero and Tracy Thomson **★★★★★ — annesportun, Dec. 2014** > Working with Mafco house, Dan and Diane Molenaar proved to be everything you would want when buidling a home: professional ,cost and lifestyle considerate, flexible and honest. **★★★★★ — Julia Howell, Nov. 2014** > We absolutely love our Mafcohouse. Not only is the building gorgeous it is rock solid and designed to perfection. We are constantly marvelling at the thoughtful dimensions of the rooms, quality of the materials and the life-altering light. And we are not alone in our appreciation. The buzz in our neighbourhood continues even after a few years of residence. The building provokes lots of curiosity and passion to replicate. If we were doing it all again there's no doubt we would choose Mafcohouse. In fact, we're fantasizing about a bunkie to accommodate all our visitors. ## Selected projects - [Mafcohouse JS - Modern Architectural Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mafcohouse-js-modern-architectural-design-build-pj-vj~2486065) - Location: Tobermory, ON - Photos: 15 - Description: The drama of the Bruce Peninsula, its rugged shoreline and massive expanses of open water, provide backdrop and inspiration for the Jeffrey/Sehl residence. The eye is drawn to the outdoors and horizon from almost anywhere in the home, with all rooms featuring big views of the lake and limestone shoreline. The master suite and guest wing are on opposite sides of a large central living space: both are connected to the communal area by glass corridors, giving a degree of privacy and sense of separa… - [Mafochouse F - Modern Build, Floor to Ceiling Glass](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mafochouse-f-modern-build-floor-to-ceiling-glass-pj-vj~2485926) - Location: Haliburton, ON - Photos: 12 - Description: Upon arrival, a delightful sneak peek of the lake is offered through tall windows in the rear elevation of the Freeman residence. This opens up into expansive views as visitors step through the door. The house is designed with every room looking onto the lake and circulation running along the rear. The building hugs the land form, the bedrock informing two-floor level changes within the 130′ long structure. However, the elevated ceilings in the living area drop to a more cozy height in the bedro… - [Mafcohouse M - Modern, Low Impact Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mafcohouse-m-modern-low-impact-design-build-pj-vj~2487652) - Location: Eagle Lake, ON - Photos: 13 - Description: Originally called the Corridor House, this residence consists of two 34′ by 34′ volumes connected by a 16′ by 8′ glass corridor that creates transparency in all directions. On the north side of the corridor is the entrance nook, to the south a large screened in porch; look east or west and glazed walls at either end of the corridor afford views out into the forest beyond. Built as a home/studio for MAFCOhouse founders, Diane and Dan Molenaar, Moose has a fully glazed 84′ south elevation. The ent… - [Mafcohouse SW](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mafcohouse-sw-pj-vj~5764876) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: A decade after their original off-grid Mh cottage was completed, this client required more space. An addition, housing a library, games room, sauna and outdoor living area connects to the main building via a 12′ glass bridge. The sloping site necessitated a two storey structure, with the bridge projecting from what was originally a window. It connects to the upper-level library and outdoor deck space. Below, the games room links to the sauna via a covered breezeway that doubles as a sitting area… - [Mafcohouse M](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mafcohouse-m-pj-vj~5764948) - Location: North Kawartha, ON - Photos: 7 - Description: Replacing a three season cottage that has been in the family for generations, this MAFCOhouse is a four season home with extensive views from almost every side. The living space and master bedroom share the sheer glass lake elevation, while a large bank of windows to the rear provides views and transparency through the cottage. Large roof overhangs and big decks to front and rear connect with the landscape and encourage outdoor living. Guest bedrooms are located in a separate wing, connected via… - [Mafcohouse GR - Modern, View Framing Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mafcohouse-gr-modern-view-framing-design-build-pj-vj~2487395) - Location: Haliburton, ON - Photos: 10 - Description: The view is what it’s all about at the Grober/Roth cottage. The entire lakeside elevation and also the rear elevation of both living and dining rooms are walls of glass. The end wall of the wide corridor that leads to the master suite is totally glazed and the sides of the cantilevered portion of the master bedroom are glass, too, making the open plan spaces seem endless. Patio doors on either side of the fireplace lead out to a large screened porch that incorporates retractable Phantom screens… - [Mafcohouse CA - Modern Bungalow Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mafcohouse-ca-modern-bungalow-design-build-pj-vj~2487726) - Location: Parry Sound, ON - Photos: 9 - Description: Commissioned by a young client, this spacious water access house on Georgian Bay is built upon a site owned and cottaged by a single family for generations. It is designed with entertaining large groups of family and friends in mind. Internally, the communal spaces are wide open and roomy, with living and dining areas separated by a double sided fireplace. While outside, a catwalk leads to stairs and extensive decking to take the party down to the lake. All rooms along the lake elevation have ac… - [Mafcohouse CK - Modern Glass House Design/Build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mafcohouse-ck-modern-glass-house-design-build-pj-vj~2487453) - Location: Gooderham, ON - Photos: 8 - Description: History and a love of art inform the design of this cottage. The layout is based upon that of a previous family cottage that was lost in a fire. And, contrary to most MAFCO houses, there are numerous solid walls, to provide space for the residents’ extensive collection of artworks. But still, the two storey building has 34′ of glazing along the lake elevation, while sliding doors in the living room and master bedroom lead to outdoor decks. Additionally, the owners had the cottage designed with a… - [Mafcohouse AA - Modern Design/Build in Nature](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mafcohouse-aa-modern-design-build-in-nature-pj-vj~361220) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: On arriving at this cottage it would appear to be a single storey building, and inside too, the main floor includes every aspect of living space required for its owners. Kitchen, living/dining space, master bedroom and bathroom are all connected on the same level. However, take the stairs and you’ll enter the lower guest wing, with two bedrooms, a common space and bathroom. The roof of this lower volume doubles as outdoor living space for the upper storey, and all rooms apart from the bathrooms… - [Mafcohouse DP - Modern Architectural Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mafcohouse-dp-modern-architectural-design-build-pj-vj~2487857) - Location: Parry Sound, ON - Photos: 8 - Description: A family retreat on a lake since childhood, the Deuchars Pimlott residence is a compact two storey structure. Dictated so by the sloping site, two volumes are offset due to exposed rugged bedrock, with the living space sitting atop the bedrooms. The roof of the lower storey serves as a deck, adding an outdoor living space, accessed through numerous sliding doors leading onto a catwalk and deck itself. The whole building rests on concrete piers, which lift it slightly above grade, giving a feelin… - [Mafcohouse C - Modern, Transparent Design/Build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mafcohouse-c-modern-transparent-design-build-pj-vj~2487530) - Location: Haliburton, ON - Photos: 6 - Description: The name Castor takes inspiration from the large circular hill, shaped like a beaver’s lodge, on the side of which the cottage is built. Sloping steeply to the water’s edge, the topography also informs the two-storey design of the four season lake house, shared by two brothers and their partners. The main living areas and two master bedrooms are on the upper level, which includes a vaulted ceiling and clerestory. Below, hidden from the driveway entry point, are the guest bedrooms and a work stud… - [Mafcohouse P - Modern Design/ Build Integrating Topography](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mafcohouse-p-modern-design-build-integrating-topography-pj-vj~837436) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: The island location and rugged topography of the site informed the building footprint and configuration of this three season cottage in Georgian Bay. The owner also wanted to encourage outdoor living, with all circulation between living spaces, bedrooms, and the sauna cabin occurring via the extensive deck and an external covered catwalk. Multiple patio doors mean that the cottage can be fully opened up to the outdoors when the weather permits. The large granite outcropping that played a signifi… - [Mafcohouse H - Modern Architectural Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mafcohouse-h-modern-architectural-design-build-pj-vj~2487623) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Mafcohouse BL - Modern Architectural Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mafcohouse-bl-modern-architectural-design-build-pj-vj~2487902) - Location: Kawartha Lakes, ON - Photos: 8 - [Mafcohouse ST - Modern Architectural Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mafcohouse-st-modern-architectural-design-build-pj-vj~361246) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Mafcohouse BH - Modern Architectural Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mafcohouse-bh-modern-architectural-design-build-pj-vj~357950) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Mafcohouse SW - Modern Architectural Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mafcohouse-sw-modern-architectural-design-build-pj-vj~502174) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Mafcohouse EM - Modern Architectural Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mafcohouse-em-modern-architectural-design-build-pj-vj~903753) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Mafcohouse CH - Modern Architectural Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mafcohouse-ch-modern-architectural-design-build-pj-vj~502156) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Mafcohouse B - Modern Architectural Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mafcohouse-b-modern-architectural-design-build-pj-vj~502158) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 [See all 21 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mafcohouse-pfvwus-pf~1132873342) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/840791309.m3u8?s=84301b956c89d5edd63a0073b2bfdf6e57d3e79a&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love the wood stove - Who's the maker?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Glad to hear you like the stove, its made by Regency and the model is Alterra CS2400, extremely efficient. **Q: why** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Why not, big Beatles fan lives here. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*