Cow Cottage is a new home constructed in Cow Bay , Nova Scotia . The owners requested a comfortable, energy-efficient home evocative of an early colonial style able to capture the magnificent ocean views. Building in anticipation of retirement, the owners also requested the ability to have barrier-free ground level living.

The main house is 2070 square feet, with a 1060 square foot basement and 440 square foot attached garage. Sited for view and solar gain, this house takes advantage of a south-southeast orientation. The home has R35 walls, R40 ceilings and R10 slab. The exterior wall is a rainscreen construction with exterior rigid insulation, strapping and cedar siding. Heating is supplied with an energy-efficient oil-fired in-floor hydronic system.

The exterior is a traditional, Nantucket-style design with brick foundation, a large central chimney with an open hearth Rumford fireplace and small divided pane windows. The cedar clapboards were stained with a weathering stain to assist with the aging process. Some reclaimed materials were used in the construction. Beams, doors and granite blocks were used to create the feel of an early colonial home.