--- title: Outdoor Living Spaces description: Timber homes and cottages are beautiful buildings and great places in which to live, however have you considered other timber applications? image: https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/nov14_outdoorliving.jpg --- - [Custom Homes](https://normerica.com/custom-homes/) - [Semi Custom Homes](https://normerica.com/semi-custom-homes/) - [Mass Timber](https://normerica.com/mass-timber/) - [Meet Normerica](https://normerica.com/meet-normerica/) - [Our Process +](https://normerica.com/our-process/) - [Overview](https://normerica.com/our-process/) - [Construction Options](https://normerica.com/our-process/construction-options/) - [How We Manufacture](https://normerica.com/our-process/how-we-manufacture/) - [Our Materials Building Solution](https://normerica.com/materials-shell-package/) - [Cost of Building Your Timber Frame Retreat](https://normerica.com/cost-of-timber-frame-home/) - [Architects & Builders](https://normerica.com/architects-builders/) - [Blog](https://blog.normerica.com/blog) - [Contact Us](https://normerica.com/contact-us/) Menu - [Custom Homes](https://normerica.com/custom-homes/) - [Semi Custom Homes](https://normerica.com/semi-custom-homes/) - [Mass Timber](https://normerica.com/mass-timber/) - [Meet Normerica](https://normerica.com/meet-normerica/) - [Our Process +](https://normerica.com/our-process/) - [Overview](https://normerica.com/our-process/) - [Construction Options](https://normerica.com/our-process/construction-options/) - [How We Manufacture](https://normerica.com/our-process/how-we-manufacture/) - [Our Materials Building Solution](https://normerica.com/materials-shell-package/) - [Cost of Building Your Timber Frame Retreat](https://normerica.com/cost-of-timber-frame-home/) - [Architects & Builders](https://normerica.com/architects-builders/) - [Blog](https://blog.normerica.com/blog) - [Contact Us](https://normerica.com/contact-us/) # Outdoor Living Spaces 06 Nov, 2014 ![nov14_outdoorliving](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/nov14_outdoorliving.jpg) # While timber homes and cottages are beautiful buildings and great places in which to live, there are other timber applications which can enhance your home or cottage environment. ### The Bunkie A small cabin or custom Bunkie is a great addition to the cottage for guests or kids (mostly kids) to spend the night and give you more privacy. ![A small cabin ](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Cottge-Gallery-18-irwin-cab-1024x658-1024x658.jpg?width=1024&height=658&name=Cottge-Gallery-18-irwin-cab-1024x658-1024x658.jpg) Bunkies can be unique buildings onto themselves or they can be custom designed to match the cottage shape and colours. The options for a bunkie can be endless. ![Bunkies](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DSC_9375-1024x677-1024x677.jpg?width=1024&height=677&name=DSC_9375-1024x677-1024x677.jpg) ![Bunkies](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Giffin-July-2011-054.jpg?width=1008&height=669&name=Giffin-July-2011-054.jpg) ### The Boathouse Another outdoor living space is the boathouse. Every boat needs a house and a timber boathouse is a great addition to any cottage. Whether it is used only for the boat and other toys or if you add living space above, the boathouse adds character and is a practical space for cottagers. ![boathouse.](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PicMonkeyboathouses-1024x512-1024x512.jpg?width=1024&height=512&name=PicMonkeyboathouses-1024x512-1024x512.jpg) ![boathouse](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DSC_9323-1024x650.jpg?width=1024&height=650&name=DSC_9323-1024x650.jpg) ### Backyard Structures Back in town or in the city, timber frame outdoor buildings can enhance even the most spectacular backyards. Whether you need a building by the pool, a pergola or a place to barbeque and just hang out, timber frame living outside adds a unique dimension to your home. ![the most spectacular backyards](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DSCN6277.jpg?width=864&height=660&name=DSCN6277.jpg) Timber homes and cottages are beautiful structures on their own. However, you can enhance your environment by adding spectacular and practical outdoor living spaces to enjoy throughout the year. **Browse the Normerica Lookbook for pages of inspiration. ** ## About Normerica Since 1979, Normerica has created the highest quality timber frame homes and buildings across North America and around the world. Our decades of timber frame experience and expert in-house design capabilities have given us the ability to offer a high level of customization and design flexibility – a key advantage of timber frame homes and post and beam construction.  ### Recent Posts ### Categories - [Bungalow](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/bungalow) - [Cathedral Ceiling](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/cathedral-ceiling) - [Choosing a Custom Home Builder](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/choosing-a-custom-home-builder) - [Construction Financing](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/construction-financing) - [Contemporary Homes](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/contemporary-homes) - [Cost of Building a Timber Frame Home](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/cost-of-building-a-timber-frame-home) - [Cottage](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/cottage) - [Cottage Life Show](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/cottage-life-show) - [Custom Timber Frame Home Blog](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/custom-timber-frame-home-blog) - [Environmentally Friendly Home](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/environmentally-friendly-home) - [Featured Publications](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/featured-publications) - [Great Room](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/great-room) - [Green Building](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/green-building) - [Green House](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/green-house) - [House Designs](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/house-designs) - [House Plans](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/house-plans) - [How To Build A Custom Home](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/how-to-build-a-custom-home) - [Lakeside Cottage](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/lakeside-cottage) - [Modern House Plans](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/modern-house-plans) - [Net Zero Homes](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/net-zero-homes) - [Post and Beam Construction](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/post-and-beam-construction) - [Promotions](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/promotions) - [Screened-In Porch](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/screened-in-porch) - [Shows](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/shows) - [Timber Frame Homes To Love](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/timber-frame-homes-to-love) - [Timber Frame House Plans](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/timber-frame-house-plans) - [Timber Framing Experts](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/timber-framing-experts) - [Traditional House Plans](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/traditional-house-plans) - [Waterfront Cottage](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/waterfront-cottage) Interested in Our Custom Homes? Start a conversation! ![](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Normerica_updated_blog_theme_52_pickup/images/green-arrow.svg) ![](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Normerica_updated_blog_theme_52_pickup/images/start-a-conversation-iamge.jpg) ### Read Further [![Customized Normerica Rocklyn timber frame home on Georgian Bay in winter, featuring a two-storey window wall and four-season sunroom addition](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/IMG_5574.jpeg) A View Worth Building For: A Customized Rocklyn on Georgian Bay Normerica Timber Homes 07 Jul, 2026 / 3 min read](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/a-view-worth-building-for-a-customized-rocklyn-on-georgian-bay) [![What Does a Timber Frame Home Actually Cost? A Complete Guide to Budgeting Your Build](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/Cost%20of%20Building%20a%20Timber%20Frame%20Home%20Blog%20Normerica%20Header%20Update%202-1.png) What Does a Timber Frame Home Actually Cost? Normerica Timber Homes 20 Jul, 2026 / 7 min read](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/understanding-the-true-cost-of-building-your-dream-timber-frame-home) [![best of cottage designs muskoka room screened in porch three season room lakeside living](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/Rennie.jpg) Building a Muskoka Room / Screened In Porch in Your Timber Frame Home Normerica Timber Homes 08 Apr, 2022 / 10 min read](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/cottage-designs-muskoka-room-screened-in-porch) [![Up to $130,000 in HST relief on a new custom timber frame home — exterior view of a Normerica timber frame home surrounded by mature trees and landscaping](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/Normerica%20HST%20Blog%20Banner%20June%2026%202026.png) Up to $130,000 in HST Relief on a New Build…Here’s What We Know Normerica Timber Homes 23 Jun, 2026 / 6 min read](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/hst-relief-new-build-ontario) [![mar14_fusstruss](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/mar14_fusstruss.jpg) The Fuss About Trusses normerica\_ 10 Mar, 2014 / 1 min read](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/the-fuss-about-trusses) ## Office [645 Veterans Drive, Unit H Barrie, Ontario Canada L4N 9H8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hXRbfndK6bWDA8Qd8) [info@normerica.com](mailto:info@normerica.com) [+1 (800) 361-7449](tel:+18003617449) [+1 (705) 431-4710](tel:+17054314710) ## Opening Hours Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm By appointment only. (including evenings and weekends). ## Discover Homes - [Custom Homes](http://localhost:8888/normerica/public/custom-homes/) - [Semi Custom Homes](http://localhost:8888/normerica/public/semi-custom-homes/) - [Mass Timber](http://localhost:8888/normerica/public/mass-timber/) ## Learn More - [Meet Normerica](http://localhost:8888/normerica/public/meet-normerica/) - [Our Process](http://localhost:8888/normerica/public/our-process/) - [Architects & Builders](http://localhost:8888/normerica/public/architects-builders/) - [Blog](http://localhost:8888/normerica/public/blog/) - [Contact Us](http://localhost:8888/normerica/public/contact-us/) ## Resources - [Meet Normerica](http://localhost:8888/normerica/public/meet-normerica/) - [Careers](http://localhost:8888/normerica/public/careers/) - [FAQ](http://localhost:8888/normerica/public/faq/) - [Privacy Policy](http://localhost:8888/normerica/public/privacy-policy/) © Normerica 2024. 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