The world of design can be filled with a bewildering array of terms. But when it comes to window design at the cottage, much of it boils down to a few simple principles, say the team at Great North Windows and Doors.
“You might hear designers talk about ‘emotional architecture,’ but what that means is you want windows and doors that will make the most of your view, and make your cottage feel welcoming and restful,” says Jeff Kussen, who co-owns the company with his brother, Brad, and their father, Ken.
That sounds simple, but achieving it takes craftsmanship, vision, and an understanding of how people interact with space.
“Windows and doors aren’t just functional,” says Jeff. “They’re part of how you experience the cottage. They shape the light, frame the landscape, and influence how it feels to be inside.”
The Kussen family has decades of experience in the window and door industry. As local residents who work closely with many excellent area builders, they understand the connection between the landscape and the cottage, as well as the importance of cottage time with friends and family.
Windows that shape an experience
“The right windows let you feel like you’re immersed in the outdoors, even when you’re inside,” says Ken. “That’s emotional design: it’s about connecting people to the feelings they want to have in a space.”
Great North works with homeowners, builders, and architects to understand how a space will be used and experienced. Then they help select the best window solutions. That often means the Signature windows from Marvin.
Signature encompasses two specific design lines from Marvin – Modern and Ultimate. They have slightly different looks, but both sides of the Signature line are crafted with aesthetics and engineering precision in mind.
The clean lines, warm interiors, and narrow sightlines of Signature windows allow for maximum glass area without compromising structural integrity. That means more natural light, bigger views, and an uninterrupted connection to the outdoors.
“These are windows that perform beautifully and look amazing,” says Jeff. “And they can handle whatever Muskoka throws at them – snow and ice storms, soaring humidity in summer, wild temperature swings, you name it.”
A family focus
Great North Windows and Doors is a family business through and through. Jeff, Brad, and Ken bring decades of combined experience to every project, but what really sets them apart is the way they care about the people they work with.
“We spend a lot of time listening,” says Jeff. “We want to understand not just the technical aspects of a project, but how someone wants to feel when they walk into their cottage. That’s where emotional architecture really comes into play.”
It’s that same personal touch that has helped Great North earn the trust of homeowners and builders across Muskoka and beyond.
And while their partnership with Marvin gives them access to world-class products, it’s the team’s expertise that turns those products into something extraordinary.
More than just a pretty view
The Signature lines deliver high energy efficiency and durability. But just as important is the flexibility in design.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution,” says Brad. “That’s one of the reasons we like working with Marvin – they have the capability to create custom shapes and configurations that help people realize their vision.”
Whether it’s a 12-foot glass door that opens at the lightest touch, a dramatic gable window that echoes the roofline, or a bank of windows that open to the sounds of the lake, Signature products allow creativity to thrive.
“Many cottagers want a real feeling of openness in the great room,” says Jeff. “We can design and build a window wall that lets in this incredible wash of light. It sets the whole mood of the space.”
Inspired by the north
In the end, the Kussens say, designing windows and doors for a cottage is about more than building codes and R-values. It’s about helping people create places that reflect their dreams and deepen their connection to nature.
That’s where biophilic design – another of those trendy terms – comes in. At its heart, it means building spaces that foster well-being by connecting us to the natural world.
“Windows are one of the most powerful tools we have to do that,” says Ken. “They can open up a room, invite in light and air, and let you stay connected to the landscape all year long.”
For the team at Great North, every project is an opportunity to do just that – whether it’s a sleek new build or a renovation of a cherished family cottage.
“We never forget that these places are special,” says Jeff. “And we want the windows and doors to be just as special.”
TEXT A. WAGNER-CHAZALON
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
