In the heart of Ontario’s cottage country, where architectural ambitions meet rugged landscapes, one building feature is quietly transforming the way homes interact with their surroundings: the window. And not just any window – oversized, high-performance aluminum systems that are strong enough to span massive openings and refined enough to elevate contemporary design.
With panoramic lake views and open-concept living spaces being staples for luxury builds in places like Collingwood and Georgian Bay, window and door systems need to shoulder a lot of burden. Lakeland Windows and Doors is meeting that challenge with high-end aluminum solutions, like those produced by Reynaers, a global brand headquartered in Belgium and renowned for its architectural-grade aluminum products.
“Aluminum is strong enough to support larger formats and more complex window systems,” says Lakeland’s owner, Ken Patterson. “You can’t always achieve that with vinyl. These builds are getting more ambitious, and aluminum allows us to meet those demands.”
Why aluminum?
It might seem counterintuitive to recommend aluminum windows in a climate known for harsh winters and hot summers. After all, aluminum is a metal – and metal is a natural conductor of heat and cold. But modern aluminum window systems are built differently.
“They’re thermally broken, meaning they include a barrier – usually a polymer – between the interior and exterior layers of aluminum,” Ken explains.
“That thermal break is critical. Without it, aluminum would transfer cold right through the frame. But with a thermal break, the inner and outer parts of the window are separated by a non-conductive material that stops the cold from coming in and keeps the warm air where it belongs.”
The aluminum profiles used in these Belgian systems are manufactured in Canada, combining European engineering with local production standards. This makes them ideally suited for demanding builds that require both aesthetic quality and structural performance.
Not just windows
The term “window system” goes beyond just panes of glass in a frame. What’s being offered here is a suite of integrated components that allow for a wide range of architectural features. These include multi-slide doors, pocket doors, folding doors, and tilt-and-turn windows – a popular European style that opens inward for cleaning and tilts for ventilation.
“These systems let homeowners open up entire walls,” Ken says. “You’re not just adding a window – you’re creating an experience. That’s especially important in areas like cottage country, where the views are a major part of the experience.”
Aluminum’s strength-to-weight ratio means larger openings can be achieved without bulky frames or structural compromises. For waterfront homes looking to create seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces, this is a major benefit.
Options for every budget
While aluminum may offer the most flexibility for oversized and complex window designs, it isn’t the only material available. Many builds incorporate vinyl windows, especially when budget constraints come into play.
“We offer vinyl through KV Custom,” Ken notes. “While it can’t always match the scale of aluminum, it’s still capable of surprisingly large formats. And the price point makes it accessible for more projects.”
Vinyl windows also offer good thermal performance, especially in more standard sizes. For builders and homeowners balancing performance with affordability, vinyl remains a practical, reliable choice.
Local knowledge
From a logistical standpoint, installing large-format windows in remote areas poses its own challenges. That’s why the company emphasizes its full-service model – from design consultation and quoting to installation and after-care.
With a showroom and distribution centre in Bala, they’re strategically positioned to serve builders across Muskoka, Collingwood, and everything in between.
“We’re local. We understand what’s involved in working on lakefront properties, including barging to islands and navigating complex terrain. We’ve invested in specialized trailers and glass-handling equipment just for these kinds of projects.”
Lakeland handles both builder-supplied and client-focused installations, offering full quoting, sales, and service teams for each stage of the build. According to Ken, today’s contemporary cottages and custom homes are far more complex than the average project – and the team has both the experience and the focus to get the details right.
Designing with vision
Whether it’s a wall of glass facing the water or a slim-profile tilt-and-turn window that strategically lets in a breeze, today’s window systems are being chosen as much for form as for function. In a part of the world where beauty reigns supreme, the right windows bring the outside in.
“You’re not just filling a hole in the wall,” Ken says. “You’re creating a frame for the view – and that’s something we take seriously.”
TEXT Kari Klassen
PHOTOS Studio RH & Anna Derzhanovska
