The glazed living area of this cedar-clad cabin near Montreal projects over a woodland slope to optimise views of a close by lake (+ slideshow).
Local architect Paul Bernier based the building’s crooked form and scenario on the site’s topography, placing it lengthwise amongst a slope and a stream on the wooded plot, which sits on the shoreline of Grenier Lake.
The major living spaces of Residence on Lac Grenier are arranged over 1 storey, providing the creating a reduced profile, although a wood-lined reading through area protrudes from the building’s green roof and utility spaces are located in the basement.
“Our clientele have owned this residence for a quantity of years. They know it nicely and adore its varied functions,” mentioned Bernier. “They have been seeking for a sustainable and web site-delicate venture that would protect its topography, vegetation, and organic appearance.”
“Its meandering shape is determined by the options offered by the surrounding landscape,” he extra. “The construction bends, opens, and narrows like a river carving its very own path.”
Connected story: Bernd Riegger’s see-by way of timber cabin provides shelter for a forest kindergarten
Cedar slats of varying widths and thicknesses are arranged vertically close to the building’s angular facade, which outcomes in a lightning bolt-shaped floor strategy.
The timber siding and green roof is intended to support the structure blend into its surroundings.
“With time, as the cedar slats fade and the trees and ground cover grow back in about the developing, architecture and nature will intermingle,” stated the architect. “Nature will also be invited to cover the creating itself, thanks to its green roof. Seen from the rooftop study or the hill, the construction will mix into its normal surroundings.”
A garage with a slanted facade sits in a dip at a single end of the creating. The entrance to the residence is wedged in a gap amongst two timber walls to its rear, giving the impression that the timber cladding has been pried away from the the facade to insert the door.
Within, Bernier used hickory wood cabinetry to mirror the building’s faceted exterior, whilst bright white walls and polished cement floors intentionally contrast the rugged terrain.
Three wooden storage units divide the building into sleeping, dining and lounging places.
Associated story: Canadian forest retreat by Christopher Simmonds stretches out in the direction of lake views
A huge wooden unit by the entrance characteristics a built-in seat and a hanging area for coats and bags. Behind it sits two double bedrooms and a matching wooden staircase that prospects to the “treehouse-like” reading room.
“Throughout summer, the trees, like the green roof, develop a natural display to shield the house from heat,” said the architect. “In winter when the leaves have fallen, sunlight filters through the forest and floods the space with warmth and light.”
Downstairs, an irregularly-shaped island sits in the centre of the kitchen, exactly where a set of glass doors slide open into an completely glazed lounge. This area of the home is propped up on legs in excess of the slope, offering views above the mouth of the stream and lake.
Atelier Oslo took a related method in its layout of a hillside cabin, which overlooks a Norwegian lake.
A third piece of cabinetry – a boxy shelving unit – acts as a visual partition amongst the dining and sitting locations of the room.
“The big open location is occupied by three wooden masses,” explained the architect. “They are placed along an axis that draws one by means of the sequence of spaces that make up the living area.”
“Their functions are barely legible, allowing them to remain as abstract as feasible in order to emphasise only their kind, material, and partnership to one particular an additional.”
Photography is by Adrien Williams.
Venture credits:
Architecture: Paul Bernier architect
Architectural team: Paul Bernier, Anick Thibeault
Construction: Calculatec Inc.
Engineer: Alain Mousseau
Contractor: Léonald Goyette
Axonometric diagram – click for greater image 
Web site plan – click for greater image 
Ground floor strategy – click for greater image 
First floor prepare – click for larger picture 
Part – click for more substantial picture 
