Two wooden blocks gently harmonize with their lakeside surroundings
Maxime Brouillet

Two wooden blocks gently harmonize with their lakeside surroundings

10 jun. 2021  •  Noticias  •  By Allie Shiell

On a rocky outcrop overlooking Lake Memphremagog, Quebec, two blocks of wood gently harmonize with their surroundings. The two rectangular volumes, positioned one atop the other, form the volume of the house by YH2_Yiacouvakis Hamelin Architectes.

Maxime Brouillet

The lower volume acts as a plateau, straddling a natural gully that accommodates runoff from heavy rains. The upper volume, which appears to float above, is a solid looking white cedar clad volume with pierced vertical openings that contrast with the expansive windows of the lower ground level volume.  

Maxime Brouillet

The upper block rest on the lower, but it is offset, hovering the lower volume on two side and thus enabling the provision of sheltered outdoor space.

Maxime Brouillet

Inside, the two volumes share a double-height space where they overlap on the south side. The dramatic space is flooded with natural light from the living room to mezzanine office above.

Maxime Brouillet

The project volumes are arranged over the site’s natural slope. From the public road, a private drive leads to a first clearing with garage and outdoor parking then a lower clearing where the house is positioned. In a third clearing at a lower level yet is a spectacular swimming pool that overlooks the lake.

Maxime Brouillet