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.
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.
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.
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.
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.