Perched at high altitude on the western slope of Mont-Jasper and overlooking Lake Archambault, the project seeks to preserve the striking panoramic views while integrating harmoniously into its surroundings.
The chalet opens generously toward the spectacular views of Lake Archambault and the Laurentian mountains, while maintaining an intimate relationship with the surrounding forest. Set on a natural plateau, the folded form of the house follows the contour of the mountain ridge, beyond which the ground falls away, revealing the tops of tall conifers rooted into the mountainside. Cantilevered elements—the primary bedroom and the terrace—take advantage of this vantage point, offering occupants the sensation of being suspended between sky and earth.
Upon arrival, the building splits into two pavilions—the house and the garage—linked by a roof that frames a visual opening toward the lake and distant mountains. This opening marks the entrance to the home.
The house is composed of two volumes: a sleek, refined, bright and luminous volume that accommodates the living areas, and a lower, more enveloping volume, covered with a Douglas fir structure, which houses the primary bedroom and the kitchen.
The living area opens up to sweeping views, afternoon light, and evening sunsets. The difference in height between the two volumes allows a high clerestory band that captures morning light, ensuring sunlight throughout the day. Extending from the living room, a cantilevered terrace continues the living spaces outdoors and strengthens the connection to the landscape.
In the lower volume, the space becomes more intimate. The exposed Douglas fir structure creates a warm and comforting atmosphere. The kitchen is set within it, like a wooden cocoon open to the living area. Concealed behind the bookshelf, the primary suite unfolds into a sequence of spaces leading to the resting area, oriented toward the forest and elevated above the natural ground.
The chalet takes advantage of the sloping terrain by incorporating a garden-level floor accessible from the exterior – a space dedicated for guests and children. This approach minimizes excessive site disturbance.
Materiality also contributes to anchoring the chalet within its context. The exterior cladding, made of local white cedar, weathers naturally; its tone, which silvers over time, resonates with the forest. The Douglas fir structure further reinforces the dominant presence of wood in this natural setting. Inside, red oak is used for built-in furnishings with refined detailing, complementing and harmonizing with the raw Douglas fir framework. Natural stone, concrete, and select Venetian plaster surfaces complete a durable, robust, and timeless palette. Other surfaces remain white and luminous, allowing the surrounding landscape to take center stage.
