The Stoke cider atelier, whose name was inspired by the small community next to which it is established, reveals itself in all its wintry glory. The project is hidden at the heart of the Eastern Townships, between a wooded area and a vast expanse of water. The building’s delicate insertion on the site serves to emphasize the landscape’s beauty with a clean and sober signature. The magic of the location seduced the owner, who wished to conduct a close partnership with the architects, to create a simple yet unique self-constructed building.
The building hosts a dual purpose, each related to a specific activity. At the ground level, a lute workshop adjoins a space dedicated to cider making, the only separation between the two a staircase leading to an overhanging mezzanine. On the ground level, a protected gallery links the access to each space, occurring independently. The interior expresses generous volumes filled with light, which guided the architectural design from the outset.
The project avoids all excess, such as to favor dialogue over context. A hemlock cladding with vertical battens coats the entirety of the four facades, and a steel covering with standing joints covers both sides of the inclined roof. Beyond being durable and resistant, the external materials require minimal upkeep. The building’s appearance evolves throughout the seasons due to the patina of these natural materials, further contributing to its integration within the surrounding nature.
Inspired by the vernacular architecture of the Quebecois farm, APPAREIL’s deliberate approach sought to incorporate the principles of Nordic architecture within this simple building, leaving space for the surrounding beauty to reveal itself across days and seasons. Stoke integrates perfectly within the landscape, and allows the owners to enjoy each moment of work, admiring the site’s magnificence.
