an A-frame, monochromatic home sits on the shore of a lake in the laurentians, quebec. designed by la SHED architecture, one of the main challenges of ‘chalet de la plage’ was to design a building that would be open and in communication with its environment while preserving the privacy of its users. with this focus at the core of the design, this led to building adopting the typical architecture reminiscent in chalets in the alps.
the simple and traditional form of the alpine region embodies a symbol that remains very strong in the collective imagination. without completely mimicking this character in all elements, la SHED architecture fused contemporary aspects and details into the interior and throughout. a black coating of metallic pain was applied to the façade to reduce the visual impact the building would have against the surrounding foliage. meanwhile on the norther façade, facing the road, small openings have been positioned to optimise the privacy of the residents.
entrance is gained through the corner which seemingly appears like it has been carved from the structure. on the opposite end which faces onto the lake, the entire front façade is glass, with the lower half acting as sliding doors that flow onto a elevated porch decked in timber. the expansive use of glass projects the internal spaces towards the water.
internally, the volume is hollowed out to form a spacious living area. a two level timber structure of natural wood contains all the closed spaces including the kitchen, master bedroom with a study on the top. the clarity of organization is reinforced by simply separating from living spaces from the other rooms and subsequently, establishes a harmonious cohabitation between residents and nature and a relaxed retreat for a year-round feeling of being on vacation.
from designboom