Up There! - ESPACE VITAL Architecture
ESPACE VITAL architecture is proud
to announce the completion of a new
residence located in the Township of
Potton.
Perched up high near the edge of
a steep slope, this contemporary
dwelling creates a contrast and a
duality between opaque areas hidden
from sight and living areas bathed in
light. An ideal getaway for resourcing
oneself in intimacy, this house is a
perfect representation of ESPACE
VITALs trademarks with its minimalist
design, balanced with warmth and its
aerial roof overhang.
Nested on a site overlooking Lake
Memphrémagog, near Owl’s Head ski
resort, this property represented the
ideal location for the owners.
The couple, living in Montreal, were
looking for such a piece of paradise
near the mountains and the lake to
enjoy winter activities during the
cold season, as well as boating during
warmer months. They wanted a house
big enough to entertain friends and
family while having all their living
quarters on the same floor.
When ESPACE VITAL’s architects
visited the site for the first time, they
realized that the major challenge
would be to design a layout in a
relatively narrow strip of ground
bordered by the cliff and the road. “The
area in which we could implement the
house was not very big” explains Paul
Faucher, architect and associate at
ESPACE VITAL. “Furthermore, even if
the road is not very busy, we wanted to
design a curved driveway to maximize
intimacy and create discovery when
approaching the residence” he adds.
The concept is basically a two faced
building with the street façade being
opaque and the opposite façade being
fully transparent and in contact with
nature. This maximizes the cocoon
effect desired+ by the owners.
Thus, the driveway gives access to
the enclosed volumes of the garage
and the main building enhancing the
surprise effect. Upon entering, the
large vestibule does not allow to right
away fully appreciate the layout that is
completely open towards the scenery.
It is only once inside the main living
spaces of the main floor that one
discovers the spectacular views
towards the forest and the lake.
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