“We chose pre-stained red cedar
cladding to reduce maintenance and
maximize durability. On the inside,
natural wood is also used for accents
and on the ceiling bringing a sense of
continuity with the overhang and the
terrace” explains Paul Faucher. But
above all, in all the rooms, even in the
bathrooms, the view is breath-taking.
The clients were seduced by a house
featuring a huge suspended bay-
window, like an observatory, seen in
ESPACE VITALs portfolio.
This prompted them to contact the
firm for designing their residence.
“They wanted their own glass cube to
be perched among the trees and be
able to enjoy and observe the natural
environment” adds Paul Faucher.
Annexed to the living room, this cube,
along with the huge windows, gives the
impression of flowing space from the
inside to the outside.
Finally, in order to protect the rooms
from direct summer sunlight, a large
roof overhang was created towards the
South and the West. It tapers towards
the East. This simple architectural
feature, giving the building its dynamic
and distinctive look, also provides
shade for energy efficiency. In the
same perspective, the large windows
include triple glazing for enhanced
insulation during winter and for
minimizing heat gains during summer.
In the end, considering a relatively
limited budget, the optimisation of
the layout and limiting the size of
the rooms allowed the architects to
design an elegant, contemporary and
warm residence, open to the natural
environment. It offers the occupants
an ideal and peaceful getaway for their
weekend escapes as well as for their
retirement.
www.espacevital.com
Photograph: Stéphane Lemire
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