EDITOR ' S CHOICE
HOUSE ON LAKE ARTHUR GHOCHE ARCHITECTE
Between lake and forest
Discovered in 2020 , in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic , the land located on a peaceful lake in Lanaudière was its owner ’ s ideal location to build their cottage . Ghoche architecte was commissioned to design the project and to oversee the construction , which was completed in May 2022 .
Integrated into the environment , modern , bright , and warm ; these were the initial premises of the cottage intended for the couple and their two young adults .
The architectural concept began with a study of the house ' s layout in order to minimize deforestation and orient views towards the lake , while maximizing exposure to sunlight . Conceptual explorations led to a relatively compact volume and a long , streamlined form reminiscent of a traditional wooden cottage . The views and sunlight were carefully studied to maximize the natural light input while limiting views towards the neighbors . The house had to blend into the landscape , and it was this idea that inspired the black volume , enveloped by the forest . Like a shadow among the trees , the house aims to be discreet and concealed in the woods , and is almost invisible from the lake .
Composed of a single rectangular volume covered with black wood siding , the cottage is set on a gentle slope leading to the dock . The upper part is topped with a sloped roof that is interrupted by a large dormer window on each side . The other part , which houses the garage and entrance , has a rooftop terrace . Simple , but assertive , the volume is pierced by a large alcove lined with white wood and serving as an entrance sheltered from the weather .
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