Chalet Papillon

Nestled in the picturesque Laurentian Mountains, close to Montreal, this cabin perched high above Lac Notre-Dame was designed as a rural getaway for a young family and their friends. The master plan for the property was initially completed in 2017, then after a pause, the clients returned (with two more children to accommodate) in spring 2020 ready to proceed.

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Working with a steep, narrow, densely wooded site, the aim was for as minimal disturbance or deforestation of the landscape as possible, and to create a house that feels fully embedded in its surroundings. Therefore, an exposed granite ledge that juts out from the slope was utilised as a platform on which the structure rests, and also dictated the building’s shape and orientation.

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The two-storey house comprises a long, slender volume positioned at an angle to the site boundaries, and an adjacent, perpendicular entrance block that leads in from the driveway. This layout enables views of the lake from two elevations, and for one end to extend out from between the trees as a dramatic balcony elevated 85 feet above the water level. Pre-weathered cedar cladding was chosen to match the grey tones of tree bark in the immediate context, and a standing-seam metal roof continues this colour palette for a homogenous appearance.

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Throughout the home’s interior, light materials and minimalist detailing create a feeling of spaciousness despite the relatively tight floor plan. White walls, concrete floors, and pale timber all contribute to the bright and airy atmosphere inside. The majority of the living spaces are located on the upper level, which is largely open plan and flooded with light during the day.

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A pitched, wood-lined ceiling echoes the shape of the roof outside, and draws the eye to the view at its terminus. A long band of glazing along the south-west side has a similar effect, and also offers a panoramic vista of the water during winter months. Custom built-in plywood seating runs below the window, creating spots to gaze out at the landscape, and linking the kitchen peninsula to the AV storage unit and gas fireplace.

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On the opposite facade, tall picture windows frame views of the trees and bring in additional daylight, critically over the staircase and down to the lower level. At night, a pair of delicately thin lighting tracks evenly illuminate the living area’s wood ceiling, adding to the warm and inviting atmosphere. The primary bedroom is also tucked at the back of this main volume, and utilises the bathroom beside the main entrance—at the clients’ request.

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Downstairs, clever spatial planning has allowed for three bunk bedrooms, a bathroom, ancillary spaces, and an additional cosy living room. Carefully laid out in a row, each of the compact bedrooms has a large window, and closet space accessed from the corridor. With this configuration, the chalet can sleep up to 12 people in total.

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Both levels of the home have access to covered, operable screened porches, enabling outdoor dining and relaxation in adverse weather or without the bother of bugs, when necessary. As extensions of the living spaces, these terraces better connect the residence with the landscape. The lower porch also leads out to an intentionally designed path that snakes down the hill through the trees, eventually reaching the water’s edge. Altogether, this residence provides the perfect spot for the family to entertain guests, launch year-round weekend adventures, and enjoy the tranquillity of such a scenic location.

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Team:

Andrew Curtis  Partner, MRAIC, AIA, OAQ, LEED BD+C

Sophie Robitaille  Partner, CSLA,  ASLA, AAPQ

Anne Charbit  Associate, Project Architect, OAQ

Teressa Peill  Landscape Architect, AAPQ

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Photography © Adrien Williams