The Des Cimes Residence, located in Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Quebec, is a secondary home designed by Patriarche that blends contemporary style with the natural beauty of its surroundings. The project emphasizes a connection with nature through abundant use of glass, allowing for plenty of natural light and access to outdoor spaces from every room.
The residence is organized into three volumes: one for service areas, one for private spaces, and one for common areas, ensuring clear functionality and fluid circulation. The design also prioritizes modularity and space optimization, with an eye towards potential conversion into a primary residence. The monochrome color scheme complements the landscape, and sustainable materials underscore the firm’s commitment to environmentally friendly architecture. Despite challenges posed by the site’s topography, Patriarche prioritized ecological sustainability while achieving seamless circulation through the three volumes. The project was completed in 2023 and reflects Patriarche’s focus on augmented architecture, promoting responsible and long-term solutions.
Project Description from the architect:
The art of living in harmony with nature
From the initial sketches, the project was rooted in a deep desire to connect with the outdoors. Therefore, abundant glazing and framing of the trees was incorporated, inviting natural light to dance across the rooms, and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The central hallway, the true spine of the residence, guides the occupants through a sequence of spaces harmoniously articulated and offering changing perspectives. Direct access to the outside from each room further enhances this immersion into nature. The living room, the centerpiece of this exploration, features a glass wall that spans the entire south façade, maximizing winter sunlight, while maintaining coolness during the summer with its covered terrace.
A clear spatial organization
The cottage is distributed over three distinctive volumes, each dedicated to specific functions and uses. The first volume houses the service areas: the hall, garage, and mudroom. The mudroom, positioned between the first and the second volumes, acts as a true transition area between the interior and exterior spaces. The second volume comprises the private areas, including the bedrooms and bathrooms. The third volume encompasses the common areas, such as the kitchen, dining room, and living room. This clear and functional division provides structure to the space, while ensuring fluid circulation.
Modularity and space optimization
Anticipating a possible transformation into a principal residence, the design was developed in a modular fashion. Each space was intended to be utilized to its fullest potential, with clever storage solutions integrated throughout the cottage, particularly along the elongated corridor connecting the three volumes.
Monochrome elegance and landscape enhancement
The monochrome color palette, comprising shades of black, grey, and natural wood, highlight the subtle elegance of the residence, while accentuating the raw beauty of the surrounding landscape. Selecting sustainable materials, such as Western red cedar for the exterior building envelope, white poplar for the interior linings, and SPF lumber for the main frame, underscores the firm’s commitment to environmentally friendly architecture.
Despite the challenges posed by the complex topography of the site, and the imperative to protect the forested areas, the design team placed ecological sustainability at the forefront of its considerations. By navigating the constraints inherent in this exceptional construction, Patriarche achieved seamless circulation through the three distinct volumes, while preserving the integrity and natural beauty of the site.
Technical sheet
Project name: Des Cimes Residence
Client: Private
Year: 2023
Architect: Patriarche
Interior Design: Patriarche
Engineering: Planifitech
General contractor: Construction Claude Garier et fils
Photographer: Patriarche