Nestled within the serene forests of Lanaudière, Quebec, the Saint-Gabriel in the Woods stands as a masterful example of contemporary residential architecture. Designed by renowned interior designer Frédric Clairoux, this 4,500-square-foot family retreat offers a perfect blend of functionality, aesthetics, and environmental mindfulness. With a focus on simplicity and authenticity, the project’s architecture responds to the unique needs of a family of six while staying deeply connected to its surrounding natural environment.
Thoughtful Design for Family Living
The design of the Saint-Gabriel in the Woods emphasizes a lifestyle attuned to the natural environment while accommodating the specific needs of its occupants. The house features practical solutions for everyday family activities, such as a mudroom with direct access to the basement for outdoor gear. These utilitarian spaces are seamlessly integrated into the flow of the house, ensuring that every corner is both functional and efficient.
The screened porch that spans the width of the home acts as an extension of the indoor living space. By providing protection from the elements, it enables the family to enjoy the surrounding forest in all seasons, without compromising comfort. Inside, open communal spaces foster family gatherings, while private areas like a hidden room for remote work offer quieter environments when needed.
Seamless Integration with Nature
The house’s location on a rock within a densely forested area dictated a design that would harmonize with the landscape rather than disrupt it. Clairoux achieves this by using natural, locally sourced materials that mirror the home’s setting. Pine flooring, wood siding, and birch-veneer cabinetry from local artisans not only support sustainability but also create a sense of continuity between the interior and exterior.
Large, strategically placed windows maximize natural light and offer expansive views of the surrounding forest, further blurring the lines between inside and outside. The materials and structural design, like the polished concrete floors, were carefully selected to ensure durability and ecological responsibility, while maintaining an understated yet elegant aesthetic.
Structural Ingenuity Meets Aesthetic Simplicity
While the design of Saint-Gabriel in the Woods may appear simple and understated, the structural ingenuity behind it is complex and masterful. The house incorporates a significant load-transfer system to allow for large, unobstructed openings toward the forest, especially near the expansive porch area. This engineering feat, along with the careful placement of a central beam, gives the home its open, airy feel without compromising structural integrity.
The house’s central core, symbolically designed to represent a tree, houses the main plumbing and electrical systems. This core also serves as the anchor for the staircase, which leads from the basement to the upper floor, where skylights bathe the children’s work areas in natural light. The use of skylights, along with large windows, ensures that the home’s interior feels open and bright despite its forested surroundings.
A Retreat in Perfect Harmony
Saint-Gabriel in the Woods exemplifies how modern residential architecture can coexist with nature. Clairoux’s thoughtful approach to both design and material selection results in a peaceful family retreat that respects its environment. Every aspect of the house—from its structural components to the choice of local materials—reflects a commitment to sustainability and a deep connection to the landscape. This project serves as a model for eco-conscious design that meets the evolving needs of a modern family while preserving the serenity of its natural surroundings.
For more information on Clairoux’s residential designs, visit Clairoux Residential Design.
