The mountain house where the light and green of the mountains color the space.

In Shefford, Quebec, the Architects at Atelier Général studio create a refuge, a residence in harmony with the mountain. Immersed in a maple forest, the residence is in constant connection with the external environment.

Respecting the environment by building in harmony

Built on the slope of Mount Shefford, designed by the architecture firm Atelier Général, the residence offers an aerial view of a landscape populated by rocks and maple trees. The initial idea for this project was to integrate the living space with the mountain. Architecture projects like this are an exciting challenge for designers because the dialogue between the construction and the natural environment must be harmonious, while also making the project functional for those living in the residence.

Living the mountain

Entering the site from below, we see a black volume that seems to emerge from the slope and detach from the surrounding vegetation. Its dark shape resembles the rocks that populate the site. The living areas, located on the upper floor, offer an intimate connection with the site, access to wild and unspoiled nature through a large terrace.

Immersed in the forest

A sheltered service space projected from the upper level provides access to the residence. From there, a wooden staircase leads to the main floor, where spaces unfold under a flat, floating roof, revealing a wooden structure. The walls open up at the end of each axis to offer a view of the surrounding trees, creating the sensation of being both sheltered under the wooden roof and immersed in the forest.

Division of Spaces

The kitchen, finished in white pine veneer, is framed by two parallel white blocks that create an indirect connection with the adjacent dining room. This space fully opens onto the slope and interacts with the rocky boulder nearby, integrated into the terrace. Continuing from the main bedroom, the layout extends along the periphery of the bathroom area, where a shower-bath overlooks a huge window, providing the user with intimacy with the forest. Positioned between this space and the living room, the triangular-shaped veranda opens up to a leafy canopy, a nest perched in the landscape's cavity.

Gallery

The mountain house where light and the green of the mountains color the space.

The mountain house where the light and the green of the mountains color the space.

PEOPLE

Atelier Général

4710 St Ambroise St Montreal, QC H4C 3E6 Canada