House Des Lauriers: tradition and modernity in Canada

A house among hills and nature

In the Canadian hills of Bromont, nestled in a rural landscape dotted with forests and open fields, stands Casa Des Lauriers, a project by Paul Bernier Architecte. Located next to the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park, this residence engages with the terrain by reinterpreting the traditional typology of rural homes. A language that blends tradition and contemporaneity, giving the house an aura of timelessness.

Comprising three cabin-like volumes, the house evokes ancient agricultural settlements: two main buildings, the residence and the garage with guest accommodation, constructed in brick and stone, and a smaller third volume, a cedar-clad stable.

An architecture rooted in the landscape

Integration with the territory is one of the key elements in architecture projects like this. Stone walls extend from the house's foundations to the ground, serving as retaining walls and strengthening the connection with the natural environment.

The volumes of the house and garage are connected by a glass passage, emphasizing the identity of each building and serving as the main entrance. This transparent space allows light to flow through the rooms, offering glimpses of the surrounding plain.

On the west side, a large open space hosts an outdoor kitchen and dining area, protected by massive brick pillars and a cedar wood vaulted ceiling. A large opening frames the view of the mountain and sunset, while an elegant brick screen ensures privacy and a sophisticated play of lights.

Fluid and Bright Spaces

From the glass entrance, you enter a space characterized by a dramatic double height, enhancing the cabin-like structure. White oak cladding wraps around the perimeter walls, integrating wardrobes, windows, and a stone niche for the fireplace, while the ceiling is finished with lime plaster, a material chosen for its textured and refined appearance.

The kitchen, set back from the living room, is defined by a simple and essential design: white oak furniture and a natural stone island. Its strategic position allows for cooking while enjoying an open view of the plain and the mountains.

From the living room, a passage leads to two bedrooms, including the master suite, designed to offer privacy and tranquility, with a direct view of the equestrian park.

An elegant suspended wooden staircase, illuminated by a large dormer window, connects the three levels of the house. Upstairs, there is an office and a fitness room, while the basement, thanks to the slope of the terrain, houses three bedrooms and a family room with windows facing west and north.

Timeless Materials and Refined Details

Casa Des Lauriers is a successful blend of balance between traditional materials and a contemporary approach. Internally, white oak, lime plaster, and stone create a warm and sophisticated atmosphere, while externally, the combination of bricks, stone, steel, and cedar wood ensures durability and weather resistance.

The depth of the openings, massive pillars, and stone frames provide solidity to the entire complex, while the play of light and shadow gives an intimate and contemplative dimension.