A wooden shelter that blends into the Canadian landscape: Wood Duck

Wood Duck is a wooden house that blends perfectly into the Canadian landscape, made with natural materials to offer a simple and refined life in harmony with nature, with expansive views of the valley and the surrounding river.

Harmony with the Canadian nature

Atelier L'Abri has designed Wood Duck, a wooden residence located on Chemin Paige, Bolton Ouest, in the heart of Canada's natural landscapes. This house, an example of architectural projects that value simplicity, features a compact volume clad in raw wood, a material that allows it to seamlessly blend into the surrounding environment. The project represents a retreat that embraces nature, offering residents a space to live in harmony with the landscape and with a unique visual connection to the valley below.

Essential design and traditional methods

The project was conceived for a young carpenter who wanted to build his first home, aiming for a simple yet functional design. With a rational layout and traditional construction techniques, Atelier L'Abri optimized the project to create a quality dwelling within a modest budget. This design choice allows for environmental respect and the enhancement of artisanal skills, maintaining a structure that is sustainable, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing at the same time.

Utilizing the Topography of the Landscape

The house is situated on a panoramic terrain, with views of the Mont Glen slopes to the south and the river flowing below. This topography has guided the orientation of the house, with a south-facing facade that fully opens up to the valley, flooding the interiors with natural light and offering spectacular views. The north facade, more discreet and facing the public road, is equipped with only two small windows, ensuring privacy and selective visual contact with the outside.

Natural Light and Functional Spaces

The structure of the house is characterized by a compact square layout, which allows for a functional distribution of spaces. On the ground floor, large double-height windows facing south allow natural light to flood the living areas, while service areas such as the kitchen and storage are positioned to the north. The upper floor, accessible via an internal staircase, houses two bedrooms and a bathroom, ensuring a separation between the sleeping area and the living area to provide privacy and comfort.

Natural Materials for Minimal Impact

The volume of the house is clad in raw hemlock, a material that not only blends seamlessly with the surroundings but also helps reduce the building's environmental impact. The rough texture of the exterior facade engages with the natural environment, giving the house a simple and authentic aesthetic that respects the landscape without imposing itself. Wood Duck is an example of how sustainable design can marry understated aesthetics and a strong connection to nature.

Gallery

PEOPLE

L'Abri

Montreal, Quebec H2V 1A4, Canada