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Chalet Teguria
By : BLH Architectes
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Special Award / Architecture + Landscape
Categories : Residential Building / Cottage & Country House : Silver Certification
Categories : Residential Building / Private House ≤ 2 000 pi2 (≤ 185 m2) : Bronze Certification
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A forest retreat in the heart of a magnificent landscape
Chalet Teguria is located in the Mauricie region in the majestic setting of Lac des Piles, a vast 6.5 x 4.5 km body of water surrounded by rocky cliffs offering spectacular views and memorable sunsets. Situated in the middle of a forest, on a parcel with no direct access to the lake, the plot had a good gradient, and a particular shape consisting of a natural plateau at its highest point. The owners wanted to exploit this gradient to design a space that would allow them to enjoy the breathtaking lake views afforded by the promontory, while exploiting the intimate character provided by the ever-present forest.
From the outset, the architectural approach was to create a two-storey dwelling on an inverted plan, with living areas on the upper floor and private spaces on the garden level. By leaning the building against the natural slope of the land, the concept offers level access to the living spaces from the belvedere and access road. Once inside, space and perspective open out onto the grandiose landscape through an all-glass façade on the upper floor. This idyllic setting gives the impression of a nest perched in the treetops, with a plunging view down to the immense expanse of water several meters below.
The topology of the site and the desire to maximize the view dictated the building’s elongated form and orientation. The simple rectangular plan positions all the rooms to take advantage of the spectacular view and light throughout the day. At the south-western end, a huge covered terrace, perched above the garage, benefits from an advantageous orientation for enjoying the warmth at the end of the day and stretching out the long summer evenings. Protected from the wind, the outdoor space lets you enjoy the sun’s rays and the warmth at the end of the day, whatever the season. The position of the garage and terrace also protects the interior spaces from heat build-up.
Inspired by forest refuges, this minimalist 1,120-square-foot residence features a simple, functional interior geared to outdoor family life. The rectangular shape of the building and the choice of materials were designed to limit maintenance and ensure durability for this second home set in a rustic environment dominated by vegetation cover and heavy snow accumulations in winter. Sheet metal roofing and wood cladding were favored on the exterior to blend the building into its natural surroundings. A forest metaphor, the architectural concept presents a monolithic block, like an object that has been deposited on the site, from which parts have been removed to reveal under its steel bark a heart of soft, gentle wood. The pitched roof with offset gable limits the height on the access road side, while presenting more volume on the windowed side in the living area of the dining room and lounge.
Upstairs, the rooms feature natural wood floors and bleached pine ceilings, reinforcing the sense of a forest retreat. The use of sober colors and neutral materials leaves plenty of room for the rich, warm color of wood, accentuating the occupant’s sense of being part of the landscape.
The conscious choice to take advantage of the site’s sloping ground and prioritize upstairs living spaces favors direct access to the outdoors on both levels to maximize outdoor living. On the garden level, a south-facing terrace, accessible from the family room, lets you enjoy the shade of the forest canopy on warm summer afternoons. Upstairs, the large covered terrace is protected from the wind, allowing you to enjoy meals or outdoor activities throughout the day, while taking in the majestic view of the lake. Its natural wood ceiling, in the same material as the exterior cladding, creates an enveloping, protected space in every season.
This project pays homage to the simple pleasures of outdoor living, leaving plenty of room for the grandiose landscape in which it is set, so that cottage life is synonymous with cozy comfort and endless moments of contemplation that make us forget the time and hassle of our busy daily lives!
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