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Résidence du lac Migué
By : CB Architectes
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 17th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Residential Building / Cottage & Country House : Gold Certification
Built on the shores of Lac Migué in the Lanaudière region, this residence perched on an isolated flat area below a steep slope fits in beautifully with its setting. While the rough and varied terrain presented a challenge in terms of choosing a spot for the building, the topographical juxtaposition accentuates the pleasant impression of solitude in the heart of a dense, well-preserved forest—as if the house had simply dropped from the sky.
From planning to execution, decisions were carefully made at every stage in order to minimize the impact on the forest, specifically finding a site allowing for the smallest possible footprint and protecting the neighbouring trees. Moreover, the colours, materials and location contribute to making the home one with nature, and thus hard to see from the lake or the road.
The building’s envelope is inspired by trees—the metallic black cladding recalls the rigidity of bark, while the blond wood evokes sapwood, the tender part of the trunk. Together, these materials of contrasting yet complementary colours and textures blend seamlessly into the woodland environment, whatever the season. After construction was completed, the landscaping was carried out with natural, permeable and locally available materials. For example, mulch made on site using trees cleared for the house serves to cover the ground, and sensible reforestation was achieved by relocating vulnerable trees nearby.
Inside, the flow around the perimeter visually invites the outdoors into the living space, where the forest forms the backdrop of each area. While maintaining the residents’ privacy, the room openings were carefully positioned to enhance the impression of being one with nature by providing generous views of the constantly evolving surroundings: the cliff, the trees, the lake. The interior layout is simple and compact to respond to the family’s various needs.
The result is an ongoing dialogue between the house and the forest in which it’s nestled that reinforces the feeling of total immersion, thanks especially to the meticulous work planning and the homeowners’ dedication to protect the natural environment around the building.
Collaboration
