Chalet sur la pointe :
A merging of two eras

An originally rustic country house with a streamlined, monolithic addition

Via v2com

November 10, 2024

Nestled on a rocky point along the shore of a picturesque lake in the Lanaudière region and renovated by Paul Bernier Architect, the Chalet on the Point represents a harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity. Owned by a family for forty years, this log cabin underwent a complete transformation to offer an open and bright living space while preserving its rustic character.

The Chalet on the Point represents a harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity.

The original chalet, built with logs, stands on a visible stone foundation. This robust base, anchored in the site’s rocky bedrock, harmoniously merges the structure with its natural setting. Inside, this symbiosis continues with the judicious use of stone and solid wood, creating a palette of natural and warm tones.

The proximity to the water required a vertical expansion, limiting ground-level additions to a simple screened-in room. The challenge was significant: how to add a floor to this modest log cabin, with its characteristic sloping roof, without altering its essence? Rather than concealing the intervention, the team chose to celebrate this architectural evolution.

Contrast and continuity

The design of this house embodies a harmonious fusion between two distinct eras. On one side, the original log cabin evokes authentic rusticity with its stone and log structure, crowned by a sloping roof with wide overhangs. On the other, the contemporary extension presents itself as a sleek and monolithic volume, which nonetheless borrows the materiality and tones of its predecessor.

The chalet’s interior harmoniously reflects this fusion. At the heart of the space stands the majestic original stone fireplace, carefully restored and now visible from all sides. It elegantly contrasts with the new staircase, a light and streamlined structure.

‘The expansion also allowed for maximizing the breathtaking views of the lake and flooding the interior with natural light.’

A major challenge was to preserve the cathedral ceiling of the initial chalet while adding a floor. The solution was to replace the old roof, which had become fragile, with a robust Douglas fir frame. This new structure, while maintaining the original slope, supports the upper level. On the exterior, the lines of the original roof remain perceptible, subtly testifying to the building’s history, creating a subtle visual continuity.

Interestingly, the original chalet already blended different styles, featuring modern elements, such as slanted windows typical of the 50s to 70s, alongside more traditional characteristics. This mix of old and new styles gives the project a unique and captivating personality.

Light and Views

The addition of a floor proved to be a major asset, as discovered by the clients and the architect when climbing onto the roof of the old chalet during the design phase. This high point revealed a spectacular view of the lake and offered an opening to the sky, perspectives inaccessible from the ground floor.

Taking advantage of this natural asset, the master bedroom was designed as a true observatory. Thus, from their bed, the owners enjoy a breathtaking panorama encompassing the wooded point with its majestic pines, the expanse of the lake, and the starry celestial vault when night falls.

The new elevated structure plays a crucial role in the natural lighting of the chalet. A large vertical opening oriented to the east allows morning light to penetrate the upper floor, and then diffuse down to the ground floor through the translucent floor of the walkway. This ingenious design bathes the heart of the chalet, an area usually darker, in clarity. Complementing this lighting arrangement, an imposing window overlooking the staircase acts as an additional skylight. It also offers occupants a captivating view of the sky during their ascent to the upper floor.

To the south of the chalet, a new screened-in porch invites full enjoyment of the outdoors while remaining sheltered. Equipped with two skylights skillfully integrated into its structure, this room becomes a luminous haven where natural light, amplified by reflections from the water, creates a unique atmosphere. This space thus offers an additional point of connection with the environment, combining comfort and immersion in the surrounding nature.

This project not only illustrates a commitment to sustainable architecture but also respect for different construction eras, creating a dialogue between the old and the contemporary. The expansion also allowed for maximizing the breathtaking views of the lake and flooding the interior with natural light.

‘This project not only illustrates a commitment to sustainable architecture but also respect for different construction eras, creating a dialogue between the old and the contemporary.’

In contrast, the other surfaces feature white or light tones, amplifying brightness and highlighting the vibrant colors of the surrounding nature. This approach creates a subtle dialogue between the interior and exterior, strengthening the connection between the chalet and its picturesque environment.

About Paul Bernier architect

Since its establishment in 1999, Paul Bernier Architect has become an essential player in contemporary architecture in Montreal. The agency’s signature is distinguished by its mastery of natural light and its innovative approach to the design and layout of spaces. Each project reflects meticulous attention to the selection and arrangement of materials, showcasing the workshop’s deep commitment to detail. This philosophy, combining creativity and precision, is at the heart of every achievement, making Paul Bernier Architecte a pioneer in the art of creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically remarkable.

Images: Raphaël Thibodeau

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