Résidence L’Effilée
on Lake Memphremagog

A contemporary reinterpretation of the bungalow of the 1960s, slicing tradition with elegance

Via v2com

January 10, 2018

Located in the beautiful Eastern Townships region of Quebec, near the US border, the slender Résidence L’Effilée unfolds as a long, linear volume. Nestled on the steep shores of Lake Memphremagog, it opens up onto a peaceful secluded bay.

A blade on the rock

This 4500-square-foot residence is solidly anchored in the rock thanks to its numerous stone retaining walls and paved terraces. Massive dry-stacked, locally supplied granite volumes serve as bases for an impressive 111-foot-long roof with blade-like, sharp edges. From the street, the roof literally becomes a fifth facade.

Precisely detailed to fit seamlessly within the black wooden exterior walls, a large garage door sits between the massive stone volumes. This discreet and fascinating approach gives one the impression of sinking into the ground between a hanging garden and the house. As you make your way along these dark, massive facades towards the main access courtyard, a huge glass bay window marks the entrance, revealing a view of the lake immediately. The austere, rough exterior stands in contrast to the very large, bright, and airy interiors of the house.

Spacious and bright

Large bay windows, skylights and immaculate white walls literally flood the space with light and offer breathtaking views of the lake. At times reaching 25 feet high, ceilings stretch to enhance the sense of space in these living spaces. All the rooms of the Slender house are positioned to form one single linear row. In addition to the master’s suite, two high-end suites with full bathrooms and a small adjoining lounge, a sauna and a training room compose the program of this luxurious house. A service corridor that connects the main entrance to the ground-floor entrance doubles as the garage entrance and provides access to a small washroom, laundry room, and pantry that connects to the kitchen through a secret door.

The kitchen and the built-in furniture of the fireplace that conceals the television were designed down to the smallest detail to mask all the technical aspects. The whiteness of the kitchen is revealed as an extension of the walls and ceilings, while the island is born of the extension of the floors, which are covered in large blades of white oak.

A feeling of lightness

Worthy of the big hotels, the minutiae of the details, the richness of the materials and the control of the lines exude a soothing feeling of lightness.

Using the same materials as the residence, a boathouse on the lake also features an additional kitchenette and a magnificent roof terrace for enjoying sunsets.

Setting the residence on such a steep ground necessitated the construction of numerous retaining walls, offering a great opportunity to develop hanging gardens. Illuminated in the evening, this cascade of vegetation is fully appreciated from the inside and enchants the place.

The Slender House is a contemporary reinterpretation of the 1960s bungalow, slicing tradition with elegance.

About MU Architecture

MU Architecture, based in Montreal since 2010 and in Fort Lauderdale, Florida since 2015, specializes in contemporary architecture and design, with commercial projects, multi-unit housing and numerous residences.

Images: Stéphane Groleau

Other articles on Architecture and Design
Other recent articles