Quebec’s dual-facade house exhibits different personalities

by arslan_ahmed | August 2, 2023 1:32 pm

Built on the shore of Lake Revdor, in Quebec’s Laurentians region, the Break Residence reveals different faces, depending on whether it is seen from the water or the ground.

Designed by the architect, MU Architecture, the ambitious program, combined with a particularly narrow lot, required the construction of a new house in place of an existing one.

On the street side, the residence has several interlocking volumes resembling a series of rocks. The sloping topography reveals only two levels from the street, hiding the garden level which provides access to the lake on the opposite side. The sculptural main entrance lies under a double-storey canopy, chiselled between the rock-like volumes to create a warm and inviting environment serving as the heart of the home.

On the lake side, the residence exhibits a completely different personality; it is open and extroverted. With its amplified roof overhangs and angled soffits’ golden accents, which reflect the ripples and movement of the lake below, the house seemingly spreads its sails into the wind.

Bathed in light throughout the day, and wide open to the lake, the residence comprises a distinguished and contemplative character. The mineral nature of the selected materials within the interior architecture contribute to its peacefulness.

At the heart of the residence, a stone wall stands like a mast, acting as an anchoring element for the house. Part space separator, part unifying architectural element, it accommodates three fireplaces and unifies three different levels. Present both inside and outside, this wall adopts the same language as the soffits, transposing the interior and exterior character.

Each material was thoughtfully and carefully selected. The expressive veining of the quartzite, with lines invoking the colour of water, the texture of the slate, the warmth of the oak and maple furniture, the maple flooring, and the western Canadian hemlock ceiling, all combine to promote timeless architecture where the patina of both stone and wood forms the base on which the house stands.

Accessible by an elevator, each level has a service area, a coffee station, and a bar. In addition, each room has its own bathroom and balcony. The residence is also punctuated with small, contemplative lounges and boudoirs, offering scenic views.

The following served as collaborators on the project:

Structural engineer, MA-TH; contractor, Construction Metric, and landscape architect, Artis Paysage.

Source URL: https://www.constructioncanada.net/quebecs-dual-facade-house-exhibits-different-personalities/

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