The Langlois-Lessard Residence, situated in a flood zone along the shore of Lake Saint-Louis, Montréal in Canada, is an intriguing example of how architecture can be successful integrated and designed to suit the challenges a natural site poses. Designed by award-winning architects Chevalier Morales, a firm that strives to create modern architecture that is both sensible and responsible, the project illustrates how contemporary architecture can preserve the flourishing nature that surrounds it.
A compact footprint was adopted by the architects when it came to planning the build, restricting themselves to only seven percent of the site in which to construct the project on. The residence takes advantage of the impressive vistas it lies within, while its site – located near water – allows for the interiors to feel like they are expanding outwards, onto the lake. These outstanding views, as well as the solar orientation of the site, aided the architects in their build by directing the placement of the main living spaces within the structure across both floors.
The journey of the build allowed for Chevalier Morales Architects to play with varying architectural elements, creating a special spatial identity for the residence. On entering the property guests are greeted with – on the axis of the main entrance – a warming and welcoming open fireplace. While elsewhere, the architects have managed to curate a clear sense of openness and space, with the floors only connected via a narrow, minimalist staircase. The ground floor rooms showcase lower ceilings which cleverly reinforces the onlookers view of the horizon and the surrounding environment, while upstairs higher angular ceilings beckon and allow for the light to play high and seek with shadow in the most interesting way.
Two key principles led the build for the architects: to provide intimacy to the owners and to react to the powerful winds and weather that originates from the west of the site. The pool is integrated into the structure of the residence via a low horizontal wall of opaque stone which not only offers intimacy but provides an ‘artificial horizon’ on white the higher volume sits. The roof of Langlois-Lessard Residence plays an important part in protecting the structure from the natural environment with it’s shifted and angled dimensions.
The material palette for the build culminated from observing the surround environment of the site, as well as the being inspired by the character of the city of Léry. This resulted in an exciting palette of natural limestone, hemlock-textured concrete and wood being pulled together for the outside of the building. While inside, polished concrete and enticing soft furnishings dance around a welcoming, neutral interior, bringing a sense of calm into the space.
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Project Data
Architects: Chevalier Morales Architects (Website)
Materials: Wooden-board textured architectural concrete; Natural sand-limestone assembled with concealed joints; Natural wood vertical siding; Standing scam metal roof; Insulated glass panels
Area: 418 m2
Collaborators: Géniex – Air Fortier
Photography: Chevalier Morales (Website)
Project sourced from: v2com newswire