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House at Charlebois Lake by Paul Bernier Architecte

Another outdoor view of the house from the side featuring the beautiful architecture and landscaping design of the property. Photo Credit: James Brittain

On a wooded lot on the shore of Charlebois Lake, the clients wanted to build a contemporary house, luminous and open to nature. They wanted most of the spaces of the house to be level with the land.

The terrain is slightly sloping. During a first visit to the site, a perimeter was established to identify the ideal location. The privileged view towards the lake and the south coincide, which guided the orientation of the building.

The “L” shape plan

An “L” shape plan was chosen for the house. In the “L” plan, a wing is reserved for the day spaces (kitchen, dining room, living room) and the other wing houses the more private spaces (primary bedroom, bathroom, washing). This type of plan allows all the spaces to be oriented towards the south and towards the desired view. In this house, one is always close to the windows.

The “L” plan also defines a sunny outside space, hidden from the view of the neighbor and open towards the access to the lake. Besides, it is also in this space that was laid out a screened porch to enjoy the summer evenings.

The two-story volume

At the meeting point of the 2 wings of the “L”, was created a two-story volume. On the ground floor, there is a garage and the upstairs houses a guest bedroom and an office which enjoys a strategic position overlooking the lake and also with a view down to the ground floor. On the outside, this two-story volume is clearly distinguished from the “L” shape volume by its materiality. It is covered with Corten steel (weathering steel) which has already taken its orange color, while the volume in “L” on one floor is sided with black dyed cedar.

Inside, too, this distinction is felt by a double-height space between the 2-story volume and the one-story space. A staircase with cantilevered steps made of walnut allows access to the upper floor.

Photo credit: James Brittain

Designed by: Paul Bernier Architecte

The home features modish walls and floors along with a staircase. Photo Credit: James Brittain

The hallway features white walls and tiles flooring with glass walls. Photo Credit: James Brittain

There's also a glass window overlooking the beautiful garden. Photo Credit: James Brittain

There's also a window for plants that need direct sunlight. Photo Credit: James Brittain

The living room offers a modern comfortable sofa set with a fireplace surrounded by glass walls and doors. Photo Credit: James Brittain

There's also a private dining room in the house with a hardwood flooring and glass walls. Photo Credit: James Brittain

The great room's view from the kitchen showcasing the white walls along with glass door and walls. Photo Credit: James Brittain

The staircase features hardwood steps. Photo Credit: James Brittain

The staircase looks floating because of the architecture style. Photo Credit: James Brittain

Close up look of the staircase's hardwood steps. Photo Credit: James Brittain

The bedroom boasts a huge bed and private terrace with glass walls. Photo Credit: James Brittain

The bathroom is complete with a walk-in shower, deep soaking tub and sink. Photo Credit: James Brittain

Outside view of the bedroom's terrace protected by glass walls. Photo Credit: James Brittain

Outdoor view of the house from the side featuring the beautiful architecture design of the property. Photo Credit: James Brittain

Another outdoor view of the house from the side featuring the beautiful architecture and landscaping design of the property. Photo Credit: James Brittain

Another view of the house from the garden featuring the stunning architecture and landscaping design of the property. Photo Credit: James Brittain

 

Another outdoor view of the property featuring the black-walled house and its beautiful surrounding. Photo Credit: James Brittain

Outdoor view of the house showcasing the wide garage and garden full of beautiful lawn. Photo Credit: James Brittain

Straight outdoor view of the house showcasing the stunning landscaping and architecture design. Photo Credit: James Brittain

Straight outdoor view of the house during the dusk showcasing the beautiful lighting of the house. Photo Credit: James Brittain

 

Technical Info

  • Location: Charlebois Lake, Ste-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson, Québec, Canada
  • Architecture: Paul Bernier Architecte
  • Architectural team: Paul Bernier, Alexandre Bernier et Alexandra Bolen
  • Structural engineer: Latéral
  • General contractor: Construction Métric
  • Photographer: James Brittain
  • Press distribution: v2com

About Paul Bernier Architect

Paul Bernier Architect is a contemporary architecture firm based in Montreal since 1999.

The firm’s work is characterized by an emphasis on natural light and an inventive and contemporary approach to the treatment of space. They also take great care in the selection and assembly of materials. Attention to detail is at the heart of their design practice.