Completion Year: May 2019

Architect: Figurr Architects Collective

Engineer: Jeffrey Leibgott SBSA

General contractor: Norexco

Supplier: Énergéco Concept

Landscape Architects: Projet Paysage

Project Manager: Rick Rubin

Press Distribution: v2com

About Figurr Architect’s Collective

Rubin & Rotman architects founded in 1989 by Richard Rubin and Stephen Rotman, became Figurr Architects Collective in November 2018. Both architects head the firm with their partners Roberto Campos, Bruno Morin, and Pascale Tétrault. The team is comprised of some forty architects, designers, and technicians supported by administrative personnel. From its offices located in Montréal and Ottawa, the firm serves local, national, and international clients coming from the corporate, multi-residential, aviation, and institutional sectors as well as numerous First Nations.

This is a front view of the house with two tones of wooden exterior walls that make the windows stand out.

The house is surrounded by natural landscape of rocks and trees making the straight lines and warm lighting stand out.

This is a view of the back of the house showcasing the large glass wall and the modern contemporary design of the house.

This is the concrete slab walkway at the fron of the house leading to the main door on the far side.

This is a close look at the main door of the house with a large glass panel and a large glass window on the side that gives a glimpse of the interiors.

This is a look at the glass wall of the back of the house from the vantage of the large wooden deck terrace with a large area fitted with lounge chairs.

This is a view of the living room with a wooden shiplap ceiling and dark built-in structure with a fireplace and a wall-mounted TV.

This is the large dining room with a large rectangular dining table surrounded by large glass walls and topped with a row of modern lighting hanging from a wooden shiplap ceiling.

This is the bright and white kitchen that stands out against the wooden tone of the walls and ceiling with recessed lights over the cabinetry.

The house consists of five prefabricated custom modules, each approximately fifty feet long, that are assembled before being delivered to the site. The concept allowed for indoor construction under optimal working conditions.

The modular design is unique, created according to precise plans by the architect. The insulation, windows, and flooring were all assembled before shipping. Transporting the giant modules proved to be quite a challenge. The process included preparation, coordination, and navigating through country roads with ninety degree turns in inclement weather.

Construction began in late summer before the demolition of the existing house. This ensured a faster construction so that the family would not lose more than one season enjoying the country.

Low environmental footprint

Conceptualized with the vision of creating an extremely low environmental footprint, the house was built using sustainable and local materials. The large windows capture the beauty of nature in all its glory and flood the inside with light. The direct sunshine helps in reducing both heating and lighting costs.

The natural colored outdoor facade blends easily into the woodland decor and the opaque black accents add an artistic flair. The wood used indoors is warm and welcoming.

The architect is in the process of applying for a LEED Gold certification for his home.

A place adapted to all

The house interior was designed so that each member of the family has their own personal space.

The ground floor’s open concept has a large kitchen and dining area where everyone enjoys cooking and eating delicious meals together, a beautiful, cozy living room space, and a three-season screened-in porch surrounded by lake and woods.

The ground floor also has an atelier for painting and carpentry. The lowered lakeside deck was designed as to not disturb the view of the magnificent scenery.

Summary

Following the purchase of a humble country house 25 years ago, the owners wanted to treat themselves to a new second home where space would comfortably accommodate all the new members of their family. Overlooking Lake Manitou in Ivry-sur-le-Lac, Québec, the home, designed by Canadian architect Richard Rubin from Figurr Architects Collective, is composed of five factory-built modules, each approximately fifty feet long, that were constructed before being shipped to their final destination. Conceptualized with the vision of creating an extremely low environmental footprint, the architect owner is in the process of applying for a LEED Gold certification for his home.