Project Name: The micro-refuges of the Corporation du Parc du Poisson Blanc
Location: Notre-Dame-du-Laus, Quebec
Fenestration: Fabelta fenestration systems
Architectural Design: Atelier L’Abri
Interior Design: Vives St-Laurent
Construction: Modulor
Photographer: Claude Badet
Press Distribution: v2com
About Fabelta
Fabelta, among the doyens of its industry, has been manufacturing renowned fenestration systems since 1957. The company is proud to be a partner of choice for the design and architecture industry thanks to its contemporary and energy-efficient fenestration products.
Located in Terrebonne, Fabelta stands out with the first factory-installed test laboratory in Quebec. Its facilities allow the company to constantly develop and innovate the design and performance of its products, which are entirely manufactured in Quebec.
In collaboration with the architectural firm Atelier L’Abri, Fabelta is proud to design and manufacture the fenestration systems for the micro-shelters of the Corporation du Parc du Poisson Blanc since 2020. The project continues with the addition of one shelter per year and each micro-shelter remains an experience in itself.
Fabelta’s Involvement
Since park visitors are in search of the outdoors, the living spaces of these unconventional refuges are closely connected with the outdoors. The Allure range of windows, used in this project, have a thin frame allowing maximum light to flood the space. In order to respect the ecotourism mission of the park, raw materials and products from here are put forward in this project. The choice of aluminum is therefore coherent, in particular thanks to its durable aspect, which is important for rental. Opting for fenestration products allowing large dimensions while having high energy performance is therefore a wise choice for this type of accommodation.
The Poisson Blanc Regional Park
The Poisson Blanc regional park is defined as a unique outdoor destination built around the reservoir of the same name. As an ecotourism organization, its mission is clear: to enhance its territory and contribute to the economic activity of the region. The particular territory makes it possible to offer different accommodation options and complementary activities that develop around its characteristics. We find the famous rustic camping on the islands, camping at the foot of the mountain, micro-refuges, fishing, hiking, non-motorized boats and even climbing. Accommodation in micro-huts happens to be the touch of additional comfort, while remaining a rustic environment.
Architecture and Design
The architects who were hired to design the project are in fact approved regulars at the park. The contribution of the architectural firm Atelier l’Abri was therefore most significant since they really lived the organization’s mission. The intention behind the design of the buildings was to do something unadorned, organic, ergonomic and user-friendly. More minimalist than a chalet, the living space is restricted to the essentials.
Materials
The organization’s ecotourism mission continues in the development of the project. Local purchases are favored in the process and the materials chosen are in keeping with the location. For example, the Pic-Flamboyant pottery is reminiscent of the rock that can be seen everywhere around the reservoir. Oriented to harmonize with the environment, micro-refuges are buildings that respect what is around. Untreated wood lets itself age and gray to blend in with the natural environment. Our footprint is found to be minimized, in particular thanks to electricity supplied by solar panels, heating by wood stove as well as by a choice of openings with high energy performance.
Sustainability being at the heart of the project, especially with the rental aspect, there are stainless steel counters and large aluminum windows. The strategic positioning of the openings gives an illusion of grandeur to these small spaces and the largest window overlooks the view most coveted by visitors: the reservoir.
