This beautiful lake cottage renovation project is by Paul Bernier Architecte, located on a woodsy property in Lanaudière, a region in Quebec, Canada. Anchored on the rocky edge of a lake, this astonishing 2,700 square foot cottage is the meeting point between a classic log cabin and a contemporary haven of peace.
The cottage has been with the family for 40 years. The scope of this project was to renovate the chalet entirely and to enlarge it in order to provide an open, fluid, bright space that benefits from magnificent views of the lake.
The proximity to the shore led the architects to create a second-story addition rather than increasing on the sides. Only a screened porch was added to the ground level. This presented a challenge — how to add a floor on this typical small chalet in the woods with its sloping roof without denaturing it and losing its trace? The solution was to not pretend that this addition had always been there. The architects wanted to be able to show the different periods of intervention — the old and the new.
Contrast and continuity
This project is the encounter between 2 eras: the original log cabin and the contemporary addition. The original chalet is rustic, made of pine and wood billet with its sloping roof and wide overhangs. The addition is a pure and monolithic volume but the matter (the wood) and the tone represent cells of the original construction. The different pieces in the addition of the addition also include those of the old chalet.
Inside, the beautiful old stone fireplace has been restored and is now visible on all sides, across the center from the space. The new staircase is light and clean. It was also important to preserve the ceiling-cathedral of the old cottage, even if a floor was added to it. The old one, which was vacant, was completely elevated and replaced by a Douglas sap structure representing the slope and supporting the new floor.
Light and views
The addition of a floor presented an important advantage that one could not find in the old cottage. This promotion offers an exceptional view of the lake and an opening to the sky that one did not have on the ground floor. This observation post has been given to the new master bedroom. From their bed, the owners have an impressive view of these beautiful tall pines, as well as the lake and the starry night sky.
The addition to the roof also helps to illuminate the ground floor. Through a large vertical opening on the east side of the upper level, the morning light floods the interior and filters down to the ground floor through the walkway floor made of translucent glass.
A new window installed at the top of the stairs offers another great way to take advantage of the natural light.
The new screened porch installed on the south side provides a seasonal space to enjoy the outdoors, drenched with natural light.
Materiality
The stone and the solid wood that make up the original cottage are also used in the interior, in tone on tone. The other surfaces are mainly white or clear, thus maximizing the light and enhancing the colors of the surrounding nature.
What We Love: This lake cottage renovation project maximizes its site by adding new glazing to enrich both light and views. A second-story addition not only gains square footage for a beautiful owner’s suite but further enhances natural light. The forested setting promotes a feeling of relaxation while providing privacy to the lucky owners of this spectacular family escape.
Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on the rejuvenation of this old family cottage? Let us know in the Comments, we love reading your feedback!
Note: Check out a couple of other fascinating home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the Canadian province of Quebec: Minimalist dwelling in Montreal designed with concrete and wood and This modern refuge provides a cozy retreat in the forests of Canada.
Above: In the kitchen, shaker style cabinets with blue-black polyurethane lacquer (color: Railings by Farrow & Ball) and stained white oak veneer (plank effect).
PHOTOGRAPHER Raphaël Thibodeau
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