Ghoche Architecte has designed this contemporary house that was built on a quiet lake located in Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci, near St-Donat, Quebec, Canada. This was the dream location for owners who wanted to build a sober and modern chalet, integrated and respectful of its natural environment.

The choice of materials and the layout were very thoughtfully designed for this family of four including their two teenagers. The location of the rectangular building marries the ground and frames the view towards the largest part of the lake while preserving a maximum of trees and privacy from neighbors.

The material palette was carefully selected to minimize maintenance and promote local and sustainable practices. The exterior walls are clad in natural Quebec cedar that has been burned to give it a naturally blackened appearance (a technique inspired by Japan). The main roof, of traditional shape, is covered with a pre-painted steel sheet, made in Quebec and offering durability of more than 50 years, and is a recycled product.

The black color of the exterior siding was chosen to hide the house in the dense forest, like a discreet shadow. As many trees as possible have been preserved. The door is also protected from rain and snow without having to build a roof or protection.

Above: Exterior facade of the lake house is covered in cedar from Quebec and charred to give it a natural black color.

What We Love: This lake house in Quebec features a beautiful material palette that was thoughtfully chosen to minimize maintenance while utilizing local and sustainable building practices. Large windows promote a bright and airy atmosphere that is further amplified by this home’s connection with nature. We are especially loving the living room that feels like you are living in the great outdoors thanks to expansive walls of glazing.

Tell Us: What details of this Candian home do you find most appealing? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other sensational home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the Canadian province of Quebec: Contemporary forest house in the Laurentian Mountains, Quebec and This modern refuge provides a cozy retreat in the forests of Canada.

Above: Open area dining room with extra large windows to enjoy maximum sunlight and nature. Floors are concrete with integrated heating. The minimalist fireplace features wood storage integrated into the wall. An oversize light fixture gives personality and anchors the dining area. Ceilings in white pine give texture and depth to the space.

Above: The central activity of the chalet is concentrated around one living space — the kitchen. This becomes the starting point of the design around which all the other functions revolve. Its size and the richness of its material dominate the living spaces of the house.

Above: Detail of the kitchen island and cabinets. The quartz counters and waterfall are disconnected to give the sense that they are light and floating. All cabinets are custom-made with light oak veneer.

Above: Detail of the kitchen island and cabinets with a window in direct alignment to give natural light to the space.

Above: Exterior Veranda linked to the living spaces and protected by screens to keep the bugs out.

Above: Simple yet elegant staircase. Light oak solid steps and very minimal handrail.

Above: A bridge leads to one of the kid’s bedrooms, made of slats of solid oak.

Above: The floor of the rooms has been divided into two areas; the children’s one on the forest side with access to the roof terrace and private mezzanine; and the parents’ one with a privileged view of the lake. Each space has been designed to showcase nature and create a symbiosis between the occupants and the environment.

Above: This main bedroom features an extra-large window with a lake view.

Above: One of two identical but opposite bedrooms. Each room has a queen size bed, a desk, and stairs to a mezzanine big enough to have friends sleep over. 

Above: A view from the mezzanine level.

Above: Exterior rooftop terrace dedicated to the teenagers of the house. Through the windows, we see each room with its own stairs up to its mezzanine.

Above: Overview of the house on the lake. The roof lines are clear and distinguish the children’s rooftop terrace over the garage.

PHOTOGRAPHER Maxime Brouillet