河边的房子丨Atelier Échelle

Architect：Atelier Échelle

Project Year：2023

Category：Private Houses

Set in the picturesque landscape of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, this project was conceived to honor a site that has been part of the client’s family for generations. The design brought together a collection of pitched-roof volumes that echo the rural architectural language of the area, creating distinct yet connected spaces for living, gathering, and reflection. The project also transformed the original family bungalow into a winter garden, preserving its historical footprint while introducing a renewed purpose.

The home’s layout balances practicality and warmth. The central living area—framed by expansive windows—opens to the surrounding landscape, offering sweeping views of the river and vibrant sunsets. Spaces were organized to meet the clients’ needs, including areas for hosting, private retreats for rest and reading, and a kitchen and pantry tailored for an accomplished cook. Circulation flows intuitively, allowing each space to feel unique yet part of an integrated whole, all while maintaining a strong relationship with the outdoors.

Material choices prioritize durability and a connection to the surroundings. The exterior is clad in cedar treated with the Shou Sugi Ban technique, valued for its resilience and the way its blackened texture contrasts with snowy winters and softens in summer light. Inside, white oak dominates—used for flooring, cabinetry, and millwork—bringing warmth and continuity throughout the home.

Taj Mahal quartzite was selected for the kitchen countertops, offering a natural palette of gold and green tones that complement the wood finishes. Marble mosaics and Bianco Dolomite tiles in the bathrooms add understated elegance, while encaustic tiles in the winter garden reflect a historical sensibility, tying the space to its past. The result is a home that invites quiet retreats and lively gatherings, rooted in the site’s history and its natural surroundings.

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