在湖泊与森林之间丨加拿大魁北克丨LOCUS architecture+design

Montreal-based practice LOCUS architecture+design has perched this contemporary home on a rocky outcrop overlooking Lac Cupidon in Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs, Quebec, Canada. Named Between Lake and Forest, the 3,600-square-foot house features a dark, upper volume resting upon an exposed concrete plinth, with large window openings and two fully glazed projections that extend toward the lake and surrounding trees. The residence was conceived as a tranquil retreat for its owners, away from their busy urban lives.

Contemporary Home Overlooking Lac Cupidon

Montreal-based practice LOCUS architecture+design has perched this contemporary home on a rocky outcrop overlooking Lac Cupidon in Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs, Quebec, Canada. Named Between Lake and Forest, the 3,600-square-foot (334 square metres) residence offers a tranquil retreat for its owners away from their busy urban lives.

Feature Portal Divides Living and Sleeping Spaces

The building is situated at the highest point of a densely wooded, four-acre site in the Laurentians, characterised by a dark, upper volume resting upon an exposed concrete plinth. The building, bisected by a portal and interior staircase, is divided into two zones with living spaces on one side and sleeping quarters on the other.

“The interstitial space celebrates the entrance with a large, concrete staircase,” the team said. Upon entering, the floor-to-ceiling glass walls on either side provide expansive views of the surrounding canopy and horizon, while the main living spaces are glazed and crowned with a light pine ceiling. The glazed projection of the library, along with the glazed wall of the living room, extends toward the lake through the trees.

Open Riser Stair Maintains Views Across Site

The main living room is bordered by a wide corridor, leading past the main staircase, bedrooms and bathroom to the library – a light-filled, cantilevered space that the architects designed to “bask in the midday sun”. Below, on the basement level in the exposed concrete plinth, an open riser staircase leads to a fourth bedroom, bathroom, family room with a large fireplace, and service spaces.

The open riser allows for site views to persist across the glass wall opposite. “Even the simple task of taking the stairs up or down is elevated with stunning views of the lake,” said the studio.

Siting Residence Provides Challenges and Opportunities

The process of finding this particular site for the home took “significant effort,” both the “density of the forest” and the “unique topography” proved challenging. The placement of the house needed to allow for the riparian zone – an area designated to encourage growth of adjacent fauna and flora – to extend fully.

ACT Studio designed an accessible dock on a small lake located on a rural plot in Canada’s Muskoka region, featuring ramps that accommodate various mobility needs and a dedicated space for the client’s camper van.