Designing with the environment. Chalet Papillon by RobitailleCurtis
05/03/2024.
[Wentworth-Nord] Canada
metalocus, FRANCISCO LANCHAS MORA
metalocus, FRANCISCO LANCHAS MORA
Description of the project by RobitailleCurtis
RobitailleCurtis proudly introduces Chalet Papillon, nestled in the picturesque Laurentian Mountains, north of Montréal. The chalet is perched high above Lac Notre-Dame and was designed as a rural getaway for a young family and their friends. The master plan for the property was initially completed in 2017 and, after a pause, the clients returned (with two more children to accommodate) in spring 2020, ready to proceed.
Working with the steep, narrow, densely wooded site, the aim was for minimal site disturbance and as little deforestation as possible. To achieve this, the house was positioned parallel to the site contours atop a particularly steep section of exposed granite ledge.
Chalet Papillon by RobitailleCurtis. Photograph by Adrien Williams.
The resulting two-storey house comprises a long, slender volume positioned at an angle to the site boundaries, and an adjacent, perpendicular entry bar that leads in from the parking court. This layout enables views of the lake from two elevations, and for the east end to extend out from between the trees as a dramatic balcony elevated more than 85 feet above the water. Pre-weathered cedar cladding was chosen to match the grey tones of tree bark in the immediate context, and a standing-seam metal roof continues this colour palette for a unified appearance. The result is a home at one with its surroundings.
Throughout the home’s interior, light materials and minimalist detailing create a feeling of spaciousness on the efficient floor plan. White walls, concrete floors, and pale timber all contribute to the bright and airy atmosphere inside. The primary living spaces are located on the upper level, which is largely open plan and flooded with daylight.
A pitched, wood-lined ceiling echoes the shape of the roof outside and draws the eye to the dramatic view of its terminus. A long band of glazing along the south-west facade has a similar effect and offers a panoramic vista of the water during winter months. Custom built-in plywood seating runs below the window, creating spots to gaze out at the landscape, and linking the kitchen peninsula to the home’s hearth in the living room.
Chalet Papillon by RobitailleCurtis. Photograph by Adrien Williams.
On the opposite north facade, tall picture windows have been carefully positioned to frame views of the trees and bring in additional daylight, critically over the staircase and down to the lower level. At night, a pair of delicately thin linear lighting elements evenly illuminates the living area’s wood ceiling, adding to the warm and inviting atmosphere. The primary bedroom is also tucked at the back of this main volume and utilizes the bathroom beside the main entrance—at the clients’ request.
Downstairs, clever spatial planning has allowed for three bunk bedrooms (all with queen-size beds), a bathroom, ancillary spaces, and an additional cozy living/ playroom. Carefully laid out in a row, each of the compact bedrooms has a large window, and closet space accessed from the corridor. With this configuration, the chalet can sleep 12 people.
Both levels of the home have access to covered, operable screened porches, enabling outdoor dining and relaxation in adverse weather or without the bother of bugs. As extensions of the living spaces, these terraces better connect the residence with the landscape. The lower porch also leads out to an intentionally designed path that snakes down through the trees, eventually reaching the water’s edge. Altogether, this residence provides the perfect setting for the family to entertain guests, launch year-round weekend adventures, and enjoy the tranquility of such a scenic location.
RobitailleCurtis is an architecture practice multidisciplinary in architecture, landscape architecture and urbanism, based in Montréal, Québec and Burlington, Vermont, founded by Sophie Robitaille, CSLA, AAPQ, ASLA and Andrew Curtis, MRAIC, AIA, LEED BD+C in 2012. They mindfully respond to the aspirations of their clients and to the character of place with an architecture that is authentic, efficient, and that elevates the human spirit.
Sophie Robitaille is a registered Landscape Architect, a member of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects, the American Society of Landscape Architects, and the Association des Architectes Paysagistes du Quebec. She has led high profile, award-winning projects throughout North America and in Europe. Sophie`s portfolio comprises a broad range of landscape architectural projects including public, institutional, residential, and urban design commissions. Her designs are multifaceted; adding vibrancy and beauty to the landscape, while supporting and enhancing social dynamics and environmental functionality.
Andrew Curtis is a registered Architect in the United States, a Member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, and a Member of the American Institute of Architects. He has worked on significant building projects in the United States and the United Kingdom. With a background in furniture and the decorative arts, Andrew’s keen attention to detail and craftsmanship are integral to each project. He is a LEED Accredited Professional who has designed LEED Gold certified buildings, and brings a broad understanding of sustainable design considerations to each project.
Teressa Peill is a Landscape Architect. She obtained a Master of Landscape Architecture degree from University of Toronto (2012) and a BA in Political Science with a Double Minor in Urban Studies and Environment Studies (2008). She grew up in rural Nova Scotia working at her family's nursery. This unique experience forged her refined knowledge of plants and an innate passion for engaging the landscape hands on. From a young age, Teressa has been responsible for on-site project management and construction administration for residential projects. In recent years, she has applied her expertise to award winning high-end residences. This has led to her pragmatic, efficient, and detail oriented approach.