Chalet Papillon

Laurentides, QC, Canada

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Chalet Papillon

Laurentides, QC, Canada

Firm

RobitailleCurtis

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2023

SIZE

1000 sqft - 3000 sqft

BUDGET

$1M - 5M

Nestled in the picturesque Laurentian Mountains, this chalet perched high above Lac Notre-Dame was designed as a rural getaway for two young doctors, their three children, and friends. The master plan for the property was completed in 2017, but the project was put on hold as the clients focused on work, growing their family, and building their savings. Then, early in the pandemic, in the spring of 2020, they decided it was time for their refuge to become a reality.

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 two-storey house was oriented parallel to the site contours atop a particularly steep section of exposed granite ledge.

The building 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-patinated, locally sourced, eastern white 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 interior, light materials and minimalist detailing create a feeling of spaciousness across the efficient floor plans. White walls, radiant-heated 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. After extensive energy modeling, tweaks to the design were made to optimize the home’s energy performance while balancing aesthetic goals. Aperture sizes and locations of triple-glazed windows sourced from Austria were carefully considered as part of these efforts.

A pitched, wood-lined ceiling echoes the shape of the roof outside and draws the eye to the dramatic view at 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, linking the kitchen peninsula to the home’s hearth in the living room.

On the opposite north facade, tall picture windows 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 the main volume.

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 and friends to gather, relax, and commune with nature in a tranquil and naturally beautiful setting.

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Chalet Papillon

Laurentides, QC, Canada

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Chalet Papillon

Laurentides, QC, Canada

Other Projects by RobitailleCurtis

Atrium Townhome

Laurentian Ski Chalet

Chalet Papillon

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Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team

Articles