Chalet La Petite Soeur / ACDF Architecture

Chalet La Petite Soeur / ACDF Architecture - Beam, Windows, DeckChalet La Petite Soeur / ACDF Architecture - Windows, FacadeChalet La Petite Soeur / ACDF Architecture - Windows, Lighting, Sink, BathroomChalet La Petite Soeur / ACDF Architecture - WindowsChalet La Petite Soeur / ACDF Architecture - More Images+ 25

Saint-Donat, Canada
  • Architects: ACDF Architecture
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  1400 ft²
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2018
  • Photographs
    Photographs:Adrien Williams
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Eco-Cedre, Fabelta, Juste Du Pin, Mac, Ter Hürne
  • Project Manager: Patrick Morand
  • Collaborators: Étienne Hotte
  • Team Of Architects: Maxime-Alexis Frappier, Patrick Morand, Yoanna Anastassova, Kassandra Bonneville, Mireille Létourneau, Romilda Reda
  • City: Saint-Donat
  • Country: Canada
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Chalet La Petite Soeur / ACDF Architecture - Windows, Facade
© Adrien Williams

Text description provided by the architects. On the vast Lac Ouareau, located near the town of Saint-Donat, sits a charming traditional house surrounded by birch trees. The owners, a dynamic stepfamily, commissioned ACDF to design for their many children a larger area to play and relax. In order to make sure everyone in the family can find a peaceful corner when spending time together, the architects created an addition that mirrors the original building’s dimensions. The extension preserves and pays tribute to the historic house while reflecting the beauty of the landscape it inhabits.

Site Plan
Plan

The new space – a white prism standing on a concrete pedestal – appears like a refined version of the existing house. Through this contrasting effect, the extension maintains a connection to the original building and its location. The sheet metal roof and wood cladding resemble the smooth and shiny bark of birch trees growing on the site; its hues and textures also recall the whitewashed walls of countryside barns.

Chalet La Petite Soeur / ACDF Architecture - Beam, Windows, Deck
© Adrien Williams

On the ground floor, an open-plan space and large windows allow spectacular views of the lake. Polished concrete floors and natural wood details are used with simplicity, emphasizing the materials’ richness. Surrounded by black slatted wood, the central fireplace creates a relaxing ambiance and an oasis of comfort in the vast living room. Built-in benches offer private spaces in common areas and cleverly include hidden storage. The living room and its gaming table encourage the children to make the space their own, providing playful and relaxing family time.

Chalet La Petite Soeur / ACDF Architecture - Windows, Beam
© Adrien Williams

The architects designed the new master bedroom at the lower level. Nested in a cliff, the room benefits from the descending topography of the site and receives plenty of sunlight. The transition from the old house to the new one takes place on a glass bridge. From the extension, an oak wood frame directs views toward the inside of the existing house, the frame’s warm shade matching the old wood planks. The truncated shape of the bridge makes it wide enough to occupy: a welcomed pause in the landscape, floating over a garden.

Chalet La Petite Soeur / ACDF Architecture - Windows, Table, Beam
© Adrien Williams

The bridge’s axis aligns the kitchen of the existing building and the new living room. Even when they are seated apart, family members can keep an eye on each other and share quality time. The transformation orchestrated by ACDF marries the lovely patina of the traditional house to the extension’s clean lines. A variety of new spaces inside the family home gives the owners a place to enjoy each other and the landscape.

Chalet La Petite Soeur / ACDF Architecture - Windows, Forest
© Adrien Williams

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Cite: "Chalet La Petite Soeur / ACDF Architecture" 18 Jul 2018. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/898198/chalet-la-petite-soeur-acdf-architecture> ISSN 0719-8884

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