Knowlton Residence / Thomas Balaban Architect

Knowlton Residence / Thomas Balaban Architect - Image 2 of 18Knowlton Residence / Thomas Balaban Architect - Interior Photography, Dining room, Table, ChairKnowlton Residence / Thomas Balaban Architect - Interior Photography, Living Room, StairsKnowlton Residence / Thomas Balaban Architect - Exterior Photography, Windows, FacadeKnowlton Residence / Thomas Balaban Architect - More Images+ 13

Lac-Brome, Canada
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Knowlton Residence / Thomas Balaban Architect - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade
© Adrien Williams

Text description provided by the architects. Located in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, Knowlton Residence contrasts simple forms with vernacular materials to update an aging country farmhouse. In response to the client’s desire to enlarge and covert the existing country house into their primary residence, the gable roofed structure has been completely renovated with a new two storey extension built upon the foundations of a previous single storey addition. Going up instead of spreading out allowed for more space and better views without the need to excavate across the hilltop.

Knowlton Residence / Thomas Balaban Architect - Image 2 of 18
© Adrien Williams

The box shaped extension plays off the familiar farmhouse typology, creating a series of intriguing contrasts between the thisness and thatness of the composition, both distinguishing and uniting different eras, forms, and materials. A new sleek corrugated metal roof and painted white brick update the existing structure while the new extension is clad in custom cedar boarding, charred and silvered to replicate weathered wood. The detailing remains modern and minimalist. However, both materials speak to the numerous old barns and newer agricultural sheds found throughout the Eastern Townships.

Knowlton Residence / Thomas Balaban Architect - Interior Photography, Dining room, Table, Chair
© Adrien Williams

On the lower level, a band of windows cuts across both structures - a void that ties together the contrasting forms. It wraps around the social spaces, giving out onto the majestic views of Brome Lake Valley and Mont Sutton. Upstairs, punched openings frame views of the property’s mature trees. These dark framed openings, a simple material palette, and minimal detailing connect the interior spaces, subtlety highlighted geometric variations and moments where spatial intimacy meets openness.

Knowlton Residence / Thomas Balaban Architect - Interior Photography, Living Room, Stairs
© Adrien Williams

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Cite: "Knowlton Residence / Thomas Balaban Architect" 15 Nov 2019. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/928420/knowlton-residence-t-b-a-thomas-balaban-architect> ISSN 0719-8884

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