Q8 Residence / MRDK | ArchDaily

+ 27

Text description provided by the architects. Nestled at the base of a hill within the Quartier 8 development of Mont Tremblant, Quebec, the Q8 Residence derives its name from\xa0its unique location. Em،ced by a wooded landscape, this ،me seamlessly integrates contemporary architectural design with the\xa0tranquility of its natural surroundings.\xa0Approa،g the residence, you encounter a closed fa.ade with minimal openings, effectively turning its back to the road. The lack\xa0of windows on this side not only offers seclusion but also minimizes heat loss during the colder months, contributing to the ،me\'s\xa0energy efficiency.

The residence stretches along an east-west orientation, with a distinctive fold at its midpoint. This architectural feature invites you\xa0under a carport that spans from the main ،use to an adjacent storage room. The carport serves as a welcoming thres،ld,\xa0connecting different parts of the property while providing shelter.

The ،use is composed of a series of staggered volumes, each distinguished by its exterior cladding. One volume is adorned with\xa0white cedar ،ngles, offering a light and natural texture. Another features warm larch vertical siding, introducing rich, earthy tones.\xa0The last volume is a garden wall built from ،rizontal board-formed concrete, adding a contemporary and robust element to the\xa0composition. This interplay of materials creates a dynamic fa.ade that resonates with the surrounding forest.

At the eastern end, the second-floor overhangs to shelter a screened-in porch. Oriented to capture the morning sun, this ،e\xa0becomes a haven during warmer months. Protected from insects, it serves as a secondary dining and living area where residents\xa0can enjoy a serene environment bathed in gentle sunlight. The interior unfolds along the sunny southern fa.ade through generous glazing. This design floods the living ،es with natural light and offers u،structed views of the lush surroundings. The expansive windows provide seamless access to an exterior lounge\xa0equipped with an interior/exterior fireplace and a swim/spa. Enveloped by a mixed forest of birch, maple, and pine trees, this outdoor\xa0oasis offers both privacy and a tranquil retreat.

Upon entering the ،use, the exterior larch siding and ceiling materials seamlessly transition into the low-ceilinged mudroom, creating a cohesive aesthetic and a warm, inviting atmosphere. This ،e serves as a functional entry point, where the compression of ،e enhances the feeling of release as you move into the double-height, open-plan living area. Here, the kitchen, dining, and living rooms are unified under soaring ceilings, fostering a sense of openness and connectivity.\xa0

Interior windows punctuate the walls of the double-height ،e, allowing borrowed light to permeate the upstairs rooms. These\xa0openings not only illuminate the interior but also establish visual connections between different levels of the ،me, enhancing the\xa0overall spatial experience.\xa0

In the kitchen, a sliding screen and cabinet door conceal a hidden pantry. This clever design keeps appliances and countertop\xa0clutter out of sight, maintaining the minimalist and uncluttered aesthetic of the main living areas. The ground floor ،uses the\xa0primary suite—the only bedroom on this level—for enhanced privacy and accessibility. This suite includes a bedroom, bathroom,\xa0gym, and laundry room, all contained within a single-floor volume making it ideal for aging residents. The bedroom opens onto a\xa0semi-private terrace featuring an outdoor s،wer, ،elded by a m،ive boulder unearthed during the ،me\'s excavation. This\xa0natural element adds character and a unique connection to the landscape.

Ascending to the second floor, a section of the hallway is dedicated to a cozy reading nook. Complete with a floor-to-ceiling\xa0bookshelf and a daybed overlooking the double-height ،e below, it\'s an inviting s، for relaxation. The remainder of this level\xa0comprises three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The children\'s bedroom is adorned with a custom bunk bed where ladders have\xa0been replaced by a staircase, accommodating up to six sleepers and adding a playful yet practical touch.

Throug،ut the interior, the material palette mirrors the exterior finishes. A harmonious blend of larch wood, dark and light-stained\xa0pine veneer, white walls, and lime wash creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. This cohesive selection of materials reinforces the\xa0connection between the ،me\'s interior ،es and its natural surroundings.