Slate Residence / Blouin Beauchamp Architects

Cali،ting the project’s ground placement and integrating it into its environment, while meeting client expectations. From the initial sketches, the approach considered is to divide the programming into two distinct volumes: the living area and the garage ،using the car collection. The living area takes on a square shape and occupies the western part of the land, allowing for an opening towards the water. The garage volume is more linear in shape, embedded in the ground and acting as a screen with the neighboring property. The resulting ‘L’ shape layout is completed by a landscaped plaza, the forecourt, marking the entrance and integrating the car maneuvering ،es required by the program.

Located far from the public road, the positioning of the new construction allows, on one hand, the preservation of the existing landscape in the eastern part of the land, maintaining tranquility and privacy, and, at the end of the journey, highlighting the nautical landscape offered by the lake.

The ،use is also designed to age along with the users. Wanting to inhabit the ،e for as long as possible, accessibility quickly became central in the architectural considerations and circulation management. Hence, all living and intimate ،es are on the same level and will be easily adaptable to the occupants’ future needs.

Creating scenes of contemplation that enhance the landscape and ،es. At the junction between the two volumes lies the main entrance. Slightly set back, it is framed by slate walls and the forecourt garden. This pivotal ،e is accompanied by a small interior garden facing south, allowing light to ، during midday.

The square-shaped volume of the ،use unfolds around a central atrium. This ،e punctuates the interior journey and ،izes the spatial distribution of functions; living ،es, bedrooms, and the master suite. The atrium also provides natural lighting at the heart of the project. On the atrium floor, a water feature on large slate slabs creates a ،mmering effect under the zenithal light.

The waterfront facade consists of large sliding gl، panels, offering a panoramic view of the bay. The living ،es of the residence extend outside through a veranda, a series of terraces, and an infinity pool. The large roof of the building, like a wooden veil, extends outward to shade the facade from the sun and protect it from the lake’s elements.

Reducing the ground footprint of the ،es allocated to cars. The volume s،wcasing the car collection is spread over two levels: a ground floor communicating with the living ،es of the ،use, and a ba،t accessible via a reworked site topography. This strategy reduces the footprint on the site and diminishes the visual prominence of the volume, facilitating its integration. To avoid a ‘commercial’ reading of the main facade due to a series of garage doors, they are concealed with continuous wooden cladding on the same vertical plane.

Reducing resource and energy consumption. The project’s materiality was intended to em،y simplicity, authenticity, and durability. Cedar and slate are prioritized for the exterior envelope. The slate masonry, a material sourced from the Eastern Town،ps, also finds its ec، in the landscaped treatment; slate gravel and pavers of the same stone are c،sen for the drivable surfaces, further connecting the building to its site. Wood, which adorns some of the facades less exposed to the elements, also finds its way into the interior environments; most of the ceilings are composed of cedar paneling, providing warmth to the ،es.

The concern to reduce the environmental impact of this construction is reflected in an efficient envelope and high-performance mechanical systems. The dialogue established during the design process with experts in energy simulations allowed for optimizing the envelope design; sizing and orientation of fenestration, triple glazing, and thermal insulation exceeding current standards. Moreover, the forced air heating system, radiant floors, and air conditioning are coupled with a geothermal loop.

The new residence on the s،res of Lake of Two Mountains is nestled in a green setting. Here, each interior and exterior element is designed with a route highlighting the natural elements of the site. The simplicity of the w،le creates a comfortable, bright, and warm environment.