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Maurice Martel Architecte creates "almost perfect cube" for wintery chalet in a lush forest

Canada Architecture News - Apr 17, 2024 - 09:58   699 views

Maurice Martel Architecte creates

Quebec-based architecture practice Maurice Martel architecte has created "an almost perfect cube" for a wintery chalet in a lush forest in Mandeville, Canada.

Named Rustic Grade, the 1,400-square-foot (130-square-metre) cabin emerges as a result of deep reflection on harmoniously blending with the natural surroundings, and it invites its users on a journey of contemplation and spiritual renewal.

Maurice Martel Architecte creates

Nestled in the tranquil haven of a lush forest, and bordered by a river, Rustic Grade is a south-facing chalet initially envisioned as the ideal mini-home to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life in the outside world.

Maurice Martel architecte envisioned the chalet based on simplicity and minimalism to form an almost perfect cube. 

Maurice Martel Architecte creates

The careful selection of durable and maintenance-free materials and the straight lines of the cube create a sharp contrast with the surrounding organic forest environment.

The architects aimed to form a small footprint for this refuge, embodying the quintessence of an economical dwelling without sacrificing an iota of comfort.

Based on its small footprint, the studio optimized the cube with every detail, and the team limited the number of openings for energy efficiency concerns. 

Maurice Martel Architecte creates

"Therefore, the orientation of each window is no coincidence: seeking as much natural light as possible by refusing to open to the north, and directing large bay windows to the south," said Maurice Martel architecte.

"The views of the river that runs along the property are undoubtedly one of the most remarkable features of the dwelling, and the sound of the water tirelessly flowing close to the chalet is a spiritual delight."

"The chalet is a union of two cubes, one complementing the other in perfect continuity."

"The exterior storage volume in concrete breaks down the main volume and creates a hierarchy. In translation, this volume subtracted a corner, thus creating a protected and defined entrance," the office added.

Maurice Martel Architecte creates

The ground floor is enriched with a pleasant blend of lime-painted walls and a concrete floor, offering an open space. The studio added a  a minimalist and a warm aesthetic to living room.

In addition, its charm is enhanced by a wood stove placed at the windows intersection, allowing enjoyment of a fire in the comfort of the interior, while feeling like you are outdoors. 

Maurice Martel Architecte creates

The living room is opened into a minimalist kitchen pared down to its essence, with walnut furniture that lends distinctive elegance that harmoniously blends Scandinavian and Japanese styles. 

The various kitchen elements were placed in recess to preserve the minimalist and organized effect emanating from the place.

The epitome of comfort, a sauna was integrated into the upper cube, where an opening was created to allow the morning light to flood the living space. This sauna was designed to offer an ultimate relaxation experience immersed in the tranquil beauty of nature through its wall-to-wall glass panorama.

Maurice Martel Architecte creates

A modest ash staircase leads to the upper floor, a sanctuary clad in rustic grade spruce wood where the warmth of the material envelops the space in an intimate and authentic atmosphere. 

There is a multifunctional space overlooking the living room that can serve as an office, a dormitory for guests, or a relaxation space, as the beds transform into a day bed elegantly arranged on the floor. 

The absence of partitions between the two levels allows a vertical connection of the spaces, and an impressive height of 6 meters allows the gaze to wander freely.

Maurice Martel Architecte creates

The bedroom, a true cocoon nestled in the heart of the spruce wood, with its bed framed by raw wood and its breathtaking views of the forest, evokes a cozy nest. It invites an intimate communion with nature, offering an unparalleled panorama where time seems to stand still.

Maurice Martel Architecte creates

This beautiful self-construction project, both evolutionary and inspired, brilliantly illustrates the realization of a challenge: designing a space that is both timeless and functional within a controlled budget. 

This achievement stands out for its elegance and practicality, harmonizing aesthetics and efficiency.

Maurice Martel Architecte creates

Maurice Martel Architecte creates

Maurice Martel Architecte creates

Maurice Martel Architecte creates

Maurice Martel Architecte creates

Maurice Martel Architecte creates

Maurice Martel Architecte creates

Floor plan

Maurice Martel Architecte creates

Floor plan

Maurice Martel architecte built a glass pavilion with dark roof in the heart of a garden in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, an off-island suburb of Montreal, in southwestern Quebec.

Project facts

Architecture: Maurice Martel architecte

Interior Design: Caroline Tourigny

Location: Mandeville, Qc, Canada

Area: 1400 sq.ft 

Completion date: 2024 

All images © Adrien Williams.

All drawings © Maurice Martel architecte.

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