

résidence roy-lawrence by chevalier morales architectes in québec

all images courtesy of chevalier morales architectes

completed during the snowy season of early 2014, ‘résidence roy-lawrence’ seeks to integrate with its forested and mountain landscape, located among the eastern townships in the province of québec, canada. designed by chevalier morales architectes, the building is composed of three stacked layers. above, an elevated wood-clad volume serves as an identifying and protective element. this thick roof extends beyond the envelope on all sides while featuring a pronounced cantilever toward the south. on the main floor, glass curtain walls enclose the dwelling while allowing for expansive views to the surrounding context. below, a concrete foundation physically and visually settles the structure into the sloping topography.

the house is nestled among the mountain landscape near the village of sutton, québec

the eastern townships region of québec is comprised of many houses which take influence from traditional swiss chalets. this typology, representative of mountain and countryside living, served as a starting point for the design of ‘résidence roy-lawrence’. this approach, along with a careful assessment of site conditions, produces an architecture firmly rooted in its context. the building’s low form and material palette seek to achieve this visual integration, while preserving the surrounding landscape features.

glass curtain walls allow for expansive views of the site’s context

the residence’s interior layout was conceived based on geographical and environmental constraints, seeking to provide optimized views and daylight while managing potentially harsh winds. the main level is entirely wrapped in glass to allow for full panoramas, thus creating a relationship of visual transparency between the living spaces and the mountain site.

a thick wood-clad roof volume serves as an identifying and protective element

the entry cuts into the house’s main volume to create a protected space

the roof volume cantilevers toward the south

the material selection visually integrates the building with the landscape

the design is influenced by traditional swiss chalets, which are typical of snowy and mountainous environments

project info:

location: sutton, québec, canada

area: 276 sqm

completion date: winter 2014

client: jean roy / marthe lawrence

architect: chevalier morales architectes

project leaders: s. chevalier / s. morales

design team: s. chevalier / s. morales / j. rondeau / p. littée

structural engineer: pierre gosselin

landscape architect: client

contractor: self-construction / client

photography: chevalier morales architectes