Platform for design

Designed by Paul Faucher, Espace Vital 

From the designer:

Characterised by an impressive overhang, the flow of interior and exterior spaces and the creative use of a double ground level, this project has its roots in the work of modernist architect Richard Neutra, who shaped the built environment in the Californian desert.

Right from the first visit the architects noticed that the clients had adopted the rock mound for their base camp. They had built a floating deck on its top giving a sense of owning the site and offering views of the surrounding forest.

This platform inspired the conceptual approach for the project: delicately dropping a deck on the mound and carrying the aerial effect with a transparent liveable bridge. The idea of creating a symbiosis between the house and the topography, along with the audacious design, appealed to the open-minded couple, who are nature lovers as well as contemporary art enthusiasts.

In a bold horizontal and aerial gesture, the structure stretches from the rock mound to the north extremity of the house where the master bedroom is nested. Along the way it takes foot on two massive concrete planes that bring stability to the composition, both structurally and visually, and are the expression of the desire for shelter.

The challenge was to maintain this lightness, while including the programmatic needs.

The response was the use of grafted modules clearly expressed and painted black for the entrance and staircase that keep the transparency with abundant glazing.

The solid/void composition is thus harmonized. The facades are also brought to life with the Corten-clad modules containing storage.

In the same manner as the original camping installations, the building aims to simply satisfy basic needs. The entrance facing the stairs, workspace with an oversized garage door, office and utilities share the lower level.

Upstairs, are the open-plan living area in the transparent bridge and the master bedroom on the north side.

A central block containing the pantry, storage spaces and bathroom serving as a transition space between the public and private areas.

Deliberately minimalist, the layout brings the environment to the forefront, penetrating all the interior spaces. The occupants have the feeling of living outside and can enjoy the seasonal, ever-changing shapes, colours, light and patterns that nature offers.

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Stéphane Lemire