Reflecting on nature

Forest glamping just took a giant if invisible step forward with these forest cabins that reflect their surroundings and are even kind to passing birds

Where? Oh, there. The Reflection pod is true

The two identical Reflection units were built on

Darkened wooden slats clad the other three façades

As the seasons change, the mirrored facades on

The effect of the floor-to-ceiling reflective glazing is

With the mirrored wall seen to the right

Considerable attention was paid to the treatment of

The principal exterior cladding apart from the mirrored

The kitchen continues the pared back black interior,

The modern bathrooms combine comfort with the cabins'

Designed by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes

From the architects:

Metres away from some of Québec’s most spectacular landscapes is an unusual new glamping project.

'Reflection' is the work of Québec-based Bourgeois Lechasseur / architects, who have developed a highly versatile approach to get-away rentals.

Their latest version – Reflection – is comprised of a set of two decidedly contemporary cabins in the woods.

The identical units were built on a flat piece of land close to a popular ski resort, Massif Petite-Rivière-Saint-François.

The challenge for the architects was to engage guests in an intimate relationship with nature, rather than dazzle them with the overwhelming views nearby.

Key to the design was a focus on creating accommodations that would almost disappear among the trees.

The shared arrival and parking area is accessible through an unpaved road, connected to local hiking trails.

To ensure maximum privacy for guests, the two minimalist cabins were built back-to-back, fifty metres from each other, one facing east and the other one facing west.

Their most striking feature is a totally glazed façade, set against the forest backdrop.

Darkened wooden slats clad the other three façades, reinforcing the sense of immersion among the nearby trees.

The entrances, off to the side of each cabin, appear to have been pushed inwards, interrupting the otherwise mostly seamless façades.

The move is typical of Bourgeois / Lechasseur architects, who enjoy blurring the lines between exteriors and interiors in their work.

The dark wood cladding used outside appears to carry though the interior along the entire length of the living area, while the clear pine ceiling used throughout the units is replicated outside.

Designed for up to six persons, each cabin features a cosy living/dining area with fireplace, as well as two enclosed bedrooms and a luxurious bathroom.

Guests can also enjoy the relaxing environment of an exterior spa.

Prefabrication

Each of the twin units consists of two modules, prefabricated before being shipped to the site to be assembled.

Although the process was meant to be relatively straightforward, it led to unexpected challenges, among them a variety of mechanical connections between the modules.

Meticulous site coordination was required during final assembly.

Two operations, however, had to take place on location: the pouring of the radiant concrete slab, and installation of the long, reflective glass walls.

For the birds

Considerable attention was paid to the treatment of the mirror façades in an effort to prevent hazardous bird collisions.

Owner-driven research led to a product approved by the well-known Audubon Society, as well as several other bird conservancy associations.

Almost invisible to the human eye, bird deterrent window markers were carefully installed on the outside of the glass panes that line the living area.

A nostalgic yearning for nature resides deep in the minds of many Canadians, often conceived as rustic log cabins tucked away in the woods.

Today’s travellers, however, seek comfort and poetry, something Reflection will also provide as guests immerse themselves in the surrounding forest.