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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination.

Memphremagog Lake Residence in Quebec, Canada by M.U. Architecture

 
January 28th, 2023 by Sumit Singhal

Article source: v2com

Located in the magnificent Quebec region of Estrie on the shores of the prestigious Lake Memphremagog, the residence is in the form of a slender volume. Clinging to the steep shores of the lake, it projects onto a peaceful bay.

A connector element

This 6,700 square foot residence takes up, through its layout, part of the footprint of the existing residence of yesteryear. The main axis of the residence, both interior and exterior, in addition to acting as a vertical circulation, also connects the garage to the residence by a roof structure serving as a carport. From the front door, then successively through the lobby, the stairwell and the swimming pool, our gaze is directed outside, towards the lake.

Image Courtesy © Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard

  • Architects: M.U. Architecture
  • Project: Memphremagog Lake Residence
  • Location: Quebec, Canada
  • Photography: Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard
  • Architects / designers: MU Architecture, co-creation JS Bourdages Architecture
  • Team: Jean-Sébastien Herr, Charles Côté, Magda Telenga, Alexandre Arcens, Lou Émier, Maude Hébert, Andrée- Anne Godin, Baptiste Balbrick, Catherine Auger
  • Cabinetmaking: Cabinetmaking AGR
  • Structural engineer: GenieX
  • Contractor: Construction Vincent
  • Swimming pool engineer: Girard-Hébert
  • Landscaper: Yan Traversy Landscaping
  • Area: 6,700 ft2
  • Project end date: June 2022

Image Courtesy © Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard

The approach is discreet and peaceful, it gives us the impression of entering a spa and its architecture reveals only part of its immense volume. The masses of natural stone of the exterior walls conceal, thanks to a very precise finish, the more technical spaces in addition to ensuring the privacy of the occupants. These dark and massive facades at the level of the access contrast with the huge bay window of the entrance from which a view of the lake is immediately revealed. The austere appearance of the exterior in no way bodes well for the very spacious, bright and airy interiors.

A brooding and enveloping wing

Like a large unfolded wing, the architectural roof of the residence follows the volumetry dictated by the program. It soars and bends like a sail to the rhythm of the wind.

Image Courtesy © Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard

Image Courtesy © Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard

The interplay of roof folds, which is so distinctive and unique from the outside, is made visible inside by a series of triangulations in the wooden ceilings. These project into soffits on the outside in order to extend the gaze towards the landscape. The windows then follow the angles created so that the interior spaces merge with those of the exterior. Reaching a free height of almost 25′ high at its summit, the white cedar ceilings envelop the living areas in a majestic and unifying space. The harmony in the interior finishes and the richness of the textures create a cozy and warm atmosphere. Practically invisible, the lighting systems and the mechanical systems have been judiciously concealed under this genuine wooden skin.

Outside, the projecting roof of 14′-0 at its furthest point provides protection from the weather but also serves to cut off the hot rays of the summer sun. This large linear terrace which connects the master quarters to the common outdoor spaces and the swimming pool area extends from one end of the residence to the other. In projection in relation to the glazed rear facade, it covers the accesses to the bedrooms and to the relaxation areas on the ground floor. All access points and interior/exterior relations are therefore protected from the weather.

Image Courtesy © Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard

Image Courtesy © Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard

A chef’s kitchen

The kitchen has been designed to be functional for a family on a daily basis but suitable for a chef and his team during important receptions. By means of a concealed door and a built-in drop-down curtain, the service kitchen can be completely isolated from the living area, leaving only the so-called ceremonial section, a central island, visible. This one fits perfectly with the rest of the furniture thanks to a set of walnut wood panels that cover the entire west facade of the living area. Also enveloping a dinette area, a library and part of a double living room. The warmth of the wood blends well with that of the central hearth resting on a mass of granite.

The dining room, specially designed to accommodate up to 24 guests seated at this custom-made table, is positioned in the center of the main living area and near the kitchen island. It runs along the large bay window and offers the best view of the field.

Image Courtesy © Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard

Image Courtesy © Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard

On the main level, the living rooms are discovered in a row and offer, in addition to the master apartments, a veranda converted into a three-season room, a laundry room, a cloakroom and a powder room. On the ground floor there is a TV lounge with fireplace, a training room, a spa area including a dry sauna, a whirlpool bath and a shower and three bedrooms which share two full bathrooms and a an open office space. The longitudinal axis of the floor is also found at this level and ensures the distinction between the more technical rooms and the living areas. This secondary axis which crosses the longitudinal plan of the residence, connects all the rooms on the floors. These arranged in a row take advantage of the natural sunshine and views of the garden and the lake.

The break in plan that follows the angles dictated by the natural topography of the site and the desired views towards the lake. Thus creating a more intimate protected courtyard where most of the outdoor activities are concentrated.

Image Courtesy © Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard

Image Courtesy © Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard

Worthy of grand hotels, the meticulousness of the details, the richness of the materials and the control of the lines give off this soothing feeling of lightness.

A structural and sculptural feat

Thanks to a real structural prowess, a reinforced concrete formwork for the swimming pool made it possible to create a 16-foot cantilever. It seems to levitate above the ground. A true extension of the main level terrace, a glazed portion at the end of the pool extends the perspective during swimming, giving the impression that the pool is flowing into the lake. The residual space between the load-bearing concrete walls at base level serves as a mechanical room for pool systems and storage for outdoor furniture.

Image Courtesy © Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard

Image Courtesy © Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard

Image Courtesy © Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard

Image Courtesy © Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard

Image Courtesy © Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard

Image Courtesy © Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard

Image Courtesy © Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard

Image Courtesy © Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard

Image Courtesy © Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard

Image Courtesy © Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard

Image Courtesy © M.U. Architecture

Image Courtesy © M.U. Architecture

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Categories: House, Interiors, Residential




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