This Holiday Home Hangs Over The Edge Of A Cliff To Get Lake Views

July 22, 2015

Val-des-Monts Cottage By Christopher Simmonds Architect

 

Christopher Simmonds Architect have designed a cottage surrounded by woodlands in Val-des-Monts, Quebec, Canada.

 

Val-des-Monts Cottage By Christopher Simmonds Architect

The architect’s description

A family cottage in the Gatineau hills infused with Canadiana shifts its way over the edge of a cliff to command views of the adjacent lake. The retreat is gently embedded in the Canadian Shield; the sleeping quarters firmly set in the rock while the cantilevered family rooms slowly emerge from this stone base.

Val-des-Monts Cottage By Christopher Simmonds Architect

The modest entry visible from the road leads to a calculated, yet tranquil path entering from the forest-side of the house and moving through the space as it opens up onto the lakeside.

Val-des-Monts Cottage By Christopher Simmonds Architect

The house illustrates a warm approach to modernism; white oak boards wrap from wall to floor enhancing the elongated shape of the house and slabs of silver maple create the bathroom vanity. On the exterior, the cladding is composed of an open-joint eastern white cedar, while the stairwell is encased in steel; both are left unfinished to age with the elements.

Val-des-Monts Cottage By Christopher Simmonds Architect

On the lower level, the dormitory style sleeping quarters are again embedded into the rock. Access to the exterior is provided by a walkout from the lower level recreation room, allowing the family easy admittance into nature.

Val-des-Monts Cottage By Christopher Simmonds Architect

Natural cooling is provided by cool air rising from the lake, passing in through the lakeside openings and out through the clerestory windows on the forest elevation.

Val-des-Monts Cottage By Christopher Simmonds Architect

The expanse of windows engages the ephemeral foliage from the treetops to the forest floor. The softness and shadows of the filtered forest light fosters an intimate relationship between the exterior and the interior.

Val-des-Monts Cottage By Christopher Simmonds Architect

Architect: Christopher Simmonds Architect Inc.
Project Architect: Rick Shean
Building Contractor: Timber Wolf Developments Inc.
Photography: Doublespace Photography