A Black Exterior And New Living Spaces Were Part Of Remodeling An Old Log Cabin Into A Contemporary Home

November 28, 2020
A remodel of an old log cabin includes a new black exterior and modern interior.

Paul Bernier Architecte has completed the contemporary remodel of a log cabin that’s located on a rocky point that juts out into a lake in Quebec, Canada.

A log cabin with a stone foundation has a modern extension and porch.

As part of the remodel, the architects added a second level and a screened-in porch. The stone foundation, anchored on the rock cap from which the site is made, and the black exterior, helps to integrate the cabin into its natural environment.

A log cabin with a stone foundation has a modern extension and screened-in porch.
A log cabin with a stone foundation has a modern extension and screened-in porch.
A log cabin with a stone foundation has a modern extension and screened-in porch.
A log cabin with a stone foundation had a modern extension added.
A log cabin with a stone foundation had a modern extension added.

The bright interior of the cabin is a strong contrast to the exterior. The entryway shows off a light wood ceiling, while the floor is a black tile with a chevron pattern.

This modern entryway shows off a light wood ceiling, while the floor is a black tile with a chevron pattern.

Steps connect the entryway to the main social areas of the cabin. Highlighted by a black door and glass walls, is a dedicated wine storage area. Adjacent to the wine wall is a fireplace and small sitting room with angled windows.

Highlighted by a black door and glass walls, is a dedicated wine storage area.

A set of doors open to a screened-in porch that’s furnished with a dining table and a sofa with a matching bench.

This modern cabin has a set of doors that open to a screened in porch, that's furnished with a dining table and a sofa with matching bench.
This modern cabin has a set of doors that open to a screened in porch, that's furnished with a dining table and a sofa with matching bench.
This modern cabin has a set of doors that open to a screened in porch, that's furnished with a dining table and a sofa with matching bench.

Back inside, the main living room has a U-shaped sofa that takes advantage of the window views. There’s also a second stone fireplace surround, this one, however, separates the living room and the kitchen.

This modern living room in a cabin has a U-shaped sofa that takes advantage of the window views, and a stone fireplace surround.

In the kitchen, matte black cabinets are topped with a light-colored marble countertop and backsplash.

In this modern kitchen, matte black cabinets are topped with a light-colored marble countertop and backsplash.
In this modern kitchen, matte black cabinets are topped with a light-colored marble countertop and backsplash.

Next to the kitchen are stairs with a white metal frame and wood stair treads. A glass handrail allows the natural light from the windows to travel through the interior.

In this modern kitchen, matte black cabinets are topped with a light-colored marble countertop and backsplash.
Modern white stairs with wood treads and a glass handrail.
Modern white stairs with wood treads and a glass handrail.
Modern white stairs with wood treads and a glass handrail.
Modern white staircase with wood treads.

At the top of the stairs, there’s a minimalist door frame that blends into the wall.

A minimalist door frame blends the door into the wall.

Down a hallway, there’s a view of a suspended black fireplace.

A suspended black fireplace.

This fireplace can be found in the master bedroom, which also enjoys floor-to-ceiling black framed windows and a freestanding bathtub.

A modern master bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, a suspended black fireplace, and a freestanding bathtub.
A modern en-suite bathroom with a freestanding bathtub in front of the window, and a minimalist wood vanity with dark countertop.
Photography by Raphaël Thibodeau | Architecture team: Paul Bernier, Claudia Campeau, Luc-Olivier Daigle | Structural engineer: Alain Mousseau (Calculatec) | General contractor: Construction Léonald Goyette