Cap St-Martin House by Bourgeois / Lechasseur Architectes

Cap St-Martin House is a project designed by Bourgeois / Lechasseur Architectes in 2019. Located at the end of a long winding road in Potton, Quebec, Canada, the residence overlooking Lake Memphremagog consists of two volumes with a gable roof.

From the first meeting, clients spoke of their attraction to the “barnhouse” style, an architectural influence that refers to the region’s long farm buildings. They are looking for a warm second home that offers a great view of nature. The design then moves towards a simple and elongated traditional shape, which is characterized by a contemporary reinterpretation of the barn.

As you approach, you will see two familiarly shaped silhouettes with a gable roof. The smallest area in the foreground houses a guest loft, the client’s garage and artist studio. This section of the residence is connected to the main area by a glass tunnel, which provides a gentle transition filled with light. The length of the residence that can be discovered while walking around, contrasts with the impression of a compact house that can be seen when arriving. The heart of this residence was inspired by the clients’ desire to have a spacious, bright and lake-oriented “great room”. This central room that hosts the living spaces is quite surprising. Its two long glass facades offer a contrast between the view of the forest and the view of the lake. The room provides plenty of natural light all day long, so you literally feel like you’re outside. The extension of the concrete floor on the patio emphasizes this transparency effect. The cathedral ceiling, covered with wood, gives the place a softer feel. A footbridge on the west side crosses the room and leads to the bedrooms. The residence is designed to be a gathering place. The kitchen connects to a second service area that connects directly with the covered patio. Upstairs, the master bedroom with its own patio offers a breathtaking view.

— Bourgeois / Lechasseur Architectes

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