Chalet Moraine melds a sleek gabled architecture with large dormers in Quebec's rustic landscape.

Chalet Moraine Melds Sleek Modern Design with Quebec’s Rustic Landscape

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Written by Sam Johnson

2026-09-22

Chalet Moraine view of exterior design amidst lush greenery.

Architectural homage to the Laurentians

Nestled along the serene shores of a lake in Quebec’s Laurentians, Chalet Moraine stands as a modern testament to timeless design. Created by Appareil Architecture, with Kim Pariseau and Marc-Antoine Juneau at the helm, this contemporary retreat replaces an antiquated 1960s outbuilding. Designed for long-term residents, this spectacular home blends new age concepts with the area’s rich history.

Front façade of Chalet Moraine with forest background.

Simple gabled form and freestanding volumes in a modern chalet design.
Explore the architecture of Chalet Moraine, where a simple gabled form, large dormers and freestanding interior volumes create a contemporary interpretation of the Laurentians chalet.

How Tradition Meets Innovation

Drawing from over a century of architectural heritage, the chalet echoes the rustic charm of the traditional “loggies.” The design incorporates elements like the region’s scattered boulders, melding these natural forms with the home’s modern aesthetic. This unique residence melds seamlessly with its environment, blending traditional elements with modern design.

Chalet Moraine integration with natural boulders.

Modern chalet with large dormers in a Laurentians landscape setting.
Explore the architecture of Chalet Moraine, where a simple gabled form, large dormers and freestanding interior volumes create a contemporary interpretation of the Laurentians chalet.

Transforming familiar forms

The straightforward rectangular structure supports a classic gabled roof, reminiscent of historic Laurentian cottages. However, large dormer windows add complexity, extending the interior outward. Wooden cladding contrasts with both the deep-set glazing and the innovative reinterpretation of nature’s erratic boulders, demonstrating again how the house combines traditional and contemporary elements.

Chalet Moraine's large dormer windows.

Contemporary chalet design features large dormers and gabled roof.
Explore the architecture of Chalet Moraine, where a simple gabled form, large dormers and freestanding interior volumes create a contemporary interpretation of the Laurentians chalet.

Detail of Chalet Moraine's exterior materials.

Freestanding volumes create open interior spaces in modern chalet.
Explore the architecture of Chalet Moraine, where a simple gabled form, large dormers and freestanding interior volumes create a contemporary interpretation of the Laurentians chalet.

Materials that echo the surroundings

Materials play a critical role in forging a connection between Chalet Moraine and its environment. Wood clads the structure, while red accents in the slatted screen walls pay homage to the painted logs of yore. Inside, window seats evoke cozy moments in the history of regional chalets.

Wood details inside Chalet Moraine's dormers.

Sleek interpretation of a traditional Laurentians chalet with modern features.
Explore the architecture of Chalet Moraine, where a simple gabled form, large dormers and freestanding interior volumes create a contemporary interpretation of the Laurentians chalet.

Red accents on Chalet Moraine's screen wall.

Contemporary chalet featuring large dormers and spacious interiors.
Explore the architecture of Chalet Moraine, where a simple gabled form, large dormers and freestanding interior volumes create a contemporary interpretation of the Laurentians chalet.

Inviting spaces with panoramic views

The open-plan kitchen and dining areas anchor the ground floor, where expansive windows showcase breathtaking views of the lake. Here, service areas stand as freestanding volumes, organizing spatial flow and keeping the living areas invitingly open. In every architectural detail, the structure merges artistic vision with functionality.

Open-plan kitchen and dining area at Chalet Moraine.

Dining area with kitchen features open views of lake, forest.
See how the dining room and kitchen are arranged around open views of the lake and forest in this contemporary Laurentians chalet by Appareil Architecture.

Freestanding volumes for service functions inside Chalet Moraine.

Chalet's dining room offers expansive views of natural surroundings.
See how the dining room and kitchen are arranged around open views of the lake and forest in this contemporary Laurentians chalet by Appareil Architecture.

View from the kitchen overlooking the landscape.

Open kitchen in chalet overlooks forested landscape, lake.
See how the dining room and kitchen are arranged around open views of the lake and forest in this contemporary Laurentians chalet by Appareil Architecture.

A versatile ground floor

A multipurpose room complements the ground floor, ready to adapt for guests or family use. The sequence of spaces encourages dynamic circulation, revealing stunning views at every turn. With each turn, the home melds indoor comfort with outdoor serenity.

For more inspiration on merging traditional and modern architecture, explore Weber Arquitectos’ forest-embraced tiny home that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.

Multipurpose room at Chalet Moraine.

Chalet's ground floor features multi-purpose rooms and organized spaces.
Discover the flexible ground-floor spaces of Chalet Moraine, including a multi-purpose room, hallway and bathroom organized around the home’s distinctive interior volumes.

Concept of spatial circulation with forest views.

Flexible ground-floor layout with multi-purpose room, hallway, bathroom.
Discover the flexible ground-floor spaces of Chalet Moraine, including a multi-purpose room, hallway and bathroom organized around the home’s distinctive interior volumes.

Entryway and circulation view inside Chalet Moraine.

Distinctive interior volumes organize ground-floor living spaces.
Discover the flexible ground-floor spaces of Chalet Moraine, including a multi-purpose room, hallway and bathroom organized around the home’s distinctive interior volumes.

The upper floor’s expansive views

Upstairs, the living room extends from the primary suite, maintaining a strong connection to the outdoors. Dormer windows here create sheltered spaces, inviting nature into the living areas as light shifts throughout the day.

Upper living room with expansive dormer windows.

Living room extends from suite, offers views of Laurentians landscape.
The upper-level living room at Chalet Moraine extends from the primary suite, with large dormers and deep-set glazing bringing views of the Laurentians landscape inside.

Sunlight effect in upper living areas.

Upper-level space with dormers, glazing framing scenic views.
The upper-level living room at Chalet Moraine extends from the primary suite, with large dormers and deep-set glazing bringing views of the Laurentians landscape inside.

Jacuzzi view from upper living space.

Living area features deep-set glazing, expansive outdoor views.
The upper-level living room at Chalet Moraine extends from the primary suite, with large dormers and deep-set glazing bringing views of the Laurentians landscape inside.

Detailed architecture of the upper living room.

Chalet's living room connects suite with outside views.
The upper-level living room at Chalet Moraine extends from the primary suite, with large dormers and deep-set glazing bringing views of the Laurentians landscape inside.

View from the upper suite to the outdoors.

Upper-level living room includes views of Quebec landscape.
The upper-level living room at Chalet Moraine extends from the primary suite, with large dormers and deep-set glazing bringing views of the Laurentians landscape inside.

Private retreats within a fluid design

The primary suite includes a refined bedroom and bathroom. The minimalist material palette extends here, punctuated by touches like a circular mirror, adding to the suite’s understated elegance.

Primary suite bedroom in Chalet Moraine.

Bedroom and bathroom designed for privacy, natural light, woodland views.
Take a look inside the bedroom and bathroom of Chalet Moraine, part of an upper-level arrangement designed around privacy, natural light and views of the surrounding woods.

Modern bathroom within the primary suite.

To see another architectural marvel on embracing surrounding landscapes, check out BEAR Architects’ transformation of La Rioja, which celebrates the integration of bold design and environment.

Upper-level bedroom with forest views and natural lighting.
Take a look inside the bedroom and bathroom of Chalet Moraine, part of an upper-level arrangement designed around privacy, natural light and views of the surrounding woods.

Close-up of bathroom details in Chalet Moraine.

Private bedroom area complemented with natural light, wooded views.
Take a look inside the bedroom and bathroom of Chalet Moraine, part of an upper-level arrangement designed around privacy, natural light and views of the surrounding woods.

Arrangement of rooms on the upper floor.

Bedroom offers privacy, natural light, views of surrounding woods.
Take a look inside the bedroom and bathroom of Chalet Moraine, part of an upper-level arrangement designed around privacy, natural light and views of the surrounding woods.

Room-to-room flow within the primary suite.

Bathroom and bedroom setup designed for privacy and scenic views.
Take a look inside the bedroom and bathroom of Chalet Moraine, part of an upper-level arrangement designed around privacy, natural light and views of the surrounding woods.

Exploring the basement delights

A staircase leads to the chalet’s basement, housing a sauna for relaxation—a calming space beneath the bustling activity upstairs.

Staircase descending to the basement.

Staircase connects living spaces, organizes home's level circulation.
The staircase connects Chalet Moraine’s upper living spaces with the basement, continuing the home’s carefully structured circulation through its different levels.

Sauna space in the basement of Chalet Moraine.

Basement sauna provides wellness space beneath main living areas.
A sauna occupies the basement of Chalet Moraine, adding a private wellness space beneath the home’s main living areas.

Understanding the unique layout through drawings

Architectural plans reveal Chalet Moraine’s intricate organization, highlighting how dormers extend its interiors to embrace the landscape fully.

Architectural drawing showing house layout.

Architectural drawings show rectangular form, open-floor approach.
Architectural drawings of Chalet Moraine reveal the home’s rectangular form, gabled roof, dormers, freestanding service volumes and unusual open-floor structural approach.

Elevation drawing of Chalet Moraine.

Plans illustrate chalet's gabled roof and service volumes.
Architectural drawings of Chalet Moraine reveal the home’s rectangular form, gabled roof, dormers, freestanding service volumes and unusual open-floor structural approach.

Architectural section highlighting dormers.

Drawings reveal chalet's dormers and open-floor structural design.
Architectural drawings of Chalet Moraine reveal the home’s rectangular form, gabled roof, dormers, freestanding service volumes and unusual open-floor structural approach.

Plan showing the sauna and basement details.

Architectural sketches highlight unique open-floor concept and dormers.
Architectural drawings of Chalet Moraine reveal the home’s rectangular form, gabled roof, dormers, freestanding service volumes and unusual open-floor structural approach.

Landscape-focused sectional drawing of Chalet Moraine.

Blueprints detail chalet's distinct design features, including roof structure.
Architectural drawings of Chalet Moraine reveal the home’s rectangular form, gabled roof, dormers, freestanding service volumes and unusual open-floor structural approach.

Chalet Moraine beautifully combines contemporary design with the character of the Laurentians. Through thoughtful architectural details, Appareil Architecture marries modern comforts with the enduring charm of Quebec’s verdant geography, illustrating once more how the house melds aesthetic appeal with practical living.

Photography © Felix Michaud | Architecture: APPAREIL Architecture | Collaborators – Contractor: Gestion Séquence | Cabinetmaker: Créations De La Sablonnière

Source: contemporist.com

Frequently asked questions

Who designed Chalet Moraine in Quebec?

Chalet Moraine was designed by Appareil Architecture, with Kim Pariseau and Marc-Antoine Juneau leading the project.

What elements connect Chalet Moraine to its environment?

Chalet Moraine uses materials like wood and red accents which echo the region’s natural landscape and traditional log architecture, integrating elements like scattered boulders into its modern design.

What is unique about Chalet Moraine’s architectural style?

Chalet Moraine blends traditional and contemporary elements by incorporating aspects like a classic gabled roof with modern features such as large dormer windows and wood cladding.

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