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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The staircase connects Chalet Moraine’s upper living spaces with the basement, continuing the home’s carefully structured circulation through its different levels.
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 drawings of Chalet Moraine reveal the home’s rectangular form, gabled roof, dormers, freestanding service volumes and unusual open-floor structural approach.
Architectural drawings of Chalet Moraine reveal the home’s rectangular form, gabled roof, dormers, freestanding service volumes and unusual open-floor structural approach.
Architectural drawings of Chalet Moraine reveal the home’s rectangular form, gabled roof, dormers, freestanding service volumes and unusual open-floor structural approach.
Architectural drawings of Chalet Moraine reveal the home’s rectangular form, gabled roof, dormers, freestanding service volumes and unusual open-floor structural approach.
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.
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.
