Lac Marois Residence

Nestled along the shores of a Laurentian lake just an hour outside of Montreal, this project includes the complete renovation and expansion of an existing chalet together with a new three-storey auxiliary building, combining a guest suite, parking area, golf simulator and home gym.

‍

The clients purchased the house with the intention of renovating it and tasked RC with designing spaces that would better accommodate large dinner parties and social events, as well as offer additional sleeping quarters for overnight guests, all while maintaining the original character of the house and landscape. Significant character-defining elements of the original structure, such as exposed heavy timber beams and a massive stone chimney, are preserved and celebrated in the newly transformed home.

‍

The addition of a generous screened porch unifies the lake-facing façade, which was previously awkwardly crenulated. In a similar sweeping gesture, lake-facing doors were increased in width and converted to bi-folding units, increasing the visual connection to the waterfront and enhancing fluid circulation between interior and exterior spaces during events. Electronic bug screens are carefully integrated into the exterior wood columns, allowing for uninhibited views of the lake during the colder months while providing bug protection during the warmer months.

‍

A new accessory building is provided in close proximity to the primary residence, with a sinuous subterranean tunnel connecting both structures. A golf simulator with a full bar in the basement of the garage provides an additional entertainment option for guests. A two-car parking garage is accessible from grade with a compact, highly-functional guest suite located above.

‍

The reconfiguration of the entry drive, dry-stack stone walls, technical regrading around the new foundation walls of the house, and a custom in-ground spa were the result of a close collaboration of RC’s architecture and landscape studios. This project is currently under construction.

‍

Team:

Andrew Curtis  Partner, MRAIC, AIA, OAQ, LEED BD+C

Sophie Robitaille Partner, CSLA, ASLA, AAPQ

Galen Rochon  Architect, Project Architect, OAQ

Kim Chayer Architect, OAQ

Quinlan Bundschuh  Architectural Designer