Local firm YH2 has designed a holiday home in reminiscent of a tree-house in Woodland outside Montreal. The home is accessible via a narrow bridge, which may not be for the faint of heart.
The residence Dans l’Escarpement is located in Saint-Faustin-du-Lac-Carré – a secluded and densely wooded region known for its landscapes and outdoor activities.
Yiacouvakis Hamelin Architectes – built the 300 square metre home on a sleepy sloped site. The the residence is described as “literally hanging from a cliff” is a marvel to look at.
The home is accessible through a driveway via a steel-and-wood walkway that leads to the upper level. “As one progresses on the light bridge structure, particularly on a misty day, there is a sensation of going towards a tree house floating in mid-air,” said YH2 in a project description.
The best view of the home can be enjoyed from the master bedroom as indicated above.
Floor-to-ceiling glazing wraps this volume, and provides access to an adjacent terrace.
An open staircase leads to the main living space one level down, where the architects located the kitchen, living and dining room. Oh, there is a lake view on offer as well.
“The intermediate level is the true heart of this house, with its windowed walls opening up to the surrounding forest,” YH2 said.
Mahogany was chosen for the interiors “recalling the trees just beyond”.
According to the designers the lower level on the forest floor was split into two concrete volumes with a terrace between them. This highlighted the natural look and feel of the home. One portion contains a sauna and spa facilities that look out onto the surrounding trees.
From the covered patio separating both areas, a footpath leads to the lake below. This space also includes an exterior hot tub.
The opposite side has three bedrooms and a shared bathroom. A secondary staircase leads from here to the communal area, avoiding the need to go outside to access it.
The home thrives on being built with steel, concrete and wood. It also pairs accents like a monochrome patterned tile wall in the sauna area. The studio also clad some portions of the exterior in weathered steel, as well as the fireplace.
YH2 has completed several other projects in the Laurentians region. These include a residence with a deep overhanging roof modeled after a bird’s wings and a cedar-clad property made of three volumes joined together.
Photography is by Maxime Brouillet.