Schnee-Eule by Atelier L’Abri Blends Alpine and Canadian Styles
The Schnee-Eule chalet by Atelier L’Abri brings Austrian alpine architecture to the Canadian forest of Morin-Heights for a family retreat. Clad in white wood with a double-pitched roof and large overhangs, the cabin blends into the snowy landscape. Inside, large bay windows provide views of nature, while a woodstove offers a cosy atmosphere.
Located in the forest, outside of the village of Morin-Heights, Quebec, and designed for a family of four, the Schnee-Eule chalet allows its occupants to escape from the city to enjoy the calm of nature.
The design language of the building is borrowed from Austrian Alpine architecture, an inspiration that also lends itself to the project’s name. Schnee-Eule is the German word for the snowy owl, a white bird of prey that is particularly well adapted to winter.
During concept development, great importance was given to the compactness of the square plan, which limits the footprint of the construction. The vertical volume nests the upper floor bedrooms in the treetops.
With outdoor activities at the heart of the family’s life, a gear-room has been fitted out on the lower floor to provide direct access to cross-country skiing and mountain biking trails. A spacious terrace and screened veranda face south to allow for a smooth transition between the living spaces and the outside.
The white wood cladding, installed vertically, camouflages the project in the winter landscape. Its horizontal subdivisions are reminiscent of traditional alpine huts, as is the double-pitched roof with its large overhangs. The interior is characterized by a calm and warm atmosphere, with large bay windows giving way to the contemplation of nature and plays of light. With a woodstove at its heart, the living area invites relaxation. Small moments complete the picture, including a reading nook in the master bedroom.
Unique, and specifically made for the house, the furniture was designed and handmade by Inat, a Montreal-based woodworker.
Photography by Raphaël Thibodeau
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