The Lake Pavilions by Agence Spatiale

On the eastern shore of Lake Saint-Joseph, The Lake Pavilions by Agence Spatiale features three main structures combined with a subtle design.

Each pavilion “is designed to maximise breathtaking views of the lake while respecting the surrounding environment,” said the studio, nestled into the slope of the three-acre (1.2-hectare) site.

They were arranged to appear to float on a base, appearing “largely cantilevered over” and “carefully planned to provide the best views of the lake”.

One of the volumes occupies a clear area, another spans three stories, and the most massive structure nestles into the wooded area. The roofs form an architectural element that connects the lake and the hillside with a series of steps.

“Homes are more often associated with the idea of a large volume divided into parts,” said the studio. “Here the concept is the opposite: everything begins with the pavilions, and transitional spaces connect them together.”

The straightforward natural materiality includes grey stone for the base and light-hued materials for the “three main pavilions”.

“[Sand]-colored wood” clads the main spaces, contrasting against the charcoal grey aluminum-clad transitional spaces and garage.

The guest house is wrapped in warm-toned woods, like the topside of the cantilevers, providing continuity between the interior and exterior concepts.

“The entire metal structure is unified by a consistent tone, creating an elegant and cohesive appearance,” said the studio.

The interiors reflect the exterior programme with each space designated with functionality.

On the garden level, the spaces include a guest suite, a lap pool, a secondary kitchen and living room, a gym, and a space dedicated to hockey.

Storage, utility rooms and other technical spaces were positioned near against the cliffside wall to leave open views at the home’s internal edges.

The ground floor forms the “core space”, with a bedroom tucked behind the garage, a transition area with a kitchen, dining and living room and the third volume with children’s bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, offices, a private entrance and a mudroom.

With cathedral-like proportions, the kitchen – as the heart of the colour scheme – provides a luminous experience, while visual “openings” were placed to create connection between indoors and out.

The studio also organized a separate guest house below the residence “like a small estate” for visitors to have privacy. A garage is also built on the property north of the home.

“The interior layout reflects the pavilion concept of the residence,” said the studio.

“A great deal of natural light is highlighted by the cathedral-like spatial experience, particularly in the kitchen, which offers a luminous and generous space,” they continued.

Amidst the wooded landscape, a series of pathways and roads traverse the wooded site through native grey birch and sugar maple trees, providing access and additional structure.

“They pass through wooded areas, making the lake view even more dramatic,” the studio said.

Composed of semi-dry stone walls and large steps, the pathways “enhance the natural beauty of the site and blend in seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.”

Agence Spatiale also completed a curvaceous volume to house a photography studio at the bottom of a garden in Montreal.