Résidence des Sables Offers Treehouse-Like Living on Lake Saint-Joseph

The holiday cabin, located in Fossambault-sur-le-Lac in Quebec, Canada, boasts what the studio describes as a “humble dialogue with the landscape” through its colours and dimensions.

It features significant amounts of glazing that provides varying views into the surrounding forest and a series of terraces that connect the building closely with the landscape.

According to Agence Spatiale, the desire to create “generous fenestration” was to maintain a sense of connection with the surrounding landscape.

“The desire to feel constantly in contact with the surrounding nature justifies the generous fenestration, offering diverse framings of the site and numerous visual openings throughout the building,” the studio explained.

To help integrate the building with its environment, it has an H-shaped floor plan. The plan allows for distinct sections within the building while separating the bedrooms, on the ground floor, from the living areas placed on the upper level.

“The H-shaped floor plan enhances the project’s harmonious integration with its environment while providing a sense of privacy for its inhabitants by creating distinct sub-spaces,” the studio said.

A slatted facade covers its exterior, providing shade and ventilation while adding privacy from the forested surroundings. The majority of its massing is opaque, with downlighting illuminating the facade at night.

The building has a tall, cubic, opaque facade in the centre and is flanked by lower levels extending in the H-shaped configuration. A skylight rows the central section, which is separate from the balconies and open areas in the flanking volumes.

Living spaces, such as the kitchen and dining area, are located on the upper floor. These areas have wide sliding doors that open onto the terraces.

While the materials primarily used are wood and other natural materials that match the environment, yellow seating in the interior spaces and exterior contrasts the neutral-coloured volumes.

“The interior atmosphere, soft and enveloping, echoes the warm tones of the exterior materials that blend with the rocky terrain,” the studio said. “The residence is intended as a natural extension of the site that hosts it, while contrasting with the verticality of the neighbouring trees.”