Maison Gauthier in Mont-Tremblant, Canada by Atelier Barda.

Atelier Barda’s beautifully restrained home, Maison Gauthier, in Mont-Tremblant, Canada, exudes a tranquil atmosphere that is simply irresistible. Designed as a sequence of spaces, the house is moulded around the topography of the site. Each room is curated around views of the adjacent horse-riding arena, a connection that becomes integral to the design.

The house is not visible from the main road, however as one begins to approach the property its red-brick form begins to slowly emerge. An offset arched doorway stands as the only entry point breaking open its seemingly impenetrable façade. Moving through the shadowed entrance one may expect to see dim, humble interiors, however, what lies inside couldn’t be more different. Living spaces are light-filled and airy – the kitchen, dining, and living rooms are all extended by inclining sloped ceilings. Large skylights orientated toward the east, channel light onto lime-covered walls, while vertical veils and light cannons cultivate a bright, luminous atmosphere.

The house has been designed with an asymmetrical floor plan that connects two different areas: a wing housing the garage and the client’s ceramics studio, and another wing for common living areas. An arched corridor acts as a connective tissue, linking the two distinct volumes of the house. Private living spaces such as bedrooms and bathrooms are separated with a thick dividing wall, creating intimate, secluded spaces.

A simple yet refined palette of brick, white lime, and oiled oak generates welcoming relaxing spaces. Each room feels as though it sits in harmony with the natural world that surrounds it – as if the forest of trees and soft white snow outside had been invited directly into the dining room. Although colour is avoided, interest is brought to spaces with fine detailing and sophisticated layering of texture and shape.

A special moment can be found where the rectilinear fireplace intersects with two gently curving walls and a sloping roofline. The somewhat awkward junction of contrasting forms establishes an interesting tension that continues to weave itself throughout the entire project. The homogenous language of the fireplace is disrupted with a layering of contrasting textures – the moment where its smooth body gives way to a corrugated finish is something very special indeed!

Atelier Barda’s Maison Gauthier, is a quiet, peaceful escape nestled within the dense forest in Quebec. The home beautifully establishes a connection with surrounding scenery while creating sophisticated, minimalist spaces – the perfect place to isolate, if you ask us!

[Images courtesy of Atelier Barda. Photography by Maxime Desbiens and Juliette Busch.]