Lac-Megantic — Quebec, CA
Status: Proposal

Nestled in between the picturesque landscape of Lake Megantic, Quebec, is a quaint guesthouse that acts as an extension to the family’s main dwellings. The design intent for this project is to fully utilise the seasonal changes of the site by integrating nature into the built environment. The family’s main dwelling sits at the highest point of the site and is clearly broken off from the lake.

The guesthouse on the other hand emerges from the hard landscape, slowly forming a transition between nature and architecture. The external façade has been designed to accommodate a green wall, so that the building will overtime begin to synthesise into the natural landscape, blurring the lines between nature and architecture. The roof terrace above the guest house acts as a welcomed extension from the main dwelling to the lake creating a seamless transition from one home to the other.
The roof has been designed to be a third of the total height of the guesthouse. It performs as a floating terrace to the family’s main dwelling which hovers above the lake and the majestic views of the landscape. The roof terrace is constructed using and interconnected self-supporting structure of galvanised black metal grids known as gabions that are peppered with plants which will encourage the growth of the natural flora found on the site. Eventually, over time the roof terrace will be completely engulfed with plants and will seamlessly blend into the natural landscape. The seasonal changes will create an external green envelope that is constantly in flux.

A generous ledge protects the house from the harsh conditions of winter and the falling leaves in autumn defining a distinct architectural frame for the inhabitants. An external staircase connects the family’s main dwelling with the guest house.