Located in the magnificent region of Cap-à-l’Aigle in the heart of Charlevoix, the Malbaie V residence is part of a unique residential hillside development offering stunning views of La Malbaie, the St. Lawrence River and the surrounding mountains.
The clear and simple external play of geometrical volumes embracing one another seems to arise from the steep terrain. The house is fully covered with a green roof that facilitates its integration into the landscape and acts as an insulating layer as well as helping reduce heat build-up in summer. A wide gateway acting as a carport and covered entrance rests on a retaining wall/storage unit that was necessary given the condition of the very steep terrain. Retaining walls of the lower bearing has been achieved by moving large round stones recovered during the construction of the street above.
On the ground floor, the sequence from the entrance to the main room allows for discovery through large continuous open plan absent of any apparent structure. An abundance of openings from east to west, the result of a perfect combination of solar motion, orientation and views sought, provides permanent natural light as well as optimal energy efficiency. The lower level accommodates four bedrooms and two full bathrooms arranged in a linear way following a clear axis perpendicular to the main volume above allowing for each room to get a view. The simplicity of the materials used, types of natural wood for the floor and ceiling accentuates the dramatic perspective of the main corridor.
The high contrast in the choice of coating materials increases the strength of the connection between the volumes. Flanked with red cedar from British Columbia on the upper volume and dyed barn wood on the lower one, the house seems to be born of the mountain and sits in harmony with surrounding trees.
