Modern building with concrete walls and green surroundings, entrance visible through a narrow opening.

A modern building with concrete walls surrounded by lush greenery. The entrance is visible through a narrow opening between the walls.

Story

A harmonious dialogue between architecture and nature in Quebec's serene landscape. Nestled in the tranquil setting of Wentworth-Nord, Quebec, this secondary residence by Atelier Carle exemplifies a seamless integration with its natural surroundings. The design is characterized by three elongated concrete walls of varying heights, which guide visitors towards the entrance while framing expansive views of the northern light. These walls, scaled to the landscape, anchor the structure in its environment, offering a sense of permanence. Upon crossing these concrete barriers, the interior unfolds with flexible living spaces constructed from timber, allowing for adaptability over time. The design caters to the clients' desire for shared living without compromising individual privacy. This is achieved through a thoughtful arrangement of architectural volumes that create a meandering sequence of spaces, ensuring visual privacy and acoustic separation. The kitchen, a central gathering space, opens entirely to the landscape, fostering a connection between the inhabitants and the surrounding environment. This approach eschews regional stylistic references, instead prioritizing a phenomenological experience of space that responds to the landscape and temporal changes. The residence's spatial organization follows the natural slope of the site, with each room offering distinct viewpoints and a dynamic play of indirect light. The result is an architectural language that embraces the heterogeneity of reality, rather than adhering to rigid identity constructs.

Design Highlights

Three long concrete walls frame the entrance and landscape views. Flexible timber interiors allow for future adaptability. Meandering spaces provide privacy and acoustic separation. Kitchen opens fully to the surrounding landscape. Design prioritizes phenomenological experience over stylistic references.

Key Facts

Location Wentworth-Nord, Quebec, Canada
Architect Atelier Carle
Year 2026
Status Built
Program Single-family residence

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Wall Finish: Concrete walls of varying heights.
  • Interior Finish: Wooden paneling and exposed beams.

Materials

  • Concrete — Exterior walls and structural elements.
  • Wood — Interior finishes, structural elements, and exterior cladding.
  • Glass — Windows and doors.

Construction / Systems

  • Structural System: Combination of concrete and timber structure.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: Natural wood tones, Concrete grey, Green from surrounding landscape
  • Lighting: Indirect natural light with large windows providing views of the landscape.

Similar projects

More related projects

Projects by the architect

View Atelier Carle

No other projects found for this architect yet.