Location: Ogden, Quebec, Canada
Area: 4500.0 ft2
Year: 2017
Architects: MU Architecture
Team: Charles Côté, Jean-Sébastien Herr, Magda Telenga, Rosalie Trépanier-Blais, Steeve Galté, Camille Mollaret, Pierre- Paul Guillemette
Photographs: Stéphane Groleau
The Slender House
Located in the beautiful region of the Eastern Townships near the US border in Quebec, the Slender House Residence unfolds in a long linear volume. Nestled on the steep shores of Lake Memphremagog it opens-up onto a peaceful secluded bay.
A Blade on the Rock
This 4500 square feet residence is solidly anchored in the rock thanks to its numerous stone retaining walls and paved terraces. Massive dry stacked, locally supplied granite volumes serve as bases on which rests an impressive 111 feet long roof with blade like sharp edges. From the street, the roof literally becomes a fifth facade.
Precisely detailed to fit seamlessly within the black wooden exterior walls, a large garage door sits between the massive stone volumes. The discreet and fascinating approach gives us the impression of sinking into the ground between a hanging garden and the house. As one makes his way along these dark and massive facades towards the main access courtyard, a huge glass bay window marks the entrance from which a view of the lake is immediately revealed. The austere and rough appearance of the exterior stands in contrast with the very large, bright and airy interiors of the house.
Vast and bright
Large bay windows, skylights and immaculate white walls literally flood the space with light and offer breathtaking views of the lake. At times reaching 25 feet high, ceilings stretch to augment the amplitude of these living spaces. All the rooms of the Slender house are positioned to form one single linear row. In addition to the master’s suite, two high-end suites with full bathrooms and small adjoining lounge, a sauna and a training room compose the program of this luxurious house. A service corridor that connects the main entrance to the ground floor entrance doubles as the entrance to the garage and gives access to a small washroom, laundry room and pantry that connects to the kitchen through a secret door.
The kitchen and the built-in furniture of the fireplace that conceals the television were designed down to the smallest detail to mask all the technical aspects.
The whiteness of the kitchen is revealed as an extension of the walls and ceilings while the island is born from the extension of the floors that are covered in large blades of white oak.
A feeling of lightness
Worthy of the big hotels, the minutia of the details, the richness of the materials and the control of the lines exude this soothing feeling of lightness.Using the same material as the residence, a boathouse on the lake also offers an extra kitchenette and a magnificent roof terrace to enjoy the sunsets.
Setting the residence on such a steep ground necessitated the construction of numerous retaining walls offering a great opportunity to develop hanging gardens. Illuminated in the evening, this cascade of vegetation is fully appreciated from the inside and enchants the place.
The Slender house comes as a contemporary reinterpretation of the Bungalow of the 1960’s slicing tradition with elegance.
MU Architecture
All images courtesy of MU Architecture
PLANS, 3D
MU Architecture
Capitalizing on their North American and European experience with a variety of world renowned architectural firms, MU Architecture’s founders acquired a considerable amount of international experience while working with multidisciplinary teams and practices in Montreal, Vienna, Barcelona, Dubai and have developed a wide range of expertise. Actively involved in each project, they are able to perform in respect with the European and American architectural rules and standards.
THE FIRM
Based in Montreal since early 2010, MU Architecture specializes in contemporary design. The firm’s projects include residential, commercial, institutional and industrial spaces.
MU Architecture’s desire to build sensitive spaces is characterized by the conceptual nature of their projects’ design, high quality achievement and their obvious concern for details. The firm’s assets are based on its ability to manage and adapt to a variety of situations, its innovative designs, its constant concern for green architecture and new technologies while maintaining schedules and established budgets. The regulations high compliance of their work and the monitoring and support that they offer throughout the project process and their close collaboration with various trades of work are insurance to the project’s quality.
Given its passion for work, architectural skills, travel experience and client management strength, MU Architecture thrives on new challenges and spends the time and effort it takes to insure success.
CONTACT
H2W 1Z3 Montréal
+1 514-907-9092
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