Quebec’s Bourgeois/Lechasseur Architectes are renown for creating contemporary projects inspired by the province itself. More specifically, the inspiration is rooted in Îles-de-la-Madeleine; a small archipelago in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Îles-de-la-Madeleine has quite the place among Canadian history with the famous French explorer Jacques Cartier being the first known explorer to visit in 1534. There have been upwards of 400 shipwrecks across the archipelago and several of the historic houses on the islands are actually constructed from the materials found in these wrecks.
Bourgeois/Lechasseur’s reflects this nautical inspiration in their latest project named Cabin A. Cabin A is a modern chalet located in the Charlevoix region of Quebec overlooking the beautiful St. Lawrence River. It was designed to be a destination for those who are looking to enjoy the nearby Le Massif ski resort in style, although it is available to rent year-round. The retreat can accommodate up to 12 guests.
Photo Credit: Architect Magazine
The nautical theme is most obvious in Cabin A’s angular construction. This was inspired by two triangular fins on the Alpha Flag which is part of the International Code of Signals (ICS) used in nautical communications, displayed below:
Photo Credit: Omniglot
In a recent press release, the nine-year-old firm explains that the design of the roof of the cabin is meant to remind its guests of a ship with sails facing the wind. The accompanying large wood terrace is to resemble that of an upper deck of a ship with brilliant views of the St. Lawrence River. Finally, the extensive use of wood panelling on the walls and ceiling tie everything together and further strengthens the ties to naval architecture.
Photo Credit: Azure
Cabin A is not only visually arresting, but it’s an excellent example of the new Canadian vernacular. Cabin A embraces the traditional A-frame building form, which is well-suited to locations with extreme precipitation; the steep roof incline will easily shed snow come wintertime. Cabin A’s design artfully reflects Quebec’s cultural history and represents a true destination for lovers of both architecture and nature.
To learn more about the firm’s projects, visit Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes.
canadianrealestatehousingandhome.ca has also celebrated Bourgeois / Lechasseur in the following articles:
– Québéc’s Résidence Des Grands Jardins By Bourgeois Lechasseur Architectes
– Quebec’s Cabane 217 By Bourgeois Lechasseur Architectes
– Quebec’s Altaïr House By Bourgeois Lechasseur Architectes
Interested in seeing some more cabin fever worthy designs? Check out these canadianrealestatehousingandhome.ca articles:
– Scott & Scott’s Winter Cabin in Whistler, BC
– Sneak Away to this Cabin in the Bracebridge, Ontario Woods
Researched and written by Kimberly Kartzmark, Design Enthusiast/Freelance Writer
