West Dune House, Magdalen Islands Architecture, Quebec Real Estate, Images
West Dune House on the Magdalen Islands
Gulf of Saint Lawrence Building Development design by Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes, Canada
13 Feb 2017
West Dune House
Design: Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Location: Magdalen Islands, Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Canada
West Dune House
This secondary house is located in the Magdalen Islands, facing West Dune and the sea. The clients are a retired couple that would like to spend a few months a year there.
The house was inspired by a formal exploration of sand models, seen at a Wallpaper Magazine exhibition in London. The volume measurement is inspired by local traditional architecture and by the natural shapes of wind-swept dunes.
Due to its shape, the house looks as though it was sculpted out of a monolith of sand. The side walls follow the roof’s slope and extend to the edge of the deck to create an enjoyable space sheltered from the wind. The entrance is concealed in the reinforced side wall, providing protection from the weather.
The living spaces are located on the ground floor in an open space with a cathedral ceiling. There are also an office and a guest room with a bathroom on this level. A skylight adorning the facade brightens the living room. This feature is a subtle homage to local architecture. The master bedroom is located on a mezzanine. This private room protrudes cantilevered over the deck and toward the horizon.
The house is covered with sand-coloured cedar shingles. This material is used on nearly all the houses on the islands due to its capacity to resist salt air. The indented parts are covered with warm brown, semi-transparent wooden siding. Each window looks out onto a different type of landscape. In addition to the dune and the sea, one can see foxes running around nearby.
The West Dune house blends well into the picturesque landscape of the Magdalen Islands.
West Dune House – Building Information
Architects: Bourgeois / Lechasseur architects
General Contractor: Constructions MPL
Photos: Adrien Williams + Nigel Quinn
Year of construction: 2013
Location: Magdalen Islands
About Bourgeois / Lechasseur architects
Driven by the will to create innovative projects, to the benefit of the user, Bourgeois / Lechasseur architects’ approach is leading toward a contemporary architecture, realistic and sensitive, inspired by key features of the landscape. The subtle modelling and shaping of a volume lead the creative process of every building. Exploration and discovery are paramount notions in the appreciation of the project, no matter its size. It is important to not reveal everything at first glance and that architecture offers several levels of reading. The element of surprise is essential to the comprehension of a project.
Through their design process, they aim to optimize the viewpoints, to let the natural light penetrate and to protect the living spaces from the prevailing winds. Genuine and sober materials are used to create a range of atmospheres reaching a maximum impact through simplicity. The agency is defined by several dualities such as tradition/modernity, boldness/sobriety, demarcation/integration, urban influences/maritime influences… Those principles are found in their personal experiences and in their intervention area between Quebec City and the Magdalen Islands.
Photography: Adrien Williams
West Dune House on the Magdalen Islands images / information received 130217
Location: Magdalen Islands, Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region, province of Quebec, Canada
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Website : Magdalen Islands
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Website : Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
