Dezeen Magazine

Bourgeois Lechasseur's V-shaped Altaïr House overlooks a Quebec forest

Canadian studio Bourgeois Lechasseur Architects has stacked two wood-and-glass volumes at opposing angles, resulting in a home designed to embrace its picturesque surroundings (+ slideshow).

Altaïr house by Bourgeois/Lechasseur architects

The Altaïr House is located in Cap-à-l'Aigle, a resort village situated along the Saint-Lawrence River in Quebec's Charlevoix region. Its name refers to the brightest star in the Aquila constellation, called The Flying Eagle.

Altaïr house by Bourgeois/Lechasseur architects

The house comprises two long volumes stacked on top of each other in a V-shaped formation. The upper level slightly cantilevers over the sloped site and gestures toward the river.

The "voluntary misalignment" of the volumes is intended to capitalise on the home's beautiful and serene setting.

Altaïr house by Bourgeois/Lechasseur architects

"While discrete from the street and closed to the north, it unfolds toward the river, as though to take flight," said Bourgeois Lechasseur Architects, which is based in Quebec.

Altaïr house by Bourgeois/Lechasseur architects

Clad in wood, the facades are protected by roof eaves sheathed in Western cedar. Vast expanses of glass frame views of the river and forest, as well as the nearby city of Malbaie.

"Close up, the house remains mysterious, as it is camouflaged by the trees," the studio said.

Altaïr house by Bourgeois/Lechasseur architects

The main entrance is located on the ground level. One wing contains three bedrooms, while the other features a living room that connects to an outdoor patio and concrete swimming pool.

Altaïr house by Bourgeois/Lechasseur architects

A steel and wood staircase leads to the second floor, where the design team placed an open-plan kitchen, dining room and living room, along with the master suite.

Altaïr house by Bourgeois/Lechasseur architects

The upper storey features a large window wall that overlooks the pool and surrounding terrain.

"The living areas succeed one another, and the completely open space provides a breathtaking view of the horizon," the firm said.

Altaïr house by Bourgeois/Lechasseur architects

An expansive wooden terrace with glass balustrades was built on the roof of the lower volume. An exterior stair leads to the backyard below.

Altaïr house by Bourgeois/Lechasseur architects

Inside, the firm covered ceilings in the same cedar used for the roof overhangs, "emphasising the continuation effect from the inside out".

The stripped-down interior features concrete flooring and wooden cabinetry and doors.

Altaïr house by Bourgeois/Lechasseur architects

Other projects by Bourgeois Lechasseur Architects include a gabled family home in rural Quebec with facades clad in cedar tiles.

Photoography is by Adrien Williams.


Project credits:

Architects: Bourgeois / Lechasseur Architects
General Contractor: Construction des Grands-Jardins

Altaïr house by Bourgeois/Lechasseur architects
Ground floor plan - click for larger image
Altaïr house by Bourgeois/Lechasseur architects
First floor plan - click for larger image