A retreat where architectural design meets the serenity of nature

Nestled in the Laurentian region of Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs, Quebec, “Between Lake and Forest” is designed by LOCUS architecture + design and it is a contemporary residence designed to provide its owners with a tranquil escape from urban life. Surrounded by lush forests and overlooking a picturesque lake, this home offers a seamless connection to the natural environment, embodying peace and relaxation.

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Photo credit: Maxime Brouillet

A Modern Residence on a Forested Hilltop

Located approximately 65 kilometers north of Montreal, the residence sits atop a rocky outcrop within a four-acre forested property. Spanning 3,600 square feet, the home occupies the highest point of the site, offering panoramic views of its surroundings. The design features a dark upper volume resting on an exposed concrete plinth, characterized by a grand entrance portal, expansive windows, and fully glazed projections for the living room and library, extending toward the lake and trees. By removing structural elements along the lakeside perimeter, the design achieves a lighter visual impression, strengthening the bond between the house and nature. The living room windows extend beyond the ceiling and below the floor, with no vertical frames or mullions, creating a boundary-free connection between the interior and exterior. This design choice emphasizes a fluid transition between the built environment and its natural setting.

Defining Spaces with the Entrance Portal

The building is bisected lengthwise by a central entrance portal and an internal staircase, clearly separating the living areas from the sleeping quarters. This transitional space also highlights the main entrance, leading visitors up a broad concrete staircase to the main floor. At the top of the stairs, a ten-foot by ten-foot glass opening frames the first view of the lake through the house. Inside, residents are greeted by a living area with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, immersing them in the forest canopy while offering breathtaking views of the horizon. The interior features a ten-foot-high light pine ceiling. A spacious hallway connects the living areas to the main staircase, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a powder room. The hallway culminates in a library that cantilevers into the treetops, soaking in the midday sun.

Harmonizing with Nature

An open-riser staircase with a glass guardrail leads to the basement, where a double-height glazed portal floods the space with light and frames stunning views of the lake. The lower level includes a guest bedroom and bathroom, a family room with a large fireplace, and access to an outdoor spa area, the garage, and utility spaces. Throughout the design and construction phases, preserving the natural environment was a priority. Special care was taken to protect wetlands and wildlife paths on the property. The building’s placement carefully negotiated the forest density, the site’s unique topography, its proximity to the riparian zone, and the client’s program requirements.

About LOCUS architecture + design

LOCUS architecture + design is a Montreal-based architectural studio founded in 2019 by Thomas Evans and Yousef Farasat. The firm specializes in residential and commercial projects, including new constructions and renovations of existing buildings. LOCUS a+d is also engaged in mixed-use and multi-plex projects in Montreal. The studio prioritizes building long-lasting relationships with clients and aligning the architect’s envisioned experience with the client’s lived experience. Each project is developed through a balance of emotional and logical approaches, addressing social, environmental, and economic contexts.