Hidden within the wooded hills of the tiny municipality of Morin-Heights, the Blue Hills Home is a refuge for a family that chose to leave their urban environment for a more natural and spacious setting. The project consists of a 2300 square foot single family home with an adjoining garage. Perched on a steeply inclined surface over swamps, the single story residence slides gracefully between the trees and is only hardly visible from the street. As per the occupants’ and architect’s wishes, the house has a dual relationship with its environment; from the outside, it is camouflaged in its setting and is as discreet as possible. From the inside, the house is completely open to its surroundings, and its occupants are met with scenery that is in constant evolution. In both cases, the house gives way to the wild grandeur of the Laurentians. In order to meet this double challenge, a series of tricks were used during project conception. The exterior walls, entirely covered with vertical eastern cedar slats, will age progressively over the years, emulating the color of the bark of surrounding trees. Certain sections of these walls are covered with wooden slats, thus creating a subtle relief on ...
Hidden within the wooded hills of the tiny municipality of Morin-Heights, the Blue Hills Home is a refuge for a family that chose to leave their urban environment for a more natural and spacious setting. The project consists of a 2300 square foot single family home with an adjoining garage. Perched on a steeply inclined surface over swamps, the single story residence slides gracefully between the trees and is only hardly visible from the street. As per the occupants’ and architect’s wishes, the house has a dual relationship with its environment; from the outside, it is camouflaged in its setting and is as discreet as possible. From the inside, the house is completely open to its surroundings, and its occupants are met with scenery that is in constant evolution. In both cases, the house gives way to the wild grandeur of the Laurentians. In order to meet this double challenge, a series of tricks were used during project conception. The exterior walls, entirely covered with vertical eastern cedar slats, will age progressively over the years, emulating the color of the bark of surrounding trees. Certain sections of these walls are covered with wooden slats, thus creating a subtle relief on ...