On the border between Sainte-Pétronille and Saint-Laurent-de-l’Île-d’Orléans, it is home to the Maison de l’île, a major renovation project located at the bottom of an agricultural lot in a resort area. Respecting the dimensions of the other buildings on the island, the two volumes incline respectively on four sides, opening openings on the river and the surrounding area. A low walkway provides the connection, while amplifying, thanks to its transparency and delicacy, the suburban language of the whole, to which is added the volume of the garage, set back. By reconciling the resort and agricultural traditions, the architects were able to reinvent the different codes specific to Île d’Orléans, cleverly integrating references to the Arts and Craft movement, vernacular constructions and Regency cottages: covered terraces, symmetrical compositions, regular rhythms, natural and raw materials and the enhancement of artisanal work.
This might be my favourite project of La Shed Architecture (and I have loved sooo many). The fact that this is very much modern but the materials are not is the perfect combination. The stone and brick add texture and the wood tones are such a warm but just-bright-enough shade…and with the Togo sofas & chairs in the deep orange/rust shade it’s such a gorgeous, earthy synergy. Photos: Maxime Brouillet.