This Striking Chalet Perfectly Balances Playfulness With Contemporary Design

Surrounded by valleys and dense foliage, Abercorn Chalet is a bold, stylish retreat that embraces the natural wonders of Quebec’s Eastern Townships.

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Designer Laurent Guez, partner at Tux Creative, collaborated with architect Guillaume Kukucka to create a simple but powerful residence with hints of playfulness incorporated throughout. The modest cottage much resembles a barn or campground in its industrial materials, connection to the outdoors, and series of outbuildings.

The grand property includes forested land, a reflecting pond, and a private pool—all of which can be enjoyed from the picturesque living spaces.

Photo: Maxime Brouillet

The retreat is a composition of light and dark, wood and metal. These materials wrap the masses as they hover above the landscape. 

Photo: Maxime Brouillet

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The backyard features an in-ground pool and a garage/workshop. 

Photo by Maxime Brouillet

The building's facade strikes contrast between dark and light as corrugated metal and wood interconnect through the various stepped masses. Four volumes create an open floor plan that celebrates the surrounding landscape. 

The home extends slightly outdoors, reaching out to the surrounding landscape and providing views and spaces for enjoying the natural wonders of the site.

Photo by Maxime Brouillet

Large openings create the feeling of being outdoors, while remaining protected inside.

Photo by Maxime Brouillet

On the interior, opposites attract through contrasting open spaces and quiet areas. Daylight and views are emphasized through large windows and openings in the ceiling above. Unique angles encourage occupants to embrace views of the garden, patio, and valley.

Simple lighting, wood-shingled walls, and modern furnishings create a stylish lounge space.

Photo by Maxime Brouillet

The two-story, light-filled courtyard opens the ground floor up to the floors above, providing visually transparency between floors.

Photo by Maxime Brouillet

Built-in bar seating looks out upon the surrounding trees and into adjacent living spaces.

Photo by Maxime Brouillet

This industrial-style kitchen with stainless steel counter tops is a chef's dream.

Photo by Maxime Brouillet

Playfulness in space separation and materials add extra boldness to this modern retreat. Rich colors blend with natural and industrial materials, while unique interventions add unexpected surprises to the simple, architectural chalet.

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Yellow corrugated metal walls with grand glazed openings provide a bold space for dining in the trees.

Photo by Maxime Brouillet

Rich pops of color accent the mostly neutral finish palette.

Photo by Maxime Brouillet

The corrugated metal walls carry inside at special moments, such as in the master bedroom.

Photo by Maxime Brouillet

Re-thinking the typical separation of spaces, the master bath is open to the master bedroom, separated by a partition wall and textured glazing. Contemporary closet solutions flank the other side.

Photo by Maxime Brouillet

Concrete walls, a plywood ceiling, and built-in wood furnishings create sleek, minimal sleeping quarters. A plywood headboard is adorned with modern black sconces.

Photo by Maxime Brouillet

Built-in bunk beds embody the playfulness of camping.

Photo by Maxime Brouillet

A geometric arrangement of back-lit plywood adds flair to a simple bedroom.

Photo by Maxime Brouillet

An eclectic mix of patterned tile and a re-finished, brightly painted claw-foot tub create a playful, modern bath.

Photo by Maxime Brouillet

A cozy lounge space is wrapped with wood-shingled walls.

Photo by Maxime Brouillet

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Guillaume Kukucka

Designer: Laurent Guez / TUX Creative Inc

Lighting Designer: Luminaire Authentik

Interior Design: TUX Creative Inc

Other Company / Contact: Stone Tile

Other Company / Contact: Ceragres les bains

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