A Gabled Trio Forms This Barn-Inspired Home in Quebec
Designed by the Montreal–based firm Pelletier de Fontenay, Hatley House sits on a plateau looking out at the rolling landscape of rural Quebec. The residence comprises three joined, gable roof structures, each oriented differently. It takes inspiration from the local farmhouses and barns of the area, whose steep rooflines help shed snow in the winter, and whose wood-clad facades traditionally used lumber from local trees.
Designed by the Canadian firm Pelletier de Fontenay in collaboration with architect François Abbott, the residence is located in the rural town of Hatley in Quebec, Canada.
The residence is clad in vertical wood battens and topped with a standing-seam metal roof that is detailed to appear thin and light.
Refining the farmhouse vernacular, Petellier de Fontenay incorporated simple, minimalist detailing and materials to make the residence feel modern. Its wood-and-metal exterior gives way to a mostly white, black, and wood interior, with polished concrete floors throughout.
The gable roofs and the overall shape of the buildings are reminiscent of the vernacular architecture: barns, farms, and sheds.
The three volumes house the three wings of the home: a communal area with a kitchen, dining, and living area; a master suite; and a guest suite.
The home is located on a plateau in the area's rolling, hilly landscape.
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The three volumes each have a separate function: the central building is more communal, and maintains a double-height ceiling throughout. The other two house the sleeping quarters—one for the master bedroom suite and bathroom, and the other as the guest wing with multiple guest bedrooms and a bathroom.
The living area has a wall of windows, the central two of which are operable. The orientation of the volume and the windows were specifically located to take advantage of the view.
The kitchen has matte-black cabinetry and a black faucet at the sink that create an understated, streamlined composition. A skylight provides additional light in the double-height space.
The bedrooms, which have lower ceilings and make use of wood, feel more protected and introspective in comparison with the lofty public spaces. However, all rooms in the Hatley House have thoughtfully placed windows to encourage views out into the landscape, well-considered material choices, and carefully executed detailing.
High ceilings, white walls, and a polished concrete floor create a simple backdrop for the black-and-wood finishes of the kitchen.
The kitchen and dining area have generously sized windows and a sliding glass door, allowing for a physical and visual connection to the outdoors.
The sink in the bathroom is created out of an old wooden table and a new sink basin, providing texture and patina in the otherwise pristinely white space.
Windows are carefully located in the bedroom to take advantage of the views of the landscape beyond.
Wood plays a dominant role on the upper floors and the staircase leading up to it. The walls and floors are clad in birch plywood, and the detailing is precise and minimalist.
The gable roofs of the house are expressed on the second floor, where the lofted ceilings are covered with birch plywood.
Hatley House floor plan
Architect: Pelletier de Fontenay in collaboration with François Abbott / @pelletierdefontenay
Structural engineer: Lateral
Builder: Constructions Boivin
Photography: James Brittain
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