Les Rochers

LES ROCHERS

On the west point of Havre Aubert Island, the southernmost of the Magdalen Islands, where you can enjoy the most beautiful sunsets, you will find Les Rochers. These two houses with their sculptural silhouettes overlook the territory and offer a graphic, contemporary and embodied vision of the Magdalen Islands house. With its two simple volumes and facades covered with cedar shingles, the project integrates itself respectfully with the landscape in echoing the materials and size of the surrounding buildings.

Typology and Volumetrics

Inspired by the typology of the traditional house with its gable roof, the architects propose a contemporary reinterpretation. Playing with the geometry, they break the proportions and create asymmetric forms, a playful nod to the houses of the Islands, where the silhouette is thrown out of balance by the tambour, the vernacular additional covered structure preceding the entrance of the house.

This small volume acts as a depressurizing airlock to protect the house from violent winds that carry sand, rain, and cold. This edicule, which demonstrates the influence of climate on local architecture, was the starting point for the architectural concept of the project.

Traditionally composed of two distinct volumes, here the tambour and the main structure of the building are joined to make a single unit. The main house, with its abrupt 90-degree slope, is the result of a volumetric subtraction and is more upfront about the inspiration of the tambour in its silhouette, whereas the guest house includes it completely in the extension of the roof. Even if the main lines of the frameworks are different, the two houses are harmonious. With its choppy profile, Les Rochers is in the image of the cliffs surrounding the Islands.

A Seaside Aesthetic

The interior architecture of the two residences is steeped in the aesthetic of seaside houses. The guest house, with its exposed structure, resembles a vacation house that recalls the rustic fishing cabin and has a casual atmosphere. Slightly more voluminous, the main house is more refined, stylish but restrained. Light tones are dominant and allow sunlight to paint the walls in fiery colours. The lines are rich and delicate; they give the interiors depth and texture. The architects create a balanced language for peaceful interiors. True to their practice, they are engaged in a dialogue that is intimate and context-sensitive.

Outside the houses, the terraces follow the topographic curves of the terrain. Their sinuous forms bring to mind the meeting of cliffs and sand. Like the docks that welcome ships, these wood galleries unite the landscape to the residence. The boardwalks that lead to the houses recall those used to cross the dunes to the beaches.

Light and openings

The views, the orientations, and the dynamics between the two houses guided the plan. The residences have been placed so as to offer the most beautiful outside views, while taking care to not overshadow the intimacy of its occupants.

With a 360-degree panorama, one can observe the town, the fields, the cliffs, the expanse of the sea and the glorious sunsets. More than a place to live, the buildings are lookouts from which to contemplate the beauty of the Islands. The fenestration suggests breathtaking views and reinforces the impression of living paintings.

As with all of la Shed's projects, the custom design of the architectural elements and a precise and sensitive attention to detail help create a strong, coherent and beautiful project. Striking a balance between charm and simplicity, Les Rochers offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and spectacular views that enrich the space and those who inhabit it.