Montréal, Canada, 2019-01-28 -   La Barque is a hyperactive family’s peaceful shelter. Located on the shores of Lake Ouareau in Saint-Donat, the house was inspired by the owners’ love for the northern landscapes. Under the curved ceiling of the house, reminiscent of a boat hull, its serene interior atmosphere captures the calm of the surrounding hills and provides the family with a place to catch its breath between two ski slopes or two waterski runs. 

The site’s characteristics strongly influenced the architectural concept. Nestled between a road and the lake, the house shelters itself from unwanted attention on the street side with its dislocated façade that extends into an exterior wall hiding a barbecue and a pizza oven. Lake side, it opens itself up to nature. From the main entrance, one can feel the landscape pouring into the house through the carefully planned openings.

La Barque might presents itself as a dark wood prism sitting on a mineral base but it hides a surprising softness. Inside, like a hand-carved object, a curved wood ceiling unfolds throughout the space. This simple yet strong design element is a reassuring presence to its residents. 

Sunlight penetrates into the space through the raised portions of the ceiling at both ends of the residence and its aptly designed curves distribute it deep inside the house. The top level where the entrance is located hosts the kitchen, the dining room and two bedrooms while a family room, a sauna and the children’s rooms are located downstairs. 

From their elevated terrace under the rising curve of the roof, the residents can contemplate the calm surface of the lake. Cleverly built-in mosquito nets allow the family to appreciate nature all-year round. 

La Barque is a peaceful haven that invites its occupants to slow down and rest. The grandiose yet comforting curve of the ceiling and the simple materials of the interior spaces create a place where the lake and the surrounding hills become more than a mere backdrop. La Barque grants its residents with a majestic roof under which they can comfortably experience nature in all its beauty. 

Project Data

Client: withheld

Location: St-Donat-de-Montcalm, QC

Project end date: 2018

Area: 2800 sq ft (260 m2)

Budget: withheld

Architects: ACDF Architecture

Architectural team: Maxime-Alexis Frappier, Patrick Morand, Kassandra Bonneville, Yoanna Anastassova, Mireille Létourneau, Romilda Reda

Structural engineers: Latéral, Ingénieurs en structure Entrepreneur: Marion & Gauthier, Entrepreneurs général

Photographer: Adrien Williams

About ACDF Architecture

Montreal-based and globally focused, ACDF is one of Canada’s most energetic and exuberant young architecture firms. Over the past nine years, the studio has enjoyed a bold ascent and continues to complete even more ambitious, design-savvy projects on every scale, including commercial, residential, hospitality, interiors and master planning projects. Under the direction of Maxime-Alexis Frappier, Joan Renaud and Etienne Laplante Courchesne, the studio’s work is timeless and highly tailored, with trim lines and intelligent planning. Clever touches add levity - such as anamorphic patterns or unusual juxtapositions of materials that instill a sense of spirit.

The quality of ACDF’s projects has been acknowledged through the recognition of 30 awards and accolades, including a 2010 Canadian Governor General’s Award. Most recently, the ACDF team was granted the prestigious title of Architect of the Year in Canada (40 years and under), awarded by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. ACDF’s work has also been published worldwide.