This Laurentian Ski Chalet in Québec, Canada, is perched atop a steep slope of a former ski hill (Mont-Jasper), being one of the highest residential building lots in the region. Surrounded by a dense forest of spruce, maple, beech and birch trees, the chalet provides 100-mile panoramic views over beautiful Lac Archambault.
In order to minimize the construction’s footprint, as well as maintaining the natural topography of the steep mountainside, the builders raised the house on 8” x 8” western red cedar pilotis. This allows snow, rain and the forest floor of native ferns and moss to flow/grow freely beneath the structure. The exterior of the house is clad in stained white cedar, with a metallic roof angled to match the slope of the mountain.
An entry bridge gives access to an open-plan main floor containing the kitchen, dining area & living room. Long bay windows and panoramic glass walls focus sights on the remarkable landscape beyond, while a continuous clerestory window runs the full length of the house, bringing in morning light & high views of the mountain above. At the north end of the home sits the master suite, at the southern end there’s a living room with fireplace, opening to a large deck sporting an outdoor fireplace. The lower level houses the children`s bedrooms, a play room, guest bedroom, steam room, and a spa occupying the lower deck, with private framed views of the forest beyond.
