Maison de la Baie de l’Ours: Form and Materials Intertwine to Reveal the Beauty of Place

Set in the exceptional landscape of Saint-Donat-de-Montcalm, north of Montreal, Maison de la Baie de l’Ours merges with the horizon, lake, rocky headlands, and the beauty of its location. Designed by ACDF Architecture to provide a living experience deeply rooted in the Canadian landscape, the residence establishes an intimate dialogue between nature and its occupants.

By using subtle transitions between indoors and outdoors, an immersive sequencing of spaces, striking horizontal framings created by pronounced overhangs, and solid stone elements that act as both structural anchors and physical extensions of the ground, every architectural component resonates with the location.

Maison de la Baie de l’Ours: A refuge with lake views

Located on the shore of Lac Archambault, Maison de la Baie de l’Ours occupies the site of a long-abandoned summer camp. The decision to build the home on a flat area of the site with good access made it possible to avoid working with the steeper slopes while also underscoring the architects’ respect for the site.

In this way, the home is a refuge that provides privacy and places for simple contemplation through setbacks and controlled transparencies where one can see without being seen, allowing occupants to withdraw into a quiet corner without losing their visual connection with the natural surroundings.

Three layers in dialogue with the landscape

Architecturally, Maison de la Baie de l’Ours comprises three main layers, each establishing a connection with the landscape. As architect Maxime Frappier says, “We didn’t want to impose a shape on the landscape; we wanted to reveal what was already there.”

Composed of glulam beams, the roof plays a crucial role in defining the spatial experience, with the structure cantilevered so that it appears to float, while framing views of the lake and mountains, and dissolving the boundaries between inside and out.

Both structural and sculptural, the stone walls emerge naturally from the ground, firmly anchoring the house to the landscape as a natural extension of the rock. The dark wood volumes, reserved for the bedrooms and bathrooms, create more intimate spaces, contrasting with the more open common areas.

Fluid, immersive living spaces

The residence’s interior layout creates a continuous, welcoming flow between living spaces. The kitchen, living room, and dining area open to the lake, while a central fireplace, visible from all the shared spaces, acts as a gathering point. A discreet and functional secondary kitchen helps when entertaining guests without interfering with the main spaces.

At the back of the home, a screened terrace with retractable insect screens serves as an outdoor living space in balanced connection with nature.

On either side of the shared spaces are two wings – one for parents and the other for children. Although in dialogue with nature, these are private spaces. With lake views and opening onto a terrace with built-in benches and a fireplace, the master suite includes the bedroom, lounge, walk-in closet, and a bathroom, which also looks into the forest. The children’s wing has dark wood panels and connects to a playroom.

Far from a grand statement, Maison de la Baie de l’Ours underscores the site’s beauty so that light, contours, water, and forest can intertwine in visual and sensory harmony.

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