Set against the snowy backdrop of Québec’s Laurentian Mountains, the renovation by ACDO transforms a traditional alpine chalet into a refined, family-oriented retreat deeply rooted in its surroundings. Tucked within a quiet ski town, the home preserves an authentic connection to the mountains while offering a warm base for year-round outdoor activities – from skiing to hiking and mountain biking.

The project followed a set of clear design principles: respect the identity of the original structure, build a coherent and distinctive character, create an environment that is both intimate and spacious, and establish a continuous dialogue with the snowy landscape.
Originally built between the late 1990s and early 2000s, the chalet has been reimagined to welcome up to fourteen guests, combining contemporary design with a rustic sensibility.

Key upgrades include the renewal of the wood siding, reinforcing the building’s connection to its mountain setting, and the addition of a metal roof designed to withstand heavy snow loads, improving both durability and resilience. A new covered and heated outdoor area expands the home’s livable space, enhancing the direct relationship with the natural surroundings.

Spread across three levels – two above ground and one semi-basement – the home features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a generous open-plan living area. The renovation achieves a balance of intimacy and functionality through a cohesive, confident, and harmonious design language.

Materials and colors have been carefully selected to blend seamlessly with the mountain atmosphere. The palette pairs earthy tones with accents of burnt orange and sage green, as well as neutral plaids. Wire-brushed wood paneling, cerused oak with metallic bronze accents, hammered stone on the exterior, and raw, tactile finishes all contribute to an aesthetic that feels genuinely connected to nature.

A measured dialogue between marble surfaces and wood finishes captures the contrast between the rugged elegance of the mountain landscape and the warmth of a domestic haven. The richness of details and a series of bespoke solutions shape a home that is both highly functional and deeply personal.

The result is an inviting retreat that responds gracefully to its setting: an architecture that engages the landscape and expresses its beauty through thoughtful, essential design.
>>> Discover Nest, a refuge that embraces the forest










Location: Laurentian Mountains, Quebec, Canada
Completion: 2024
Gross Floor Area: 253 m²
Interior Design: ACDO
Production: Karine Monié
Photography by Scott Norsworthy, courtesy of ACDO