Future of the Country House: Example from Canada

This country house in the suburbs of Quebec consists of three buildings. Together they occupy 300 square meters. It seems that the three houses stand separately from each other, but in reality, they form a single space connected by internal passages. This makes it even more interesting!

The idea for the form of the house was inspired by agricultural barns, which are very common in this area. The actual construction is made of concrete blocks, but to blend into the natural landscape, the cottage was clad with wooden strips. The roof is made of galvanized steel. It's cheaper than zinc roofing, yet just as durable.

Each building has its own bedrooms and bathrooms, while the living room, kitchen, and dining area are combined. The highlight of the house is a dedicated yoga and meditation room on the attic.

The interior, just like the exterior of the cottage, is minimalist. Inside, practical materials are used: concrete, wood, and glass. To create a unified space, designers opted for floating floors — eliminating baseboards. Large areas and high ceilings are not meant to be fully utilized (you don't need much space for daily life), but rather to provide a sense of openness, air, and harmony with nature. Instead of paintings, views from the windows frame the wide windows, showcasing the lush trees.

Expensive materials in finishing were offset by reused furniture. For example, the large dining table is made from planks of the former barn’s facade that stood here before the house was built. The chairs were bought at a flea market. The vanity countertop in the bathroom is from a restored old kitchen table.

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Photo source: https://www.remodelista.com/