House in Canadian Backcountry

House in Canadian Backcountry

© Nic Lehoux

The project's architects, Bohlin Grauman Miller Architects and Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, designed a two-story house perfectly integrated into the natural environment.

The main living room and dining area are located on the first floor with access to a terrace; bedrooms and bathrooms are upstairs, offering breathtaking views of the lake and forest. These two levels are connected by a glazed staircase volume adjacent to the slope, and unified by a monolithic fireplace clad in local granite. The sauna, on-site hot tub, and jacuzzi are set apart in a distinct protruding structure to allow enjoying the direct proximity of the natural environment during bathing.

The prominent roof eave, showcasing a series of powerful Douglas fir beams, harmonizes with the rhythm of the surrounding forest tree trunks.

The interior finishes include the same Douglas fir used for window treatments, walnut floors, benches, and bar tops made from reclaimed planks borrowed from a nearby barn, as well as handmade tiles. This rich palette of materials adds tactile warmth to the spaces, fostering a sense of harmonious connection with the surrounding nature.

Photography: Nic Lehoux