Living with Adirondack views from the eastern townships

On a montainous landscape, the Frontière residence, both discreet and assertive, unfolds as interconnected pavilions that carefully follow the surrounding topography. At the heart of the main living area, the fireplace serves as a central gathering point, both functional and unifying.

Photographer: Ian Balmorel
Architecture: Matière Première
Entrepreneur: Nu Drom

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Featuring a s21-sf 125

 

A bi-generational architecture embedded in the topography

Located in the beautiful Eastern Townships region, the Frontière residence engages in a sensitive dialogue with the Adirondack mountain landscape. The project orients itself toward this spectacular mountain backdrop and frames views from each of its volumes. Designed as a multigenerational home, the architecture brings together a series of interconnected pavilions that follow the natural topography, allowing for a presence that feels both grand and discreet. This fragmented composition softens the impact of the large footprint while creating a more human-scale reading of the home.

 

A continuous relationship with the landscape

Despite the scale of the program, the spatial experience remains warm and intimate. The alternation of flat ceilings, double-height spaces, and cathedral ceilings was carefully designed to suit the function of each area. At times, exposed structural elements highlight these shifts in height. As a result, they guide the occupant through the volumes. Their balanced proportions and understated, enveloping materiality create a sense of harmony. Generous openings maximize natural light and reinforce the constant connection between indoors and out. The residence becomes a lived-in observatory, where every room maintains a privileged relationship with the surrounding landscape.

 

The s21 fireplace as a focal point of the living space

At the heart of the main living area, the integration of the Stûv stove contributes to this search for balance between performance and aesthetics. With its wide panoramic glass and clean lines, the appliance blends seamlessly into the contemporary architecture. At the same time, it offers a warm and inviting presence.

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Tips and techniques

Outdoor Air Intakes

Do I need to connect an outside air intake to my Stûv wood-burning appliance? Good question! Read on to better understand the purpose of an outside air intake and if one is necessary for your project. What exactly is an outside air intake and what does it do? A fire needs oxygen to burn. An […]

Case studies

Forest house I

Discreetly inserted onto an outcrop of the Canadian shield, among mature hemlock and deciduous tress, the home is meant to pay tribute to the living forest. Celebrated both outside and inside, wood dominates a restrained palette of materials.  The prematurely aged plank cladding, exposed framework, and various other interior finishes showcase all the richness of […]

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