Projets / Zephyr Cottage
Built through a collaborative self-construction process, the project reflects a thoughtful architectural approach that maximizes views, natural light, and the calming presence of a nearby stream.
A forest retreat designed for sharing
Located in the wooded and mountainous development of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Le Zéphyr is a tourist-oriented residence conceived as a forest retreat for multiple families. The project features a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, organized by level into distinct zones: daytime, nighttime, and play areas. The building’s configuration, combined with the site’s natural features, creates a range of immersive and atmospheric experiences.
Architecture in harmony with the landscape
The main floor, positioned on the upper part of the site, includes a double-height living room, a central kitchen, a spacious dining area adjacent to a long terrace, and utility spaces such as a large mudroom. At the far end of the residence, a three-season room with a fireplace is nestled among trees and located near a stream, offering a peaceful and intimate setting.
Playful and contemplative spaces
A mezzanine accessible from the living room houses play areas and leads to a high terrace that provides a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape. From the outset, the project aimed to maximize building height to offer expansive views of the mountains and treetops, reinforcing the connection between architecture and nature.
Intimate garden-level spaces
The site’s topography allowed for the placement of bedrooms at garden level. These private spaces are closely connected to the forest floor and benefit from generous fenestration. The nearby stream influenced the layout of the sleeping areas, adding a soothing and continuous soundscape, especially during snowmelt season.
A collaborative achievement
STGM prepared the permit application plans for Le Zéphyr. The residence was built through a self-construction process by the clients, whose active involvement throughout the project greatly contributed to its success and uniqueness.