maurice martel's glass pavilion in canada is a tribute to modern architecture

this glass pavilion in quebec, canada, has been designed by maurice martel as a tribute to modern architecture. influenced by philip johnson’s glass house and the ben rose house from the movie ferris bueller’s day off, ‘pavilion A’ is a garden oasis that contains a four-season swimming pool. during the region’s long winters, the building serves as a place to relax, read, or do yoga amid the snowy landscape. in summer, the pavilion opens onto a long wooden terrace thanks to large picture windows on one of the façades.

image © adrien williams (also main image)

located in saint-bruno-de-montarville, a suburb of montreal, the structure is located within the grounds of an existing property. maurice martel designed the building with contrasting elements: the black exterior structure and the clear and bright interior. the glass walls let in plenty of natural light, while skylights maximize the supply of overhead light while protecting occupants from the summer sun. the 360-degree glazing also removes the boundary between internal and external space and presents changing scenery throughout the year.

image © adrien williams

according to the designer, the interior layout and its plants help to create a tropical atmosphere that promotes relaxation. the layout of the large strips of vegetation provide zones of privacy whether in the spa or the pool. one of the project’s most eye-catching elements is a cylindrical bathroom clad in red cedar. particular attention has been paid to the furniture and the finishing details that follow the rounded or cylindrical shape, helping to create a singular and harmonious space.

image © adrien williams

image © raphael thibodeau

image © raphael thibodeau 

image © raphael thibodeau 

image © raphael thibodeau 

image © adrien williams

site plan | image © maurice martel architecte 

floor plan | image © maurice martel architecte 

project info:

name: pavilion A
location: saint-bruno-de-montarville, canada
architecture: maurice martel architecte
interior design: maurice martel achitecte & bipède
contractor: n. deslaurier
landscaping: vertige paysage, nicolas ménard