chalet clad in plywood reinterprets early canadian ski culture

Élément Tremblant resides in the forest of Mont Tremblant

Stephane Gaulin-Brown Design completes its latest chalet design, Élément Tremblant, drawing from the historical and natural surroundings of Mont Tremblant, Québec, Canada. The new ski chalet reflects the early ski culture of the region as well as paintings from the era depicting après-ski hangouts forming a contemporary structure that mixes traditional and modern design elements embodying the adventurous and convivial spirit of the region and its history.

The design process involves extensive research into Mont Tremblant’s rich cultural and natural heritage. The composition organically grows out of the natural context of the surrounding ferns, birch trees, and the large glacial boulders strewn across the forest floor. The exterior of the chalet features painted wood siding, divided into upper and lower portions. The bottom section is a black vertical board and batten, while the upper portion is an ochre-colored horizontal tongue and groove. The design allows the large band of windows along the main facade to blend in with the dark lower band, creating a darkened base. This motif is enhanced by the continuation of the siding upwards into the curving soffit.

aerial view towards the lake and ski hills | images provided by Stephane Gaulin-Brown

spatial design embodies the essence of the Canadian region

The structure’s shape recalls the traditional québecoise roof with curved ends. The chalet arranges three bedrooms and two bathrooms in the intimate zone opting to maximize the living area. The main living area walls are clad in stain-resistant Russian plywood, which adds a natural warmth to the space. On the north end of the living space, the fireplace and TV cabinet are conceptually designed together with the base made from poured concrete shaping a firewood storage area. The fireplace is clad in powder-coated steel, which wraps underneath the wall cabinet hiding the television unit. Its rounded corner allows for a fluid sense of space moving into the master bedroom.

Above the cabinet is a mechanical space covered in copper-toned metal panels that reflect the lights of the space, creating a warm dreamy glow. Recessed uplit LED lighting along the length of the main living space adds drama, ultimately making the living room into a kind of film set ready for après-ski hangouts.

At the other end of the living space, the kitchen applies copper-toned metal paneling crowning. Historical images, sourced with permission from the National Library of Québec, are framed around the house to make the sense of history visceral. In the master bedroom, a historical photo of the original Mont Tremblant steam train is printed on a large scale across the whole wall. The living room windows running horizontally from wall to wall, allow for an intimate and panoramic view while 12-foot ceilings rise above them. The design team aims for a spatial design that feels both modern and timeless, perfectly embodying the essence of Mont Tremblant.

the contemporary structure mixes traditional and modern design elements embodying the spirit of the region

the exterior of the chalet features painted wood siding, divided into upper and lower portions

the design allows the large band of windows along the main facade to blend in with the dark lower band

the composition forms a darkened base supporting the wooden structure

the wall structure is hidden behind the kitchen cabinets, while the windows create a continuous view

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project info:

name: Élément Tremblant
designer: Stephane Gaulin-Brown | @islandofsalt

location: Mont Tremblant, Québec, Canada

video: Valerie Lacroix

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom