_naturehumaine's pine-wrapped chalet peaks through treetops of canadian woodlands

la cime hovers above the woodlands on steel stilts

Emerging from the treetops in the Canadian woodlands, La Cime is a micro-chalet envisioned by _naturehumaine as a tranquil, sensorial retreat. In the village of Sainte-Béatrix, Quebec, the dwelling harmonizes architecture and the natural environment, wrapped in pre-aged western pine inside and out. Embracing sweeping vistas of its natural context with transparent facade corners and the insertion of oversized glass panels, its concept is rooted in environmental consciousness.

Spanning an area of 525 square feet spread across two levels, the chalet is conceived to maximize space and functionality with minimal environmental impact. On galvanized steel piles, the ground floor is elevated twelve feet above the natural plant cover, facilitating the flow of runoff water. The structure is accessible via an external staircase with an intermediate landing leading to a partially-enclosed terrace, sauna, and interior space, ensuring protection from the elements upon arrival.

all images by Raphaël Thibodeau

_naturehumaine engulfs the micro-chalet in wood

Nodding to the architectural typology of traditional chalets, _naturehumaine (more here) has topped La Cime’s volume with a double slope roof coupled with slight overhangs. Within, the program is divided across three core zones: the two-story interior volume, the suspended terrace with a circular hot bath, and a sauna with its outdoor shower. An exterior covered passageway marked by an openwork wooden slat shutter connects the entities.

While the ground level features a vestibule, a bathroom, a hammam shower, and the only bedroom, the living, dining, and kitchen spaces are positioned above, amplifying the sensation of floating above the canopy, further enhanced by its location at the edge of a steep slope. The elevation is clad in pre-aged western pine, unifying the various components of the refuge. Inside, white pine paneling adorns the walls and ceilings, complemented by a diamond-polished radiant concrete slab and built-in plywood furniture. A woven rope hammock above the climbing stairs adds a playful yet functional, rustic element to the space.

La Cime is a micro-chalet envisioned by _naturehumaine as a tranquil, sensorial retreat

an exterior covered passageway marked by an openwork wooden slat shutter connects three entities

on galvanized steel piles, the ground floor is elevated 12 feet above the natural plant cover

wrapped in pre-aged western pine inside and out

oversized glass panels frame views of the outdoors  

the chalet is conceived to maximize space and functionality with minimal environmental impact

transparent facade corners embrace sweeping vistas of the Canadian woodlands

living, dining, and kitchen spaces are positioned on the upper level

their height amplifies the sensation of floating above the canopy, enhanced by its location at the edge of a slope

a woven rope hammock above the climbing stairs adds a playful yet functional element to the space

_naturehumaine nods to the architectural typology of traditional chalets

La Cime’s volumes are topped by a double slope roof coupled with slight overhangs

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project info:

name: La Cime

location: Sainte-Béatrix, Quebec, Canada

architect: _naturehumaine | @_naturehumaine

general contractor: Construction Denis Joly 

structural engineer: Geniex

cabinetry: Ébénisterie St-Alphonse

integrated furniture: Fana Studio Créatif 

landscaping: PDG terrassement

photography: Raphaël Thibodeau | @raphael_thibodeau