white residence melds with the snowy landscape of quebec's forest

Schnee-Eule by Atelier L’Abri adapts to the winter landscape

Montréal-based practice Atelier L’Abri designs ‘Schnee-Eule’, a family residence located in the forest outside of the village of Morin-Heights in Quebec. Drawing from Austrian Alpine architecture, the project develops a double-level hut-like volume topped by a pitched roof. Wrapped in white wood cladding, the house is named after the German word for ‘snowy owl’, particularly well adapted to winter. The concept evolves around the compactness of a square plan retaining the minimum covered area to limit the footprint of the construction. The vertical volume nestles the upper level between the treetops secluding the more private areas on top. Large glass windows throughout the structure allow views of the rich forest and natural light distribution in all zones.

all images by Raphaël Thibodeau

the residence reminisces of traditional alpine huts

The white wood cladding, installed vertically, camouflages the residence in the winter landscape of Morin-Heights’ forest. The horizontal subdivisions of the volume along with the double-pitched roof with its large overhangs are reminiscent of traditional alpine huts. Living spaces and outdoor areas blend seamlessly through a spacious terrace and a screened veranda, facing south, allowing a smooth transition between the zones. Attending to the users’ needs for outdoor activities, the design team provides a gear room fitted out on the lower floor arranging direct access to cross-country skiing and mountain biking trails. The interior layout assembles a woodstove at the heart of the plan enhancing the warm ambiance of the living room. Custom fittings and furniture, such as the reading niche in the master bedroom, complete the design, while large bay windows regulate the views and the sunlight distribution throughout the space.

the residence reminisces of traditional alpine huts