Bruno & Michele // atelier II I7

Over the months, II I7 contributed its perspective and expertise to reveal the potential and possibilities of many locations, ultimately settling on the steep site of Mount Foster in Bolton-Ouest, Quebec, Canada

Enthusiasm was palpable during the first visit, facing the unfettered views of the Sutton Mountains and the rocky outcrops emerging from the tall grasses that summer. Bruno and Michèle; the clients, Camille and Karl; II I7.

Instinctively, the first sketches evoked a mineral base upon which a wooden volume is placed, nestled among the trees and projecting the gaze toward the landscapes offered by the site throughout the seasons. Compact, discreet, and cozy were the intentions of Bruno and Michèle—true to their nature.

The primary challenge in positioning the house was to reveal the site while ensuring a respectful intervention within the existing topography. From there, the site itself dictated the project’s materiality, both exterior and interior: concrete, wood, and steel.

The house is discovered upon arrival at the bicycle workshop and carport, located downhill on the site. From below, the elevated volume of the house comes into view through the trees, extending along the slope. It rests on a base embedded within the terrain’s profile—a mass of board-formed exposed concrete that echoes the rock present on the site.

The building is thus divided into two distinct volumes connected by a vertical circulation core, each taking advantage of the terrain according to its use. The pursuit of a contemporary yet contextual architectural language results in a series of openings that puncture the upper volume across its full height, animating the façade and ensuring natural light within the living spaces. A large, minimalist glazed opening at the projecting portion frames exceptional views, offering distinct tableaux throughout the day and inviting to contemplate.

Interior spaces are modest. Built-in furniture facilitates transitions between rooms while offering framed perspectives along passages. The wood ceiling, composed of panels and batten, rhythmically defines the main floor, while a filtering screen of wood and metal interweaves the spaces, guiding movement toward the garden level. This floor accommodates a dormitory that also serves as a workspace, animated by openings with wooden windows carved out of the concrete base.