Cool Spaces: Cap St-Martin

WORDS Cheri Morris IMAGES Adrien Williams


Perched upon a plateau with mixed woodlands and Lake Memphremagog on either side, Cap St-Martin by Bourgeois / Lechasseur Architects is a contemporary reimagining of a traditional barn.

Located in Potton, Canada, Cap St-Martin’s design draws architectural influence from the region’s long farm buildings. Pure lines and refined treatment of the facades make for a seamless integration into the region’s natural and built landscape. From the outside, the two barn-like structures – simple, elongated rectangles with gable roofing – tell almost nothing of the contemporary interiors hidden within.

The smallest area in the foreground houses a guest loft, garage and artist studio. This section is connected to the main area of the residence via a striking glass tunnel, allowing for a light-filled transition to leafy views of the woodlands beyond. Designed to be a gathering place where family and friends can connect and unwind, the heart of the home is a grand, lake-orientated room that is doused in natural light.

Two long glass facades afford views of both the lake and the forest, allowing the homeowners to feel as though they are outside. The concrete floor extends onto a patio, further enhancing the seamless indoor-outdoor connection, while the wood-clad cathedral ceiling affords a soft contrast to otherwise sleek and contemporary finishes in muted hues of white and grey. Upstairs, the restorative master bedroom enjoys it own patio and awe-inspiring views.

(h/t) v2.com-newswire

Love this modern-day barn? Check out this contemporary Canadian farmhouse by Pelletier de Fontenay and François Abbott.