Nestled in the picturesque Laurentian Mountains of Quebec, where maple groves cascade down slopes toward Lac Franc, stands La Cadrée Perchée—a remarkable 2,100-square-foot residence that appears more like a natural extension of the landscape than a conventional built structure. Designed by L'Empreinte Design Architecture for its founder, Pier-Olivier Lepage, this mountain retreat in Morin-Heights exemplifies how modern architecture can harmoniously coexist with its natural surroundings.
The home was conceived as both a functional workplace and peaceful retreat, addressing Lepage's need for a space that supports long stretches of remote work while maintaining a vital connection to nature. "I spend a lot of time working from home," explains Lepage. "However, I concentrate better when I feel connected to the outdoors. Otherwise, I am distracted by thoughts of going out to enjoy the outdoors." This philosophy drove every design decision, resulting in a residence where the distinction between interior and exterior spaces virtually disappears.
Perched among the treetops, the building's strategic east-west orientation allows residents to experience both sunrise and sunset from within the home. The interior layout was carefully planned to ensure unobstructed views, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that frame the ever-changing outdoor scenery. At certain times of day, occupants feel suspended above cascading treetops, while at others, they're protected by the natural shade the forest provides.
The home's innovative design draws inspiration from radiator principles, amplifying the sun's presence without overwhelming its inhabitants. Wooden frames and exterior walls increase the diffusion surface, creating a delicate balance between heat absorption and light reflection while maintaining the illusion of a sunlight-filled interior. This thoughtful approach addresses both environmental conditions and psychological well-being, supporting focus, calm, and seasonal mental health through strategic light management.
Even during Quebec's intense summer months, the residence maintains comfort through sophisticated solar control strategies paired with natural ventilation systems. These features regulate the interior climate while preserving unobstructed views of the surrounding forest landscape, ensuring year-round livability without sacrificing the home's primary connection to nature.
Wood serves as the dominant material throughout the structure, both inside and out. The raw, textured surfaces deliberately mimic the bark of surrounding maple trees, while warm wood tones echo the colors of autumn leaves. The ceiling, constructed from simple furring strips, represents an economical yet bespoke solution that adds visual interest without overwhelming the space. This material choice reinforces the home's integration with its forested setting.
The interior design philosophy emphasizes minimalist interventions that allow the residence to breathe while positioning the forest as the home's primary ornamentation. Recessed furniture, a low-profile kitchen design, and storage consolidated into central volumes prevent visual clutter and maintain focus on the outdoor views. The deliberately muted color palette includes bleached concrete floors that add brightness and continuity, white surfaces that mirror winter's snowy landscape, and mullion-free glass that opens wide without visual distractions.
Despite its compact footprint, La Cadrée Perchée offers thoughtfully designed spaces for both solitary work and social gathering. A sunken living room, inspired by traditional Japanese kotatsu design, encourages maximum enjoyment during gatherings around the fireplace. The multifunctional bedroom serves as a retreat equipped with a work desk, soaking tub, and expansive window wall, creating a space designed for productivity, rest, and relaxation.
Two outdoor terraces carved directly into the building's facade provide protected spaces for year-round outdoor living. During warmer months, these terraces function as shaded spots perfect for reading or dining, while winter's continuity of wooden ceilings and walls blurs the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design allows residents to experience crisp mountain air without leaving the warmth and comfort of their home.
The project represents a successful collaboration between architectural innovation and environmental sensitivity, demonstrating how contemporary design can enhance rather than compete with natural settings. Photography of the completed residence was captured by Pier-Olivier Lepage himself and provided courtesy of v2com, showcasing how La Cadrée Perchée achieves its goal of creating a mountain home where everyday living and the surrounding environment work in peaceful harmony.
