CABIN A

BOURGEOIS / LECHASSEUR ARCHITECTS

CANADA

PROJECT DETAILS:

Location: Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Charlevoix, Québec Client: Cabines St-Laurent Architects: Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes Graphic Artists: Criterium Design Team: Olivier Bourgeois, Régis Lechasseur, Alexandre Côte, Valérie Gauthier, Isabelle Auclair, Maxime Rousseau General Contractor: Construction Urbanext Photographer: Maxime Brouillet

KNOW MORE ABOUT THE DESIGNERS:

A major tourist attraction for well over a century, the Charlevoix region presents some of Québec’s most remarkable landscapes. Over the last fifteen years, with the opening of a new ski resort, this already popular spot truly turned into a year-round destination. An extensive range of tourist accommodation awaits visitors looking for scenic settings.

A newcomer on the scene, Cabin A quietly opened its doors in December 2019 as it welcomed its first guests. Located 20 minutes from Le Massif ski resort, this unusual cabin rests on a steep site overlooking the nearby St Lawrence River.

Looking for a source of inspiration, the team comprised of architects and graphic artists turned to the International Code of Signals (ICS), long used in nautical communications. While the Alfa signal determined the building’s overall geometry, subtle references to naval architecture were set up throughout. The cabin’s triangulated roof is an indication of sails facing the wind whereas a large wood terrace evokes the upper deck of a ship with spectacular views of the river. The use of wood paneling on the walls and ceiling of the shared living area further underline the analogy to naval architecture.

The main entrance is set under one the roof’s sloping wings, the left leg of the letter “A”. 180-degree views of the St. Lawrence River is provided by a long viewing gallery which is the shared living space. Meant to hold groups of up to 12 people, complete kitchen facilities are maintained as well as a sitting area and a dining space, which continues outside, weather permitting.