House on the River
House on the River, located on the southern bank of the Saint Lawrence River in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Quebec, Canada, once hailed as the "Cultural Capital" of the region, is a retreat that bridges the emotional bond the owners have with the land and the desire to integrate this connection into their home. With a vision of creating a sanctuary for family gatherings and entertaining guests, Atelier Échelle drew inspiration from the unique significance of the surrounding environment to create a design that honors both the local tradition and the owners' passions. The structure is composed of five geometric triangular pitched roofs that speak to this sentiment. The original 1970s bungalow has been transformed into a standalone glass sunroom (winter garden), embracing the family’s long-standing passion for gardening while seamlessly connecting the indoor space with the outdoors. The room’s charm is enhanced by vintage Victorian furniture and floor tiles, infusing the glasshouse with nostalgic elegance and a nod to the past.
Atelier Échelle chose to clad the building's façades with charred cedar (Shou Sugi Ban), with the wood's grain serving as a quiet guardian of the House on the River, preserving the historical memory of the place. The exterior wall contrasts beautifully with the surrounding snowy landscape in winter, reflecting a silvery hue under the summer sun. Additionally, a semi-transparent polycarbonate roof serves as the canopy for the carport, filling the space with natural light. Beneath each pitched roof lies a corresponding functional area within the interior.
Upon entering the high-ceilinged foyer, a hallway on the left connects the secondary living and bedroom spaces, gradually leading to the guest room, dining room, and open kitchen. The doorframes capture the eye, framing the ecological scenery and drawing it into the heart of the public spaces. Ahead, the view of the lush treetops and natural surroundings becomes a living canvas, marking a boundary between dynamic and tranquil zones: the semi-outdoor dining area, outdoor swimming pool, and the master bedroom are distinctly separated, offering the privacy needed for the main suite. A large window in the core of the house frames the panoramic view, where the rolling landscape of forested hills seems to embrace the home, inviting nature inside.
Inspired by the couple’s passion for cooking, Atelier Échelle designed a dual-function kitchen that easily differentiates between the tasks of cooking and entertaining. The open kitchen island fosters interaction with family and guests in the dining and living areas, while the separate, spacious prep kitchen acts as a storage space for ingredients and can be utilized for larger meals or entertaining. The prep kitchen is connected to the garage for easy access to groceries, allowing for a seamless flow when bringing ingredients inside.
The use of white oak wood throughout the interior—on the flooring, baseboards, door frames, and some cabinetry—creates a soothing foundation for the space’s color palette. The soft light and carefully chosen furnishings add a delicate elegance, enveloping the home in a welcoming atmosphere. The heart of the home extends to the semi-outdoor dining area and the outdoor heated pool, which fosters a sense of outdoor living while offering a venue for seasonal gatherings and reflecting the owners’ values of family connection, leisure, and a love for nature. Every space within the House on the River invites the warmth of sunlight and the changing seasons inside, embodying the owner's desire for a vacation-like, relaxing atmosphere and an appreciation for the life they lead within their home.
