By Cat Ford

Project: The Ash Tree House / Location: Sutton, Canada / Architect: La Nony FAMILI / Photos: Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard – OSA Images

Amid the backdrop of the Sutton Mountains, an aging 1970s chalet was seen by many as a teardown. But recognizing the potential, the owners and La Nony FAMILI chose to “breathe new life into it.” They transformed the structure into a vibrant home that honors its past while embracing the future.

“We wanted to keep the heart of the home intact but update it in a way that felt current, inviting, and fun,” says Aza Lussier, associate designer at La Nony FAMILI.

To achieve this vision, the team focused on maximizing natural light, reorganizing the layout and infusing the flair of a contemporary ski chalet. The renovation of this 4,035-square-foot (375m²) home features natural materials, a monochromatic palette and expansive windows that create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

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The dark basement was transformed into a bright garden-level entry adorned with stylish black-and-white geometric tiles. This set the tone for the rest of the house, including an inviting family room and clever storage solutions. Flooded with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, the family room features sloping shed roofs and a visual connection to the added walkway, creating an airy feel that bridges the upper levels and connects the bedrooms. “We love playing with levels and sightlines,” says Lussier, emphasizing how the design allows every floor to feel connected while giving each space its own identity.

The alternating shed roofs, now emphasized by a striking black facade, stand out boldly against the snowy landscape. In contrast, white wings blend seamlessly, and a cantilever gives the illusion of floating above the terrain. The stone chimney remains a central feature, serving as a timeless focal point that breathes old charm into the design.

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The designers embraced a palette of black, white and wood, layering textures and materials to enhance visual interest. The bleached ash wood ceilings and floors create a striking contrast with the crisp white beams. Additionally, deep green metal railings designed by Yves Lalandes introduce a modern twist to the restored staircase, which “reclaims its status as the centerpiece of the home, bridging past and present with a bold yet thoughtful gesture,” the firm says.

The renovation also pays keen attention to the bathrooms, where sparks of personality are injected into these often-overlooked spaces, transforming them into prominent features that exemplify functionality, refinement and style. One bathroom features a green terrazzo sink set against sleek gray tiles. Another envelops guests in deep navy tiles punctuated by red accents, while the standout bathroom boasts a striking red concrete sink against snow-white walls. These walls visually recede, drawing the eye to the wood-clad ceiling and black-and-white geometric floor tiles that echo the entryway.

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The project celebrates native ash trees, weaving them throughout the design in both material and name. Associate designer Aza Lussier highlights how integrated storage solutions keep living spaces organized and uninterrupted, enhancing the overall functionality of the home. Ash-wood built-ins designed by Gaiac offer both practicality and a strong connection to the forest. The kitchen integrates these built-ins seamlessly, while one bedroom in particular, features a cozy, wood-wrapped window seat that practically begs you to curl up and take in the sweeping views. Beyond its visual appeal, the Ash Tree House is designed for comfort and performance, incorporating improved insulation and triple-glazed windows to improve energy efficiency.

La Nony FAMILI have created a home with a magnetic appeal, feeling both forward thinking and timeless. “This wasn’t about erasing history,” says Lussier. “It was about celebrating it and giving it a new chapter.” The grand ash staircase, exposed beams, and stone fireplace anchor the space in its roots, proving that great design doesn’t always start from scratch. The Ash Tree House stands as a testament to how classic elements can be married to modern touches to amplify the effect of a design. The architects summarize, “Strategic interventions elevated these features, seamlessly merging past and present in a way that feels [effortlessly intentional].”

Cat Ford is an architectural designer with seven years of experience. She now uses her design expertise as a freelance writer.