Project: Pine Residence / Location: Saint-Lambert, Canada / Architecture + Interior Design: Salem Architecture / Location: Montreal; General Contractor: Construction Design Ledoux / Wood Structure: De Bois Blouin / Structural Engineer: CanExplore, Charles-Etienne Martel / Cabinetmaker and Kitchen: Bruno Pichet / Windows and Sliding Doors: Alumilex / Lighting Fixtures: Lambert & Fils / Ceramic Tiles: Ramacieri Soligo / Photographer: Phil Bernard
Located in Saint-Lambert, Quebec (Canada), the Pine Residence is a significant expansion of an existing “King-Cottage”-style home that Salem Architecture adapted to meet the needs of a family.
The owners wanted to enlarge the home but maximize their outdoor space usage throughout the year. Salem Architecture designed the project to create a seamless and natural transition between the interior and exterior. To achieve this, the architects initially incorporated an exposed wooden structure that stretches into a covered outdoor space.
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The main living area is generously extended, providing the opportunity to enjoy the backyard even on rainy days. “The wooden structure thus serves a dual purpose, blurring the boundary between the two zones, while imparting warmth and softness to the kitchen and dining area,” the firm says.
“In the spirit of space fluidity, the expansion was planned at ground level to allow direct, step-free access to the outdoors,” Salem says in its project statement. “The emphasis placed on this interior/exterior transition makes the residence comfortable and accessible for both young children, taking their first steps, and their grandparents.”
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Large, sliding glass doors permit large amounts of natural light and allow for generous openness, enhancing the transition from inside to outside. The integrated skylight in the new volume also provides ample natural lighting to both the ground floor and the second-floor circulation space, as well as in the primary bathroom.
The architectural design ensures that the spaces adapt during gatherings with numerous people, as well as cater to the everyday needs of the family. In this vein, Salem thoughtfully integrated a home office into the new volume, with special attention paid to acoustic insulation. The expansion’s configuration also offers views of an adjacent church, while ensuring privacy for the occupants.
Material choices accentuate and showcasing of the wooden structure and create a luminous atmosphere throughout the day. The natural white oak kitchen, cream-colored quartz countertop and the ceramic selections all contribute to an airy, light-filled ambiance in a grounded space.
“The junction between the existing house and the expansion is marked by the strategic placement of a three-sided visible fireplace,” the firm says in its project statement. “This element stands out with distinct architectural treatment and materiality, effectively separating the existing living room from the new spaces. As part of the project, a significant redesign of the entry area optimizes the space by organizing it with multiple storage options and an integrated bench.”
Salem Architecture says its close collaboration with the owners throughout the project’s development led to a unique project where each element contributes to the well-being of the owners and addresses their specific needs.
