Completed in 2024 in Wentworth-Nord, Canada, Chalet Papillon was designed by the team at RobitailleCurtis. This residential house harmoniously integrates human habitation within the landscapes of the Laurentian Mountains. The house emerges as a luxurious rural retreat for a dynamic young family and serves as a paradigm of sustainable design principles.
Chalet Papillon Technical Information
- Architects: RobitailleCurtis
- Location: Wentworth-Nord, Canada
- Topics: Architecture in the Forest
- Project Year: 2020 – 2024
- Photographs: © Adrien Williams
Working with the steep, narrow, densely wooded site, the aim was for minimal site disturbance and as little deforestation as possible. To achieve this, the house was positioned parallel to the site contours atop a particularly steep section of exposed granite ledge.
– RobitailleCurtis Architects
Chalet Papillon Photographs
Harmonizing Architecture with Nature
The genesis of Chalet Papillon’s design was deeply influenced by the clients’ evolving needs and the challenging topography of its site. Initially conceptualized in 2017, the project embarked on a journey to fruition in 2020, accommodating the family’s growth with minimal environmental impact. Situated on a steep, granite-rich slope and enveloped by dense woodland, the architects faced the daunting task of integrating a sizable dwelling without disturbing the site’s natural beauty.
RobitailleCurtis’s approach was both ingenious and respectful: aligning the structure parallel to the land’s contours to preserve the forest canopy and minimize earth movement. This strategic positioning not only safeguarded the site’s ecological integrity but also capitalized on the breathtaking vistas of Lac Notre-Dame.
Architectural Ingenuity
Chalet Papillon unfolds over two levels, with a linear form that gently angles away from the property lines, optimizing lake views and sunlight penetration. Its exterior, clad in pre-weathered cedar, seamlessly blends with the surrounding forest, mirroring the muted greys of tree bark, while a standing-seam metal roof complements this natural palette.
Inside, the chalet reveals a masterclass in spatial efficiency and minimalist design. The upper level serves as the heart of the home, where living spaces bask in natural light, courtesy of expansive glazing and a southwest-facing facade. The interior celebrates open-plan living, elevated by a wood-lined pitched ceiling and custom plywood furnishings, fostering a connection between the indoors and the rugged landscape beyond.
Living in Harmony with Nature
Chalet Papillon’s connection to its surroundings extends beyond visual harmony. The inclusion of operable screened porches on both levels exemplifies the thoughtful integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces, allowing the family and their guests to immerse themselves in nature, irrespective of the weather.
The journey from the chalet to the lakeshore is an experience in itself, facilitated by a carefully designed path that weaves through the forest, emphasizing the project’s commitment to minimal environmental disturbance.
Chalet Papillon Plans
Chalet Papillon Image Gallery
About RobitailleCurtis
RobitailleCurtis is an architecture and landscape architecture studio founded in 2013 by American architect Andrew Curtis and Canadian landscape architect Sophie Robitaille, a husband-and-wife duo. RC’s work is thoughtful and authentic, comprising spaces derived from a profound sense of place and a deep appreciation for the built environment and the natural world.
Working under one roof, their talented team of architects and landscape architects intermingle, share ideas, and problem-solve together. This cross-pollination of disciplines results in contextually appropriate architecture and carefully detailed landscapes that sit comfortably in their surroundings and contribute positively to them.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Design Team: Andrew Curtis (OAQ, MRAIC, AIA, LEED BD+C), principal; Anne Charbit (OAQ), project manager
- Landscape Architecture – RobitailleCurtis – Sophie Robitaille (AAPQ, AAPC, CSLA, ASLA), principal; Teressa Peill (AAPQ, CSLA)
Structural Engineering – BCA
Mechanical Engineering – MRA
- General Contractor – Bois et Nature
