aging wood planks embrace the exterior of maison melba in quebec

aging wood planks embrace the exterior of maison melba in quebec

Atelier L’Abri takes over the renovation of Maison Melba

 

Montréal-based Atelier L’Abri transforms Maison Melba, a former 1970s automobile garage in southern Quebec, into a multi-functional space reflecting preservation and sustainability. The project integrates a residence, work studio, workshop, and culinary production and meeting space within the existing structure. Designed with passive-house expertise, the architecture emphasizes sensitivity to details and performance. A large interstice, highlighted by a high skylight and local natural stone flooring, serves as a transitional space connecting the house and creative areas. The open plan inside the house is characterized by calmness and warmth, featuring carefully selected materials such as Douglas Fir, lime-coated walls, and white oak furniture. The exterior embraces a noble and timeless appearance, with a steel roof and aging wood planks blending seamlessly into the surrounding countryside.

aging wood planks embrace the exterior of maison melba in quebec
all images by Alex Lesage

 

 

Sustainable Revitalization achieves Passive-House structure

 

The sustainable transformation of Maison Melba aligns with L’Abri’s Passive-House approach and pursues LEED Platinum certification. The building envelope, reaching the end of its life, underwent meticulous dismantling to preserve the original wood frame. A new double-stud wall structure with increased insulation thickness, filled with recycled paper-based cellulose fiber, enhances energy efficiency. PassivHaus-certified triple-glazed windows and a remarkable air-tightness rating contribute to the building’s sustainability. The holistic vision of Atelier L’Abri emphasizes the balance between beauty, utility, and durability, creating a timeless architectural composition. The project involves collaboration with various suppliers, designers, artisans, and consultants, integrating material richness and craftsmanship. Maison Melba showcases a sustainable revitalization that harmoniously engages with its context and environment, looking optimistically toward the future.

aging wood planks embrace the exterior of maison melba in quebec
Maison Melba undergoes a sustainable renovation, transforming a rural building in southern Quebec

aging wood planks embrace the exterior of maison melba in quebec
the building plan creates a transitional space beneath a high skylight, connecting the house and creative areas

aging wood planks embrace the exterior of maison melba in quebec
Maison Melba houses a residence, work studio, workshop, and culinary production space

maison-melba-atelier-l-abri-quebec-designboom-1800-2

the exterior wears a noble look, with a steel roof and wood planks shifting in color under the influence of time

aging wood planks embrace the exterior of maison melba in quebec
the open plan inside the house is punctuated by carefully selected furniture, promoting a warm atmosphere

aging wood planks embrace the exterior of maison melba in quebec
carefully selected furniture from international design houses and local makers enhances the composition

aging wood planks embrace the exterior of maison melba in quebec
L’Abri’s holistic vision emphasizes the balance between beauty, utility, and durability, delivering timeless architecture

maison-melba-atelier-l-abri-quebec-designboom-1800-3

the architecture highlights material richness, including Kebony wood cladding, and Dinesen wood floors

 

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project info:

 

name: Maison Melba
architect: Atelier L’Abri@atelierlabri

location: Frelighsburgh, Quebec, Canada

photography: Alex Lesage | @alexlesage__

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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ARCHITECTURE IN CANADA (244)

ATELIER L'ABRI (4)

RENOVATION ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN (689)

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIORS (3703)

WOOD AND TIMBER ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN (863)

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