Q8 Residence is a minimal home located in Mont-Tremblant, Canada, designed by MRDK. Positioned at the base of a hill, the home prioritizes privacy and energy efficiency with a closed northern façade, minimizing heat loss and shielding the interior from the road. The residence spans an east-west axis, punctuated by a distinctive fold at its midpoint. This architectural feature forms a carport connecting the main house to a storage room, serving as a sheltered threshold between the property’s volumes. The home’s exterior showcases a mix of materials: white cedar shingles lend a natural texture, vertical larch siding introduces warmth, and board-formed concrete provides a robust, contemporary counterpoint. Together, these elements create a façade that resonates with the surrounding forest. A screened porch extends from the eastern end of the house, its elevated position capturing morning sunlight.
Designed as a secondary living and dining space, this area offers an insect-free retreat during the warmer months, seamlessly integrating indoor comfort with the natural surroundings. The home’s southern side opens to nature through large glazed windows, which flood the interior with natural light while framing views of the birch, maple, and pine forest. Outside, a lounge area with an integrated fireplace and swim/spa invites relaxation, providing a private outdoor oasis. Inside, the design emphasizes openness and cohesion. Larch siding transitions from the exterior to the mudroom, creating a welcoming entry point. This space leads into a double-height living area where the kitchen, dining, and lounge spaces converge.
Interior windows strategically placed in the double-height walls allow light to permeate upstairs rooms, creating a visual and spatial connection between levels. The primary suite, located on the ground floor, ensures accessibility and privacy. This self-contained unit includes a bedroom, bathroom, gym, and laundry room, with access to a semi-private terrace featuring an outdoor shower. A large boulder unearthed during construction shields this space, offering a unique link to the surrounding landscape. Upstairs, a hallway features a cozy reading nook with a daybed and bookshelves overlooking the living area below. This level also accommodates three bedrooms and two bathrooms, including a playful children’s room with a custom bunk bed designed to sleep up to six.
