Inspired by Nature and Vernacular Design: Gorgeous Contemporary Canadian Chalet

It is always good to create a dwelling that is shaped the landscape than to try the approach the other way around. This not only makes for more beautiful homes, but it also ensures that you leave a footprint that is as minimal as possible while shaping an eco-friendly setting. Nestled in a lovely wooded region of Austin, Canada, the dashing Grand-Pic Chalet designed by APPAREIL architecture is one such getaway where the scenery around the structure along with vernacular design principles helped create its overall form. With a dark exterior that seems ever so classical in its approach and a contrasting interior in white Russian plywood, this little cabin is a world of lovely contrasts indeed!

Exquisite modern chalet in the forest

A meandering and curvy path leads to the entrance of the cabin where the platform leading to its entrance then morphs into a series of decks and walkways around it. On the inside, it is the kitchen and living area on the lower level with the bedrooms and guest sleeping spaces occupying the top level that offers wonderful views of the landscape. Despite its warm and inviting visual appeal on the outside, the cabin on the inside feels elegant, modern and even minimal at times; making it perfect for a family that loves to combine the best of rustic and urban lifestyles. [Photography: Felix Michaud]

Pathway leading to the cabin meanders through lovely forest landscape
Wooden deck and walkway connect the different units of of the cabin
Dark exterior of the cabin allows it to blend in with the backdrop after sunset
Gorgeous dark exterior of the Canadian cabin in forest
Small wooden deck outside for those who want to take in the freshness of the forest

Inspired by traditional shapes and the surrounding nature, the chalet design is a unique architecture tailor-made for its residents. The owners wanted a warm space, fit to host family and friends, in harmony with the environment, a space that breathes fresh air and replenishment. The GRAND PIC cottage offers, through simplicity and sober physicality, a unique experience of symbiosis between nature and architecture.

Sleek surfaces and Russian plywood shape the interior
Modern minimal interior of cabin with stunning forest views
View of the narrow stairway from above
First level floor plan of Grand-Pic Chalet
Second level floor plan of Grand-Pic Chalet

You’re reading Inspired by Nature and Vernacular Design: Gorgeous Contemporary Canadian Chalet, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Similar Posts

  • Bellwoods Lodge

    Located on a small lot in Downtown Toronto, the owners of this new three storey residence desired a peaceful urban retreat, purposefully tailored to nurture and enhance a close communal family life and their enjoyment of the outdoors. The response is a highly personalized expression of one small family’s particular lifestyle. At ground level, a back-split condition responds to the natural slope of the site. An adventurous sectional arrangement continues vertically upward, with additional split levels arranged around a 3-storey light well, drawing sunlight (and moonlight) deep into the house. A home office occupies the light well, with views to the living room above, and a library space below. What would typically be the dark middle of the house is bathed in sunlight and enjoys a feeling of expansive vertical space. The various regions of the home are all closely knit together across this interior light well, creating an interesting balance between separation and intimacy: While the family may be individually occupied with remote activities (cooking, lounging, working, playing), they are always quickly and easily engaged with one another. The three principal living spaces (Living room, Kitchen/ Dining area, Library) also expand outwards, into separate exterior areas, each with its own unique and complementary character. At ground level, an arrangement of subtle level changes and low partitions gradually increase the degree of privacy as one moves from the street, through the interior, and into a secluded, forested back garden. The third floor living room – an urbanized version of a cabin in the woods with wood stove and cedar ceiling – nestles intimately into tree tops at one end, and opens widely toward the sky at the other. An upper level outdoor terrace offers easy enjoyment of the city skyline, urban tree canopy, sunsets, and the night sky. The house is thus organized around three principal axes which connect the interior with the outdoors: a ground level Garden Axis, a third level Sky Axis, and a vertical Sun Axis.

  • How to Use Beige in Your Home: Color it Without Boredom

    We are all attracted by bright characters in life. So is the case with colors. Think of a colorful extravaganza and it is reds, blues and yellows that come to mind first. Then you would want to think about neutrals and it is white that leads the pack. In the last decade or so, gray […]

    You’re reading How to Use Beige in Your Home: Color it Without Boredom, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.