Quebec's Laurentian Mountains Fortress
Off the shores of Lac de la Cabane in St-Adolphe d’Howard, Quebec stands the Estrade residence — a discreetly built home sporting the most modern of designs. Created by Montréal-based firm MU Architecture, this breathtaking property blends seamlessly with the surrounding area as if it has always been there. The home was built in 2015 and is a beautiful display harmony between clean lines and natural surfaces.
The home’s exterior brings together many natural elements to help it blend seamlessly with the surroundings. The outside of the home is comprised of different shades of wood, creating an interesting looking contrast. The front of the home features oak-colored wood, while the garage and rear are a dark, wenge color.
The use of locally sourced stones used around the exterior injects a feeling of consistency into this modern residence. During the initial excavation, stones were recovered and repurposed for different parts of the property. The long stone wall out front serves as a barrier to protect the ground floor while allowing access to the level below. The stone path that leads away from the front of the home adds a nice natural touch to the beautifully designed landscaping.
The home’s main floor features an airy and open floor plan with huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Surrounded on all sides by windows, the well-lit and spacious living room blends right into the kitchen and dining areas. A divider, wide enough for a flat screen TV, provides a slight separation from the living room and kitchen area.
As expected, the kitchen’s design brings together elements of modern, clean lines and the natural beauty of wood to give this high-traffic area a ton of character. With a huge island and dining area, residents shouldn’t have an issue eating meals as a family, or hosting large gatherings.
Imagine waking up to the sun peeking through the master suite’s windows, and walking outside to the stone path that leads down to Lac de la Cabane on a cool spring morning. The Estrade residence’s design maximizes the feeling of serenity and calmness you get from the surrounding natural beauty and combines it with the most cutting-edge of design choices to create a true architectural masterpiece.
