Cabin A quietly opened its doors in December 2019 as it welcomed its first guests.
About BOURGEOIS / LECHASSEUR Architects
The architecture projects designed by Olivier Bourgeois and Régis Lechasseur explore the forme and light proposing a world full of discoveries to their users. They have an efficient work methodology due to their diverse specialties. They have locations in Quebec and Îles de la Madeleine.
Driven by the desire to design dynamic projects for the benefit of the user, their approach is oriented towards the search for contemporary, realistic and sensitive architecture, which is inspired by striking elements of the landscape. The subtle work of form guides each of their projects. Exploration and the sequence of discoveries through the project are essential, regardless of the scale. For them, it is important not to reveal everything at first glance and to discover the architecture like a book, page by page.
The element of surprise is fundamental in understanding a project. They use simple and authentic materials; They don’t have a preconceived idea of architecture. For them, each project is really adapted to the client and the intervention site.
About Cabin A project
A major tourist attraction for well over a century, the Charlevoix region features some of Québec’s most striking landscapes. Over the last fifteen years, with the opening of a new ski resort, this already popular spot truly became a year-round destination. A wide range of tourist accommodation awaits visitors looking for scenic settings.
This unusual cabin stands on a steep site overlooking the nearby St Lawrence River
A newcomer on the scene, Cabin A quietly opened its doors in December 2019 as it welcomed its first guests. Located 20 minutes from Le Massif ski resort, this unusual cabin stands on a steep site overlooking the nearby St Lawrence River.
International Code of Signals (ICS) was used to determine the building’s overall geometry
Looking for a source of inspiration, the team composed of architects and graphic artists turned to the International Code of Signals (ICS), long used in nautical communications. While the Alfa signal determined the building’s overall geometry, subtle references to naval architecture were introduced throughout. The cabin’s triangulated roof is a reminder of sails facing the wind whereas a large wood terrace evokes the upper deck of a ship with stunning views of the river. The use of wood paneling on the walls and ceiling of the shared living area further emphasizes the analogy to naval architecture.
The left-wing shaped like the letter “A”
The main entrance is located under one the roof’s sloping wings, the left leg of the letter “A”. The shared living space is a long viewing gallery providing 180-degree views of the St. Lawrence River. Meant to accommodate groups of up to 12 people, complete kitchen facilities are provided as well as a sitting area and a dining space, which extends outside, weather permitting.
Three bedrooms and an open dorm for children
A staircase off the entrance door leads to the partially buried lower level. Three bedrooms and an open dorm for children provide ample sleeping accommodation. A central playroom gives access to a protected spa area, located directly under the ground floor’s deck.
The double-height living/dining/viewing room is clad with Russian plywood panels, also used for the built-in furniture. The light-color birch panels, extended to the outside, contrast sharply with the dark hues of the metal roof and the exterior walls’ cladding.
The second tourist-oriented project designed by Bourgeois / Lechasseur
Cabin A is the second tourist-oriented project designed by Bourgeois / Lechasseur for the region. Inaugurated in 2018, Dômes Charlevoix was their first attempt at redefining tourist accommodation. It sparked widespread interest on their work and on their ability to address traditional commissions in an innovative way.
