Natural Elements Transform a Lakeside Chalet Into a Permanent Home

Perched above Lake Archambault in Quebec, Canada, an outdated chalet surrounded by wetlands was slowly being converted into a permanent home. The owners had already worked with architects from FX Studio by Clairoux to renovate the property's kitchen and a bathroom, but now they were ready to undergo a full change — everything, including the exterior, was primed for an update. The firm agreed that the best way to transform the dark address was to lighten it with the elements in its midst, especially pine, and then use oversized windows and minimalist lines to help bring the outdoors in. But the finished result wasn't going to be entirely rustic: luxurious additions, like heated floors and a wine refrigerator, were installed to retain the original vacation feel of the site for the pleasure of a select few. Now the house is a modern representation of a woodsy getaway, where a simple layout and local touches create a haven that's a natural fit for its surroundings.