The Break Residence

Built on the shores of Lake Revdor in the Laurentide Mountains, Canada, this house reveals different faces depending on from where it is viewed: from the water or from the ground. Encapsulating the idea of «home», the luxurious residence is the fulfilment of one man’s wish to build his last home on the land of his ancestors. And nothing has been left to chance. The house opens up over three levels; the spacious building serves as a welcoming meeting place for the small community formed by the few neighbouring houses. 
It is, therefore, a house with two sides. The plot was particularly narrow and required the construction of a new house in place of the existing one. From the side facing the street, the residence has several interconnected volumes, resembling a series of rocks. The sloping topography reveals only two levels, hiding the garden that provides access to the lake on the other side. The main entrance has been placed under a two-storey roof carved between these rock-like volumes. As the heart of the house, it creates a welcoming atmosphere. The openings reveal the circulation and social spaces of the residence, emphasising integration.
Seen from the lakeside, the house displays a completely different personality; open and extrovert. With amplified roof overhangs and golden details at angles that reflect the undulations and movement of the water, it is as if the house were opening its sails to the wind. 

In the centre of the house, a stone wall rises up like a mast, acting as an anchoring element

The idea of MU Architecture studio was that as soon as you entered the house, you would feel nothing but calm and comfort. Flooded with light all day long and wide open to the lake, the residence has a distinctive and contemplative character. The mineral nature of the materials selected in the interior architecture contributes to this tranquillity.
In the centre of the house, a stone wall rises up like a mast, acting as an anchoring element. Part a separator of spaces, part a unifying architectural element. It houses three fireplaces and unifies three different levels. Present both inside and outside, this wall adopts the same language as the eaves, transposing the interior and exterior character. Fluid and graceful gestures give coherence and strength to the project.
Every material has been carefully selected. The expressive veins of the quartzite, whose lines recall the colour of water; the texture of the slate; the warmth of the oak furniture; the maple flooring and the western Canadian hemlock ceiling promote a timeless architecture.
Here, space and luxury are at the service of hospitality. Accessible by lift, each level has a service area and a bar. In addition, each room has its own bathroom and balcony. The residence is punctuated by small lounges with stunning views.