The contours of the landscape literally form the basis for the design of this Mount Shefford, Québec, Canada home. Set into the hillside, Shefford House by Atelier BOOM-TOWN is laid out in three distinct sections for function, flow and minimal site impact.
To start, the primary volume of the home is set into the bank of the hillside. It houses a garage and a workshop for the resident artist and owner Sophie Manessiez, who lives in the home with her partner Damien and their children. Set in front, the second volume is clad in Corten steel and contains the master suite and storage spaces. A home theater fills the lower part of the structure.
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Additionally, the home was oriented to take advantage of passive design elements, with the entire structure primarily facing south. It was also designed with a connection to nature in mind, providing large windows with natural light and views of the surrounding forest and Mount Bromont on the horizon.
Outdoor spaces further enhance the environmental connection with terraces on each level. On the west side of the home, the roof extends over the patio for protection from the elements. The main section of the home is clad in white cedar wood siding with the intent of blending into the forested surroundings.
Each space of the home was carefully designed with consideration for work, relaxation and connections with the landscape. Skylights invite in natural light, while the placement of doors and windows provides natural airflow. Each room highlights a slightly different perspective on the scenery, all with a focus on maintaining the environmental connection.
Moreover, the clients wanted the home to be energy efficient. This goal was achieved through passive design elements of orientation, overhangs and landscaping elements, but is also supported by high-performing insulation. The team reports, “The wall insulation was improved with compositions of up to R46 insulation value, as well as roofs of R62 value, thus minimizing the operating costs of the house.”
Photography by Raphaël Thibodeau
