Young, Wild & Free | The Footbridge by Luc Plante architecture+design

Staying in tune with the simple nature of the rugged Canadian wilderness is The Footbridge, moulded by the sustainability-conscious minds over at Luc Plante architecture + design who ran chest first to the finish line using bold lines, daring volumes and a neutral palette

IMAGES COURTESY OF ANNIE FAFARD

A mix of dialogue, listening, elegance, possibilities, accuracy and imagination make up the melodious symphony that colours every mandate that knocks on the doors of Luc Plante architecture + design. Standing proudly as another golden opportunity that allowed the firm to adventurously seek out the most innovative solutions, while focusing on sustainable development and the use of only the finest materials around, The Footbridge is by no means an exception to the rule.

Located in the mountainous landscape of the Estrie region of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, The Footbridge stands firmly on a small plateau amid the rolling hills, carefully positioned between two rocky massifs and blending seamlessly among trees painted in honey, marmalade and chartreuse. Envisioned as a forever home to a pair of passionate designers and outdoor enthusiasts, it only seems fitting that this property is ideated, designed and built as a blend of architecture and nature.

The site has been deliberately left in its natural state, with the building occupying a minimal footprint in the forest and offering magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. After a thorough study of the topography, the architects over at Luc Plante architecture + design, led by Caroline Desbiens and Kim My Le Quoc, were quickly persuaded to let its steep curves be their muses. The result: a structure replete with bold lines and daring volumes.

Connected to the two hills that shape the landscape, the three-storey residence reaches out to the lush forest staring right back at it. The built-in gazebo counters the home’s imposing height, and the star of the show a.k.a the footbridge between the floor and land enhances the effect. On top of that, the building’s height is broken up by changes in materials from one level to the next, offering a pleasant contrast that instils an unexpected burst of visual depth.

Get ready to be astounded even further as the third floor is where the magic really happens — where the line between indoor and outdoor becomes blurred. Raised above the bedrock, the living areas seem to extend into the mountain’s embrace. From the interior, each side of the house offers a different perspective; facing east grants the perception of it being constructed high up into the trees, whereas facing west gives the feeling of it being at ground level.

It’s a surreal illusion, to say the least. It’s also proof that a space will truly sing at the hands of the right designer, in this case, it’s a firm with a solid track record of maximising the architectural potential of each project, and promoting its harmonious integration into the environment itself.

If that isn’t enough, the third storey also forms a mezzanine, held aloft by beams supporting an exposed-wood floor. This level extends across the middle of the floor in a strong horizontal gesture that defines the kitchen space. Outside the window, ski hills stand out sharply against the horizon, providing a constant backdrop to the office space.

In the event of visitors staying over, part of the mezzanine can easily be converted into a small guest room, and loved ones of all ages can sleep soundly under the alcove. Designed with flexibility in mind, the structure is even able to support an extension to the mezzanine floor to create two additional bedrooms and a family room should the need arise.

A peaceful haven bathed in sunlight, the family home offers a harmonious interior enveloped in achromatic, neutral tones. The owner-designers have planned out each space so that every room leverages the most from its natural surroundings.

The layout is simple, unobtrusive and aligns with the surrounding environment. Natural wood and sheet metal combine to create a clean, bright interior with a decidedly contemporary look while each window has been strategically placed to ensure that the outdoors remains a focal point.

Instilling, encircling and highlighting nature all throughout the property, The Footbridge is every nemophilist’s dream come true. Going down the minimalist but still contemporary elegant route was indeed the right move for the interiors in order to avoid a jarring feeling of distraction or competition with the enchanting Canadian wilderness.

Doing so signals a call to the simpler days of humanity where peace and quiet, or at least the sound of rustling leaves and chirping birds, were the standard, and only, soundtrack of life. Instead of sticking out like a sore thumb, The Footbridge makes for an absolute sight for sore eyes.

Luc Plante architecture + design | www.lucplante-architecte.com

This article was originally featured in Metropolitan Home