Canadian architect Natalie Dionne has completed a forest retreat in southeastern Quebec, which is raised up on stilts to meet the level of the rocky landscape.
Located in the Eastern Townships, around 60 miles southeast of Montreal, Forest House I was designed for a couple looking to live closer to nature.
Forest House I is built on a rocky outcrop in the Eastern Townships
The site they had chosen for their home featured a rocky outcrop, including one particular boulder that rose three metres above ground level.
Both Dionne and the clients agreed that the house should meet the level of this rock, so they designed a house raised up from the ground surface on stilts.
The house is raised three metres to meet the level of the ridge
As a result, more natural light is able to penetrate the living spaces. Also the house can benefit from better views, looking out over the ridge towards the forest landscape beyond. "Raising the house on pilings is not a big deal," Dionne told Dezeen. "No one would think twice about doing it a couple of feet off the ground."
The additional height improves light and views for the interior
"In our harsh climate, however, you have to figure out how to ensure the continuity of the building envelope from below," she explained.
"At three metres you just have to make certain that the structure is adequately cross braced and that it is as discreet as possible."
Eastern white cedar clads the building's exterior
A desi...