Ferme des Coteaux, located on an old orchard in the lower St. Lawrence region, includes a residence and series of stables and barns. The design pairs exteriors inspired by traditional agricultural buildings with minimalist, carefully detailed interiors. Photo by James Brittain
The apparent simplicity of Montreal-based Étienne Lemay?s projects belies a long and circuitous professional trajectory. After training in graphic and interior design, he spent many years moving between Canada and work experiences abroad, in countries including France, Australia, and Kenya. When he appeared unannounced at Balkrishna (B.V.) Doshi?s office in Ahmedabad, India, he was invited to join a research project on materials and housing in informal settlements. While working with Marchese Partners in Australia, Lemay applied to study architecture at Dalhousie University. This led to many years working for Brian MacKay-Lyons?they still collaborate today. Whereas in Doshi?s office, Lemay made the drawings because he couldn?t communicate with locals, in MacKay-Lyons?s office, he was handed a full project in Gatineau after only a year, because he was the only francophone. As a result, he quickly obtained his license.
Ferme des Coteaux, located on an old orchard in the lower St. Lawrence region, includes a residence and series of stables and barns. The design pairs exteriors inspired by traditional agricultural buildings with minimalist, carefully detailed interiors. Photo by James Brittain
Ferme des ...