Mountaintop Melody

By Pari Syal

Photography: Courtesy ActDesign

  

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Perched on the peak of an imposing rocky promontory in Saint Sauveur, Canada, this residence, originally built in concrete in the 1980s has been refurbished into a trendy beatific dream home… Plush interiors are a lot about material play; and when the homeowners’ aspirations and secret fetishes are associated with it, the simplest of treatments can transform a residence into a warm hearth. 

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Based on the notions of modernity, high-end materials and comfort, the concept highlights the panoramic views in this mountain-top refuge, creating an out-of-box experience for the couple, who have invested their lifetime aspirations of a ‘dream home’ into this property.  

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With the basic premise directed at refurbishing the interiors and redoing the exterior envelope, studio Act Design started off on a bold footing by firstly, inverting the floors.  Given the spectacular panorama offered by the unique site and to maximize the use of space, the living areas were placed upstairs so that the view above the treetops would be highlighted; while the more private spaces were relegated to the floor below. 

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To make this design attractive, particular attention was paid to the entrance hall and the circulation toward the home’s upper floor. Additionally, the indoors were opened out to the rustic outdoors via floor-to-ceiling glass windows that constantly frame the exteriors without allowing the elements from affecting the controlled climate indoors.  

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Generating a play of textures juxtaposing smooth and rough finishes, the home has been given an understated elegance that borders on the avant-garde but is largely modest in approach; ensuring warmth and abiding by the constant feeling of a lived-in home that aspires to grow organically.