The high house

Paris-based studio Delordinaire plays with boundaries between interior and exterior in the project for this small winter cabin above a snow-laden slope in Quebec. The High House invites people to gather in a space immersed in nature.

Elevated stilt constructions are typically used in warm climates and flood zones. This energy efficient winter chalet uses this typology to create a protected ground floor area with an outdoor BBQ/stove. Raising the house improves the panoramic view of the Mont Saint Anne from the lounge, and it also allows sunshine to directly enter the house at any time of the day.

The clean, sharp lines and volumes are achieved through the use of white concrete panel cladding and corrugated steel roof panels. On cloudy, snowy days, the house blends into the white landscape almost disappearing, while on summer days the minimal white structure cuts a clear form against the surrounding green hills.