Opening its doors in December 2019, Cabin A, designed by Bourgeois / Lechasseur Architectes, is located in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, in Québec's Charlevoix region. Featuring some of Québec’s most striking landscapes, the area has been a major tourist attraction for well over a century. Located 20 minutes from Le Massif ski resort, the unique new cabin stands on a steep site overlooking the nearby St Lawrence River.
Looking for a source of inspiration, the team composed of architects and graphic artists turned to the International Code of Signals (ICS), long used in nautical communications. While the Alfa signal determined the building’s overall geometry, subtle references to naval architecture were introduced throughout. The cabin’s triangulated roof is a reminder of sails facing the wind whereas a large wood terrace evokes the upper deck of a ship with stunning views of the river. The use of wood paneling on the walls and ceiling of the shared living area further emphasise the analogy to naval architecture.
The main entrance is located under one the roof’s sloping wings, the left leg of the letter “A”. The shared living space is a long viewing gallery providing breathtaking 180-degree views of the St. Lawrence River. Designed to accommodate groups of up to 12 people, the cabin includes a fully equipped kitchen. The all-black finishes provide a beautiful contrast within the double-height living, dining and viewing area which is clad in Russian plywood. The plywood has also been used for the built-in furniture, while light-coloured birch panels extend to the outside and contrast sharply with the dark hues of the metal roof and the exterior walls' cladding. The spacious open-plan living and dining area opens up to the outdoor area (weather permitting!)
The lower level is complete with three bedrooms and an open dorm for children, providing ample sleeping accommodation. A central playroom gives access to a protected spa area, located directly under the ground floor’s deck.
A true destination for lovers of both architecture and nature, Cabin A is the second tourist-oriented project designed by Bourgeois / Lechasseur for the region. Their first project, Dômes Charlevoix, initiated a redefining of tourist accommodation, sparking widespread interest of their work and on their ability to address traditional commissions in an innovative way.
Project Credits:
Architects: Bourgeois / Lechasseur architectes
Graphic Artists: CriteriumDesign Team: Olivier Bourgeois, Régis Lechasseur, Alexandre Côte, Valérie Gauthier, Isabelle Auclair, Maxime Rousseau
General Contractor: Construction Urbanext
Photography: Maxime Brouillet