Lakeside Luxury Residence: The Architectural Brilliance of Atelier Échelle’s Lakeside Gallery Residence

Nestled on the west banks of Lake Memphremagog in Magog, Canada, the Lakeside Gallery Residence by Atelier Échelle is a masterpiece of modern residential architecture. This 13,000-square-foot home reinterprets the traditional barn form of rural Québec into a contemporary lakeside luxury residence. Designed for an art-collecting couple, the residence seamlessly integrates architecture, art, and nature, creating a home that is both visually stunning and functionally dynamic.

Architectural Concept and Design

Atelier Échelle designed the residence as a series of interconnected volumes, each serving a distinct purpose. The structure consists of four primary sections: an outdoor summer home, an indoor winter home, a private living quarter, and a guest quarter. These spaces are connected by glass bridges and clerestory windows, ensuring a harmonious flow between indoor and outdoor environments while maximizing natural light. The use of cedar roofs, brick walls, and expansive glazing creates a timeless aesthetic that blends with the surrounding landscape.

A Residence Designed for Art and Nature

The Lakeside Gallery Residence was envisioned as a living gallery, incorporating in-situ art installations that enhance the home's architectural beauty. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls frame breathtaking views of the lake, allowing natural light to flood the interiors and serve as a dynamic backdrop for the owners' extensive art collection. Each space within the home is carefully designed to accommodate and display artwork while maintaining a sense of openness and tranquility.

Luxurious Living Spaces with Distinct Functions

The residence is divided into carefully curated spaces that cater to different lifestyles and seasons. Closest to the lake, the outdoor summer home features an expansive 100-foot-long terrace with an al fresco dining area, an exterior kitchen, a fireside lounge, and a heated pool. The indoor winter home is an open-plan space with a kitchen, dining area, music lounge, and living room, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere during colder months.

The private living quarter houses the primary suite, office, wine cellar, pantry, and powder room, ensuring a retreat-like experience. The guest quarter, situated farthest from the lake, contains four bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, along with a guest lounge for additional comfort and privacy.

Structural Innovation and Material Selection

To enhance the connection between the residence and its natural surroundings, Atelier Échelle employed reinforced concrete, steel framing, and waterstruck clay bricks sourced from Denmark. A structural system was developed to support motorized glass walls spanning over 55 feet, providing uninterrupted views of the lake. The 11-foot-tall wood entry door opens directly into an art gallery, immediately immersing visitors in the residence’s artistic ambiance.

Inside, the kitchen is a focal point, featuring fully glazed windows in place of traditional cabinetry. The interior materials were selected to age gracefully, including dark-toned bricks, oversized custom-fabricated roof shingles, and locally sourced Cambrian granite. The kitchen island is a single block of rough stone topped with a live-edge walnut slab, balancing raw textures with refined craftsmanship.

The Fusion of Architecture and Art

Throughout the residence, art and architecture intertwine to create a sensory experience. The powder room features a custom mural illustrating the four seasons, complemented by an oil-rubbed bronze vanity that subtly reflects the artwork. Another installation mirrors floating icebergs, juxtaposing the warm waters of the heated pool. Strategic wall placements ensure that the home remains open while also serving as canvases for an ever-growing art collection.

A Wine Cellar Designed for Bourgogne Collectors

A standout feature of the Lakeside Gallery Residence is its meticulously designed wine cellar, which holds over 1,200 bottles with a preference for Bourgogne wines. The space is clad in white oak millwork, with a micro-fluted glass-and-bronze door leading into an interior that balances elegance and warmth. The gravel floor and bronze ceiling enhance the ambiance, while recessed lighting and mirrors create an intimate, dramatic setting.

The Lakeside Gallery Residence by Atelier Échelle is a stunning example of a lakeside luxury residence that seamlessly integrates nature, art, and architectural innovation. With its thoughtful design, high-quality materials, and commitment to creating a living gallery, this home sets a new standard for contemporary lakeside living. The interplay between structural elements, natural surroundings, and artistic expression makes it a one-of-a-kind architectural achievement that continues to inspire.

All Photographs are works of Maxime Brouillet