Q8 Residence by MRDK — A Contemporary Forest Retreat Rooted in Material Warmth and Environmental Sensitivity

Nestled at the foot of a wooded hillside in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Q8 Residence by MRDK redefines modern residential architecture through environmental responsiveness, refined materiality, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. Located within the Quartier 8 development, the home takes its name from its unique setting—surrounded by dense forests of birch, maple, and pine that shape both its architectural character and its spatial experience.

From the outset, the house presents a closed, protective façade, intentionally turning its back to the road. This elevation features minimal openings, enhancing privacy while optimizing thermal performance by reducing heat loss during the region’s long winter season. The design expresses a quiet strength—modest from the approach yet visually and spatially expansive once inside.

Linear Form, Architectural Fold, and a Connected Carport

Q8 Residence stretches along an east–west axis, its linear volume subtly broken by a distinctive architectural fold. This bend introduces a carport that bridges the main house and its storage wing, functioning as both entrance and connective threshold. The space creates a sheltered arrival moment, framing views while linking various parts of the property into a cohesive whole.

Materiality Inspired by the Forest Context

The home is composed of staggered volumes, each distinguished by its expressive cladding palette:

• White cedar shingles lend a natural, lightweight texture
• Vertical larch siding infuses warmth and depth
• Board-formed concrete walls introduce a contemporary, grounded presence

This interplay of materials echoes the layered textures of the surrounding forest, allowing the façade to shift and breathe with the changing light.

Sun-Oriented Living and a Year-Round Outdoor Retreat

At the eastern end, a second-floor overhang shelters a screened-in porch positioned to welcome the morning sun. Acting as an extension of daily living, this protected space functions as a secondary dining room and lounge throughout warmer months.

Along the southern façade, generous glazing floods the interiors with light while offering panoramic views of the forest. Large sliding doors open to a serene outdoor lounge that integrates:

• an indoor/outdoor fireplace
• a swim spa
• a natural woodland backdrop providing privacy and immersion in nature

The result is a resort-like retreat that seamlessly merges seasonal living with architectural comfort.

Warm Transitions and Double-Height Social Spaces

Upon entering, the exterior larch siding continues indoors into the mudroom—creating a smooth, tactile transition that sets the tone for the rest of the home. This compressed entry volume makes the dramatic shift into the double-height living area even more striking.

Within this main open-plan space, the kitchen, dining, and living zones share soaring ceilings and continuous material flow. The minimalist interior design is supported by a warm palette of:

• light and dark-stained pine veneer
• larch wood finishes
• white walls and lime-wash surfaces

The effect is both modern and inviting, grounding the home in natural beauty.

Borrowed Light, Visual Connections, and a Clever Spatial Strategy

Interior windows punctuate the double-height walls, allowing borrowed light to permeate the upper-level spaces. These openings strengthen visual connections between floors, enriching circulation and enhancing the sense of openness throughout the home.

The kitchen features a concealed pantry, hidden behind a sliding screen and cabinet door—an elegant detail that preserves the clean, uncluttered aesthetic of the main living area.

Main-Floor Primary Suite with a Natural Outdoor Spa Element

Designed for flexibility and aging-in-place, the ground floor accommodates the primary suite, the only bedroom on this level. Contained within a single volume, it includes:

• bedroom
• bathroom
• gym
• laundry

The suite opens to a semi-private terrace complete with an outdoor shower tucked behind a massive boulder discovered during excavation. This natural element becomes part of the architecture, rooting the home firmly in its site.

Upper-Level Retreat, Reading Nook, and Family-Focused Design

The second floor features a cozy reading nook integrated into the hallway, complete with a built-in bookshelf and daybed overlooking the living area below.

Three additional bedrooms and two bathrooms occupy the rest of this level. The children’s room includes a custom-designed staircase-accessed bunk bed built to sleep six—balancing creativity, playfulness, and functionality.

A Cohesive and Sensory Architectural Experience

Throughout the residence, the consistent use of natural materials creates harmony between interior and exterior spaces. The result is a contemporary forest retreat that celebrates its landscape, embraces sustainable design strategies, and supports a lifestyle centered on comfort, connection, and nature.

All photographs are works of David Dworkind