Rang Ste-Mathilde Residence: A Warm Cedar-Clad Family Retreat in Charlevoix

By Jérôme Lapierre Architecte | 2023 | Charlevoix, La Malbaie, Canada

Nestled along the scenic rural roads of Charlevoix, the Rang Ste-Mathilde Residence stands as a contemporary interpretation of the classic Canadian chalet—crafted as a gathering place for a large, winter-loving family. Designed by Jérôme Lapierre Architecte, the 4,400-square-foot residence blends modern architectural clarity with the warmth of traditional materials, creating a retreat that honors the site’s natural beauty while welcoming multiple generations under one roof.

A Site Rooted in Landscape and Memory

Once a working woodlot carved by logging trails, the site has evolved into a landscape of cross-country ski routes and recreational pathways. The owners envisioned a home that would embrace this winter setting—a space for leisure, rest, and togetherness that could comfortably host up to twenty people. The residence was therefore conceived not just as a house, but as a multigenerational destination, a future focal point for family traditions.

Positioned right at the edge of the forest, the home opens toward panoramic vistas of fields, mountains, and the river, allowing the changing seasons to animate the architecture throughout the year.

Interlocking Volumes and a T-Shaped Layout

To fully capture the surrounding panoramas, the architect created a T-shaped configuration composed of two intersecting volumes. This strategic form generates three distinct wings, each oriented toward a different landscape axis:

• Entrance Wing – welcoming visitors with framed views of the fields
• Living Wing – expanding toward the mountains and river
• Sleeping Wing – extending deeper into the forest for quiet refuge

This directional composition creates an architectural choreography, guiding movement and shaping how occupants experience light, scale, and surrounding nature.

A Cedar-Clad Interior Expressing Chalet Warmth

The interior is entirely enveloped in cedar wood, echoing the region’s forestry heritage and reinforcing the atmosphere of a winter chalet. The tactile warmth of this materiality enhances the home's intimate, retreat-like character.

At the center stands a dramatic fieldstone core, which houses both a fireplace and a circular staircase. This sculptural element serves as the emotional and physical heart of the home—an anchor that brings the family together and grounds the open plan.

Sunken Living Room and Social Spaces

The main living area unfolds as a large, continuous space, with a sunken living room that lowers the seating zone into the landscape. This subtle shift in level creates a cozy gathering environment while emphasizing framed views at eye level.

The design encourages communal living, whether it’s shared meals, winter evenings by the fire, or lively gatherings after a day on the ski trails. Natural light filters through skylights and broad openings, shifting the atmosphere throughout the day.

Attic Architecture and Varied Spatial Experiences

The roof volume plays a key role in shaping spatial diversity. The attic is designed to accommodate a high number of occupants, while breaking down the perceived mass of the exterior. Inside, the sloped ceilings and skylights create dynamic pockets of light and shadow, offering new vantage points and intimate spaces for rest or reflection.

This thoughtful manipulation of scale—from open communal zones to tucked-away loft areas—adds richness to the family experience.

A Home Connected to the Land

Large windows, ground-floor openings, a deep veranda, and carefully placed skylights foster a seamless relationship with the outdoors. Each wing captures a unique fragment of the site: dense forest textures, sweeping fields, and the distant river valley.

The residence becomes an ongoing dialogue with Charlevoix’s changing moods—snow-covered winters, lush summers, and vibrant autumn landscapes.

The Rang Ste-Mathilde Residence is more than a dwelling—it’s a family refuge shaped by landscape, memory, and togetherness. By blending simple forms, natural materials, and panoramic openness, Jérôme Lapierre Architecte has created a timeless, multi-generational home that celebrates both architecture and nature. Its design honors the traditions of chalet living while offering a contemporary sanctuary where future generations can gather, grow, and connect.

All photographs are works of Maxime Brouillet