Located on the banks of Lake Brome in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, Canada, the Lakeside Cabin (also known as Chalet Lakeside or Black Cabin) was designed by Montreal-based firm Atelier Schwimmer and completed in 2019. The 3,200-square-foot retreat was commissioned by two brothers, who wanted a gathering space to share their love for outdoor activities with friends and family. The design blends into its natural setting while offering a modern and inviting interior. The "canyon of hospitality": The heart of the cabin's design is a central atrium that soars three stories high. A prominent concrete fireplace anchors this space, making it a focal point visible from all levels and generating a sense of warmth and gathering. A bridge on the second floor traverses this void, connecting the private bedrooms and creating more communal space. The exterior of the cabin features a unique two-toned finish using larch wood. The exposed planks are charred using the traditional Japanese shou sugi ban method, while the recessed sections are protected with a natural oil. This interplay of dark and light enhances the cabin's striking appearance. Expansive windows and large sliding glass doors frame panoramic views of Lake Brome and the surrounding wooded landscape. The cabin is strategically positioned to take advantage of its urban-width site, which is squeezed between neighboring properties but opens up to an infinite lake view. The cabin is highly insulated and airtight, withstanding the region's cold winters, which can reach temperatures of -40°F (-40°C). The building was conceived as an "archetypal house," with a gabled roofline and multiple entrances, which helps it fit into the traditional character of the surrounding town. The interior material palette is a simple mix of concrete, wood, and glass. The ground floor, which includes the kitchen, dining room, and living room, is organized around the central fireplace. The second floor contains four bedrooms that open onto the bridge overlooking the central atrium. The cabin was designed to accommodate a range of leisure activities, including playing music, board games, and watching movies.

Project credits Architect: Atelier Schwimmer Principal architect: Felix Schwimmer Design team: Felix Schwimmer, Francesca Fiaschi Location: Lac-Brome, Quebec, Canada Completion year: 2019 Photography: Adrien Williams Construction: Dunfab Construction (Guillaume Dumas) Consultants: Structural Engineer: Yannick Pelletier Hydraulic Engineer: Yves Leblanc PercoDesign: Steve St-Hilaire