Experience Elevated Living in Laurentian Ski Chalet

A Modern Ski Chalet in the Laurentians: Mont-Jasper

Nestled in the steep slope of Mont-Jasper, near the village of Saint-Donat, this modern ski chalet is a weekend retreat for a family with school-age children. At 2,435 feet above sea level, the chalet is among the highest residential building lots in the Laurentians and Lanaudière regions, commanding a 100-mile panoramic view of Lac Archambault.

Elevating the house on 8” x 8” western red cedar pilotis allows snow and spring run-off to flow freely beneath the structure, maintaining the natural topography of the steep mountainside and minimizing the footprint of construction. In spring and summer, a forest floor of native ferns and moss extends uninterrupted beneath the structure. The home is accessed via an entry bridge, with the living level 30’ above grade.

A Panoramic View of the Landscape

The main floor has an open plan connecting the kitchen, dining area, and living room. Spanning the length of the kitchen and dining areas is a 27-foot-long bay window and window seat, with concealed storage below the upholstered seat cushions. A continuous clerestory window runs the full length of the house bringing in morning light and high views of the mountain above. The kitchen features a large central island that contains a gas cook top and a prep sink, with the host facing the views and the guests.

The living room occupies the southern end of the home where daylight streams in from windows on three sides. A fireplace anchors the living room, while a smaller, cozy window seat with mountain views provides additional seating. Directly adjacent the living room, through a wall of glass sliding doors, is an expansive south-facing deck with an outdoor fireplace. The exterior of the house is uniformly clad in dark stained white cedar siding, with a metal roof matching the slope of the mountain.

A Haven for Children and Guests

On the lower level, the children's bedrooms, a guest bedroom, steam room, and a playroom all enjoy expansive views. One of the children's bedrooms features a custom-designed bunk bed, while the other has a cozy built-in bed, above drawers, set flush with the full-width window. Adjacent the steam room, the spa occupies the lower deck where it enjoys private framed views of the forest beyond. The chalet's thermal envelope is highly insulated and was carefully detailed to minimize thermal bridging and energy consumption.

In conclusion, this modern ski chalet in the Laurentians is a haven for the family with school-age children, offering breathtaking views of the landscape, comfort, and energy efficiency. The RobitailleCurtis architectural studio has created a masterpiece of modern design that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

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